Museum Archive: Vintage Marathon 3, 1/4oz Nickel spinning lure #4544

Stamped clearly with the brand name and size '3', the nickel-plated blade on this American-made spinner remains in bright, well-preserved condition. Weighing 1/4 oz (7 g) and measuring 2 1/4" (6 cm) in total length, this Marathon 3 (Product Code: 4544) features a distinctively weighted body comprised of tiered metal beads and two vibrant red accents. The hardware is in 5/5 condition, showing the care taken to preserve this specific specimen over the decades without the wear often seen on vintage inline lures. A natural squirrel tail dressing is securely lashed to the treble hook with deep red thread, providing a soft contrast to the polished nickel components. The clevis allows the teardrop-shaped blade to rotate around the central wire shaft, a hallmark of these reliable designs assembled in the USA. Every component, from the flared metal beads to the sharp barbs of the treble, reflects the straightforward utility typical of mid-century Marathon tackle.