Museum Archive: Mepps Aglia 2 (1960s), 3/16oz Silver spinning lure #12203

Weighing in at 3/16oz (4.5g), this silver-finished specimen remains fastened to its original Antigo, Wisconsin card. This Mepps Aglia 2, listed under product code 12203, is unused and provides a look at the mid-century manufacturing that turned Sheldons' Inc. into a household name for anglers. The lure measures 2 1/4" (5.5cm) and consists of a plain silver-plated blade, a brass clevis, and a simple wire shaft ending in a naked treble hook. The carding highlights its status as "The Original French Spinner," an homage to Andre Meulnart’s 1938 invention that gained mass appeal in the States during the 1960s. Its blade is designed for a precise cone rotation, allowing for immediate engagement upon the retrieve. Crisp stamping on the metal and the well-preserved graphic backing make this a notable example of early commercial fishing history.