Museum Archive: Vintage Marathon (with sonic blades), 2/5oz Red / Nickel fishing spoon #9646

Stamped with the 'MARATHON' mark on its nickel-finished back, this 2 1/4" (6 cm) spoon showcases the distinctive design philosophy of the Wisconsin-based Marathon Bait Company. The front displays a vibrant red finish paired with a central holographic prism tape inlay meant to catch light from various angles. For added visual presence, two small leaf-shaped sonic blades—each stamped with a '1'—are mounted on the rear split ring near the treble hook. These silver-tone blades provide secondary reflections intended to mimic the tail fin of a baitfish while helping to conceal the hook. This particular specimen, identified by Product Code 9646, weighs 2/5 oz (12 g) and represents the output of a company that operated between 1929 and 1979. In its 5/5 condition, the lure retains a high-gloss finish on the red paint and exceptionally clean surfaces on the nickel backing.