Museum Archive: Vintage Kmart Kresge #319 , 1/4oz Bone fishing lure #20921

Bone-colored finishes like this one were a staple for many mid-century retailers, offering a natural silhouette that remains highly visible in various water conditions. Stamped clearly on the underside with its "Japan" origin, this 2 3/4" (7 cm) Kmart Kresge #319 represents the era when high-quality Japanese tackle began to dominate the shelves of American department stores. Weighing 1/4 oz (7 g), the lure is built for surface-oriented techniques like casting and trolling, targeting species ranging from trout and perch to pike and walleye. The hardware consists of three sets of treble hooks, providing reliable coverage across the length of the floating body. This specimen maintains a 4/5 condition, presenting a clean aesthetic with well-preserved hardware and a crisp stamp near the tail. The simple, tapered design is characteristic of the utilitarian yet effective style found in Kresge's outdoor catalog during that period.