Museum Archive: Vintage Kautzky Lazy Ike Wooden, 1/4oz fishing lure #22952

A distinctive silver honeycomb scale pattern covers the top of this 1/4oz (7g) wooden lure, highlighting the craftsmanship of early Kautzky production. Measuring 2 1/2" (6.5cm), the curved, banana-shaped profile of the Lazy Ike is iconic among American-made tackle from Fort Dodge, Iowa. This specific specimen, identified by product code 22952, features dark contrasting patches across the back and a subtle splash of red paint on the chin near the line tie. It is a floating rarity constructed from solid wood, a material choice that preceded the high-volume plastic production years. The hardware includes two belly and tail-rigged treble hooks with a naturally aged bronze finish. Rated at 5/5, the finish is well-preserved, maintaining the intricate scale detailing across the arched body. The line-tie eyelet is fixed to the top of the sloped head, a characteristic setup for this floating model.