Museum Archive: Vintage Mepps Aglia 1, 1/8oz Silver spinning lure #17093

Stamped with the "British French Pat." mark, the silver blade of this specimen highlights the early international reach of André Meulnart’s 1938 invention. Weighing a light 1/8 oz (3.5 g) and measuring 2" (5 cm), the lure features a classic brass body with machined grooves that still retain their original red paint accents. On the reverse side of the blade, the "Made in France" lettering is clearly visible, marking its origin before being assembled for the US market. The treble hook is shielded by a vintage red plastic sleeve, a traditional detail designed to provide a focal point for trout and panfish. This Mepps Aglia 1 (Product Code 17093) remains in a well-preserved 4/5 condition, showing the gentle signs of an experienced lure that has been cared for over the decades. The wire harness is straight and the cone rotation system remains functional, allowing the silver blade to spin freely around the weighted body. Such French-made components are a testament to the manufacturing standards that made the Aglia a foundational piece in modern tackle boxes.