Museum Archive: Vintage Mepps Comet Mino 1, 3/16oz Brass spinning lure #8499

Brass is the primary material of the size 1 spinner blade, which features crisp stamping indicating its origin as a Mepps Comet made in France. This particular specimen, identified by product code 8499, pairs that metallic flash with a detailed soft plastic body shaped like a small minnow. Tipping the scales at 3/16 oz (4.6 g) and measuring 3 1/4" (8 cm) in length, the lure is a classic choice for anglers targeting trout or panfish. The minnow section is finished in a silver-scaled pattern with defined fins and a dark, prominent eye, terminating in a sturdy double hook. A brass weight with distinct red bands is positioned on the wire shaft to balance the assembly. Holding a condition rating of 5/5, the lure shows remarkable preservation, with the brass maintaining its luster and the soft body remaining supple. These hybrid designs were a hallmark of Mepps' innovation, blending the mechanical rotation of a spinner with the natural look of a baitfish.