Museum Archive: Panther Martin 4, 1/8oz Nickel spinning lure #16620

Stamping on the polished nickel blade clearly identifies this specimen as a size 4 MARTIN, manufactured in Italy with a classic through-shaft design. Weighing 1/8 oz (4 g) and measuring 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) in length, this spinner is built around a weighted teardrop body that provides a compact profile for distance casting. The unique mounting of the blade directly onto the wire shaft, rather than using a traditional clevis, is the defining technical feature of the Panther Martin brand, ensuring rotation even at slow retrieval speeds. This specific item, product code 16620, is in unused condition, maintaining a bright and reflective silver finish on all metal components. The concave blade is embossed with patent numbers and the signature logo, characteristic of the early Italian production runs. It retains its original hardware, including the wire loop at the head and a sharp treble hook at the tail.