Museum Archive: Vintage Marathon Marathon, 1/4oz Red / White / Nickel fishing spoon #9942

Diagonal red and white enamel stripes define the face of this vintage spoon, a hallmark design produced by the Marathon Bait Company in Wisconsin between 1929 and 1979. Stamped clearly with the brand name on the nickel-plated reverse, the 1 3/4" (4.5cm) metal body represents a classic era of American tackle manufacturing. This specimen, identified by product code 9942, weighs 1/4oz (7g) and features the traditional teardrop shape often utilized for varied casting and trolling applications. The hardware consists of a robust treble hook attached by a split ring, showing the darkened finish typical of its age. Rated at 4/5 for condition, the lure exhibits light paint loss on the front and minor surface marks on the reflective nickel back, maintaining a very clean overall appearance. The contrast between the bold painted pattern and the bright metal underside remains sharp and well-defined.