Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow Triple Hook, 3/5oz Silver fishing spoon #12471

Weighing in at 3/5 oz (17 g), the dense copper-zinc alloy body of this lure is a testament to the classic design standards of early American tackle production. This Johnson Silver Minnow Triple Hook, identified by product code 12471, features a genuine silver plating that produces a distinct, whiter flash compared to common chrome finishes—a technique first introduced by Louis Johnson back in 1920. The 2 3/4" (7 cm) silver spoon is equipped with a sturdy treble hook featuring a hand-tied red and tan bucktail trailer, designed to simulate the gill movement of distressed baitfish. Historically, the thicker center of the spoon was engineered to keep the lure upright, a legacy visible in the tapering of this USA-made specimen. The silver surface is well-maintained, showing a bright finish with subtle evidence of its vintage era, consistent with a 4/5 condition rating. Every component, from the split ring to the tail fibers, reflects the utility-driven aesthetic of Johnson's mid-century manufacturing period.