Museum Archive: Vintage Mepps Aglia 4 - squirrel tail, 1/3oz spinning lure #8857

Stamped clearly on the silver blade with 'MEPPS 4 AGLIA FRENCH PAT.', this size 4 spinner shows the classic construction that made Andre Meulnart’s 1938 French invention a staple in every tackle box. Weighing 1/3 oz (9 g) and measuring 2 3/4" (7 cm) in length, the lure features three stacked beads with a yellow and orange color scheme that lead down to the iconic squirrel tail dressing. This hand-tied tail, a mix of natural brown, black, and white fur, is tightly bound with vibrant red thread to conceal the treble hook. Assembled in the USA using high-quality French components, this specimen, identified by Product Code 8857, represents the era when Todd Sheldon's Wisconsin-based distribution turned these spinners into global legends. The silver plating on the wide Aglia blade remains bright, designed to catch light during a steady retrieve. Every detail, from the brass hardware to the precisely bent wire forms, reflects a condition of 5/5, appearing exceptionally well-maintained. The natural hair dressing provides a lifelike profile that has been a favorite for targeting pike, bass, and large trout for generations.