Museum Archive: Vintage Johnson Silver Minnow Weedless, 1/4oz gold fishing spoon #24130

Weighing in at exactly 1/4oz (7g), this particular spoon represents the evolution of the weedless design Louis Johnson first introduced to anglers in 1920. This 2 1/4" (5.5cm) specimen, identified by product code 24130, features a warm gold finish applied over a copper and zinc alloy body that is purposefully thicker in the center to maintain an upright posture. Unlike modern iterations, this is a vintage USA-made piece, showcasing the precise soldering where the single hook and line tie are integrated into the spoon's chassis. The wire weed guard remains resilient and correctly positioned, a hallmark of the Silver Minnow’s ability to navigate dense vegetation where predators often hide. This gold-colored variant provides a distinct visual profile, reflecting light differently than the standard silver plating used on the original models. The surface is exceptionally clean, warranting a condition rating of 5/5. Because of the specialized weight distribution, the spoon is engineered to prevent line twist during a steady retrieve, making it a reliable tool for casting directly into heavy cover without the added weight of a swivel.