Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Jointed J-11 (Finland), 1/3oz S (Silver) fishing lure #23283

A silver foil finish wraps this 11cm (4 1/4") balsa wood body, showing the classic craftsmanship of early Finnish production. This Rapala Jointed J-11, identified by product code 23283, features the iconic broken-back design that allows for distinct articulation between the two segments. In the S (Silver) pattern, the lure transitions from a dark black back to textured scale sides and a clean white belly, accented by a signature red throat splash. The underside clearly displays the "FLOATING" stamp across the rear segment, indicating its buoyancy for casting or trolling applications. It is rigged with two treble hooks that show some signs of time, consistent with a vintage piece. Designed to work between 1.2 m - 2.4 m (4 ft - 8 ft), this 9g (1/3 oz) lure is engineered to maintain a stable swimming motion even during the slowest retrieves in still water. Rated 4/5, the specimen shows gentle age lines and minor surface cracks in the foil finish, particularly around the joint and belly, which adds a layer of authentic character to its history. Rapala's commitment to hand-tuned balsa is evident in how the diving lip is angled to achieve its depth range.