Museum Archive: Vintage Kmart Kresge #370, 3/32oz fishing lure #20083

Weighing in at just 3/32 oz (2.5 g), this petite Kmart Kresge #370 showcases the detailed craftsmanship of mid-century Japanese lure manufacturing. The two-piece jointed body, measuring 1 1/2" (4 cm), features a vibrant gold finish transitioning into a warm orange on the back, accented by a subtle red gill mark near the painted eye. This specimen, identified by product code 20083, is a suspender designed to reach depths of 2–4 ft (0.6–1.2 m) when utilized for casting or light trolling. The hardware remains in excellent shape, with the metal diving lip and belly screw showing remarkably little wear, earning a condition rating of 5/5. Notable for its period-correct Japan stamping on the underside of the metal lip, the lure's construction includes two small treble hooks connected via sturdy metal rings. The jointed design splits the profile into two distinct sections, linked by a heavy-duty screw eye connection that provides a physical break between the head and tail segments.