Museum Archive: Vintage Weber Mr Champ, 1 1/4oz Nickel / Yellow tail fishing spoon #1278

Stamped clearly on the reverse side of this nickel-plated spoon is U.S. Patent No. 2,494,093, a mark of the design innovation brought to the market by Weber. Weighing in at a substantial 1 1/4 oz (35 g), this 2 1/2" (6.5 cm) heavy-duty casting lure features a classic aerodynamic shape intended for reaching distant targets in both salt and freshwater. The high-polish nickel finish provides significant flash, complemented by a dressed treble hook featuring vibrant yellow feathers secured with a red thread wrap. Anglers and collectors alike will recognize the distinct Weber logo—a stylized 'W' containing a fish silhouette—which identifies its origin before Luhr Jensen eventually acquired the Mr Champ line. This specimen, cataloged under product code 1278, remains in a respectable 4/5 condition, showing light signs of its history while retaining a smooth surface. Its dense construction is particularly effective for deep-water jigging or long-distance casting into heavy winds, where the weight-to-size ratio is most advantageous. The single line-tie hole remains clean and structurally sound for secure rigging.