Museum Archive: Vintage Mepps Aglia 3 dressed, 1/4oz Silver spinning lure #5702

Stamped with the classic "MEPPS AGLIA 3 BRITISH FRENCH PAT." mark, the silver blade of this 1/4 oz (7.3 g) spinner carries the legacy of Andre Meulnart’s 1938 French invention. This specific 5702 specimen features a brass-toned segmented body punctuated by vibrant red spacers, leading down to a carefully dressed hook. The dressing, composed of natural squirrel hair bound with red thread, adds an organic profile to the 2 1/4" (6 cm) frame. While the individual components were crafted in France, this piece was assembled in the USA, representing the mid-century expansion that made Mepps a household name in American tackle boxes. Looking at the hardware, the silver plating on the blade shows a soft, honest wear consistent with a 4/5 condition rating, maintaining its reflective properties. The reverse side of the blade is clearly marked "MADE IN FRANCE," a hallmark for collectors who appreciate the original European tooling. Every detail, from the wire wrap at the eyelet to the robust treble hook, remains structurally sound and visually distinct.