Museum Archive: Vintage Rapala Original Floater F9, 1/8oz S (Silver) fishing lure #12031

A classic silver foil finish wraps around this balsa wood body, featuring a detailed scale pattern that remains a staple for the Rapala Original Floater F9. This specific specimen, carrying product code 12031, is a fine example of the Finnish craftsmanship that Lauri Rapala pioneered in the 1930s. Weighing 1/8 oz (4 g) and measuring 3 1/2" (9 cm) in length, the lure is built from buoyant balsa, allowing it to dive to depths of 3-5 ft (0.9-1.5 m) during a steady retrieve. The clear plastic lip is stamped with the "Rapala Finland" mark, confirming its heritage. Visual inspection shows the iconic yellow eyes with black pupils and a distinct red paint accent under the nose. Two clean treble hooks are attached via split rings, ready for casting or trolling. This silver (S) colorway is one of the most successful patterns in angling history for mimicking common forage. The lure appears exceptionally well-maintained, earning a condition rating of 5/5.