Museum Archive: Vintage Kmart #270, 1/8oz silver fishing lure #20962

Silver foil textures cover the 2 1/4" (6 cm) plastic body of this Japanese-made Kmart #270, a testament to the high-quality tackle sourced for major retailers during the golden era of imported lures. Weighing 1/8 oz (4 g), this floating minnow is designed to operate at a depth of 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m), making it an effective choice for both casting and light trolling. The finish features a dark, contrasting back over a detailed scale pattern, accented by yellow-and-black eyes and a small red strike point at the throat. Cataloged under product code 20962, the lure is equipped with its original hardware, including two belly-mounted treble hooks and a clear, integrated diving lip. Its condition is a respectable 4/5, showing a soft, even aging across the silvering and a light darkening of the metal components that preserves the vintage character of the piece. Anglers traditionally employ a uniform retrieve or a stop-and-go technique to work this specimen through the water column. The construction reflects the meticulous manufacturing standards of Japan-sourced lures from this period, particularly in the crispness of the molded scale details.