Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Fat Rap FR 5 (Finland), 1/3oz fishing lure #16724

Weighing exactly 1/3 oz (8.8 g), this Finnish-made balsa lure is a testament to the precision of early deep-diving designs. The 2" (5 cm) body is finished in a high-contrast pattern featuring a matte black back that transitions into silver sides, anchored by a single black lateral spot and a distinctive red blush beneath the throat. This specimen, identified by product code 16724, is engineered to reach depths between 6.5 ft (2 m) and 14.7 ft (4.5 m), making it a staple for anglers targeting zander, pike, or perch in deeper structures. The clear diving bill remains crisp and clearly displays the stamped manufacturer's mark, while the hardware consists of two sharp, original treble hooks. Maintaining a condition rating of 5/5, the finish shows no signs of use, preserving the integrity of its traditional paint scheme. Collectors often look for these original Finnish versions for both their casting and trolling capabilities in various water conditions.