Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala DT 04, 1/3oz fishing lure #15297

Weighing in at 1/3 oz (9 g), this balsa wood crankbait showcases the distinctive Ireland-era craftsmanship that collectors look for in early Rapala series. The DT 04, cataloged under product code 15297, features a pearlescent finish with a soft white belly, a black lateral spot, and a detailed grey scale pattern along its back. Measuring 2" (5 cm) in length, the body is paired with a clear plastic lip designed to reach a specific depth of 4 ft (1.2 m). This specimen is in 4/5 condition, maintaining a smooth surface finish and well-preserved original hardware. The eyes are a simple black-and-white print, characteristic of the production style from its Irish origins. Its construction focuses on the natural buoyancy of balsa to maintain its position in the water column when paused.