Museum Archive: Vintage Mepps Aglia 3 Dressed, 1/4oz Gold spinning lure #17081

Stamped clearly into the gold-finished metal of the size 3 blade is the original "FRENCH PAT." mark, a direct link to Andre Meulnart's 1938 invention. This specific specimen, bearing product code 17081, features the classic Mepps brass body accented by horizontal red grooves. At the rear, the treble hook is dressed with natural dark hair fibers, bound to the shank with a neat red thread wrap. Weighing in at 1/4 oz (7.3 g), the lure presents a well-preserved 4/5 condition with gentle surface wear across the metallic components. The wide, oval-shaped blade is attached via a clevis to a sturdy wire frame, utilizing a cone rotation system that allows for spinning regardless of water current or retrieve speed. Historically, these French spinners became household names in North America after Todd Sheldon began importing them to his Wisconsin tackle shop in the mid-20th century. The gold color choice remains a standard for anglers targeting trout, bass, and pike in stained or overcast conditions.