Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow, 2/5oz Fire tiger/nickel fishing spoon #20912

Weighing in at 2/5 oz (12 g), this classic 2 1/4" (6 cm) spoon showcases a vibrant Fire Tiger pattern on its convex side, blending neon greens and yellows into a warm orange nose. This particular Johnson Silver Minnow, identified by product code 20912, carries the stamped legacy on its nickel reverse, noting the original 1923 patent date and confirming its USA manufacturing origin. Louis Johnson’s 1920 design is characterized by a specialized wire weed guard protecting a single integrated hook, a feature intended for casting into dense lily pads or timber. The construction utilizes a copper and zinc alloy, engineered with a thicker center to maintain an upright orientation that keeps the point away from snags during a retrieve. Sharp black accents overlay the gradient finish, which is well-preserved alongside the reflective nickel plating, earning the lure a condition rating of 5/5. The signature wire guard remains firmly seated against the hook point to deflect debris.