Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Jointed J-7, 1/8oz FT (Fire tiger) fishing lure #21138

Ireland is the place of origin for this classic lure, as clearly stamped on the clear plastic diving lip. Weighing in at 1/8 oz (4 g), this 2 3/4" (7 cm) balsa wood specimen features the iconic jointed body design. The FT (Firetiger) pattern here displays a distinct teal-blue top transitioning into pale yellow sides with black vertical stripes, finished with a bright orange belly. This specific item, cataloged under product code 21138, remains in exceptional 5/5 condition, showing the high-quality craftsmanship associated with Irish-made Rapalas. Designed for both casting and trolling, it is engineered to reach depths between 4 ft (1.2 m) and 6 ft (1.8 m). The hardware includes two sharp treble hooks attached via sturdy split rings, ready for targeting species like perch, trout, or pike. The articulation between the two body segments allows for a fluid swimming motion while remaining stable during retrieval.