Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow, 1oz Silver fishing spoon #17951

Real silver plating on this 1 oz (31 g) specimen provides a distinctively bright, white flash that sets it apart from common chrome or steel finishes. Identified by product code 17951, this 4" (10 cm) lure is a piece of American angling history, dating back to when these spoons were manufactured in the USA. The thick-centered copper and zinc alloy construction is engineered to keep the guarded hook upright, facilitating a specialized delivery through heavy vegetation where other lures might snag. The surface of this particular item is in 4/5 condition, appearing well-maintained and clean with the manufacturer's hallmark clearly stamped on the reverse side. This weedless design reflects light downward and to the sides, specifically targeting the perspective of predatory fish approaching from below. The heavy-duty integrated hook is still sharp and protected by the original wire guard, ready to be rigged alone or with a classic trailer to simulate the gills of distressed baitfish.