Museum Archive: Vintage Panther Martin 2, 3/32oz spinning lure #12960

Spanning a total length of 1 3/4" (4.5 cm), the unique teardrop body of this specimen is finished in a red base accented by yellow polka dots. The hallmark of the Panther Martin design is the clasp-free blade that mounts directly onto the wire shaft, visible here on the dark-toned metal surface. Stamped with its Italian origin, the blade shows authentic marks from its history, while the treble hook remains firmly attached to the rear loop. With a weight of 3/32 oz (2.5 g), this lure belongs to the lightweight class of spinners that changed stream fishing in the mid-century. Given its 4/5 condition rating, the paint on the weighted body has held its color well, despite the expected darkening of the metal hardware. Collectors identifying this piece should note product code 12960, representing a quintessential example of early Italian lure engineering.