Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow, 2/5oz nickel fishing spoon #21965

Polished to a high shine, the 2/5 oz (12 g) body of this weedless spoon showcases the classic profile Louis Johnson popularized over a century ago. Measuring 2 1/4" (6 cm) in length, this specimen features a nickel finish which, as indicated by the 'GENUINE SILVER PLATED' stamp on the reverse side, provides a bright flash. The single integrated hook is shielded by a fine wire guard, a core technical feature of the Johnson Silver Minnow (Product Code 21965) designed to glide through lily pads and dense vegetation. Stamped clearly on the concave underside is the manufacturer’s mark along with 'MADE IN U.S.A.', denoting its vintage status from the original domestic production lines. The spoon’s specific taper, thicker in the midsection, is engineered to keep the hook upright during the retrieve. This particular lure is in 5/5 condition, with reflections that remain sharp across the convex surface. A wire line tie is wrapped at the narrow head, providing a solid connection point for heavy cover fishing.