Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Jointed J-9, 1/4oz Fire Tiger fishing lure #8749

Measuring 3 1/2" (9cm) in length, this balsa wood classic features the iconic segmented body design that helped define Rapala’s legendary status in Finland. The Fire Tiger finish on this specimen displays vibrant green vertical bars over a rich gold-to-orange gradient, a palette optimized for visibility when targeting pike, perch, or trout. This specific Rapala Jointed J-9, identified by product code 8749, is equipped with a clear diving lip engineered to reach depths between 5ft (1.5 m) and 7ft (2.1 m). Tipping the scales at 1/4oz (7g), the lure retains its original hardware and wire-through construction. The yellow eyes with distinct black pupils remain sharp, and the finish is in top-tier form, meriting a condition rating of 5/5. Its two-piece construction demonstrates the precise assembly required for balsa lures meant for both casting and trolling applications.