Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Original Floater F5 (Finland), 3/32oz fishing lure #16964

Crafted from buoyant balsa wood, the 2-inch (5 cm) body of this Finnish-made classic reflects a long heritage of craftsmanship. Labeled with product code 16964, the F5 model weighs 3/32 oz (2.5 g) and features a deep blue crown over textured silver foil sides. A signature red accent marks the throat just below the nose eyelet, while the yellow eyes remain bright. In 5/5 condition, the lure retains its original clear diving lip, factory-stamped 'Rapala Finland,' which is tuned for depths of 2-6 ft (0.6 - 1.8 m). The two vintage treble hooks show the robust construction typical of earlier European production. The foil work displays the fine horizontal ribbing that characterizes these hand-assembled minnows, ensuring high visibility during casting or trolling. The transition from the blue back to the white belly is smooth, showcasing the quality control standards of the original factory.