Museum Archive: Vintage Kmart Kresge #41, 3/16oz Yellow / Black fishing lure #11988

Yellow paint accented by a bold black lightning bolt stripe identifies this sinking model immediately. Weighing 3/16 oz (5 g) and measuring a compact 1 1/2" (4 cm), the Kmart Kresge #41 (Product Code 11988) represents a classic era of department store private label tackle. This specimen features two silver-toned treble hooks and a top-mounted line tie, designed for fishing at variable depths. The vibrant yellow body transitions into a soft orange-red at the nose and the top fin, while the simple yellow-and-black painted eye remains crisp. Given its 5/5 condition rating, the finish remains remarkably smooth. While listed with USA origins, these Kresge-branded lures were frequently part of specialized Japanese manufacturing runs for the American market during the mid-century, making them versatile options for targeting species ranging from trout to perch.