Museum Archive: Vintage Mepps Black Fury 3, 1/4oz black/red spinning lure #21049

A vibrant orange plastic bead sits just above the gold-finished treble hook, providing a classic strike point for this legendary inline spinner. This specific model features a black-painted blade decorated with seven distinct orange dots, a hallmark of the Black Fury series. Stamped clearly on the reverse side of the blade is the 'MADE IN FRANCE' mark, representing the origin of the components before they were assembled in the USA. Weighing 1/4 oz (7 g) and measuring 2 3/4" (7 cm) in length, the lure is built around a brass body with a ribbed texture that adds substantial weight for its size. The gold-tone wire assembly remains straight and secure, holding the size 3 blade which is labeled with the Mepps branding in a matching orange font. Rated at 5/5, the specimen is in excellent condition, showing a deep luster on the brass and no signs of wear on the painted surfaces. Every component, from the clevis to the product code 21049 identification, speaks to the high manufacturing standards used during this era of production.