Museum Archive: Vintage Hofschneider Red Eye Junior, 1/4oz Nickel / Red fishing spoon #15494

Stamped clearly into the nickel-plated concave side of the spoon is the Hofschneider Corp branding, identifying this piece as a Red Eye Junior from Rochester, N.Y. Carrying a weight of 1/4oz (6.5g) and a length of 1 3/4" (4.5cm), this lure is instantly recognizable by the two faceted red glass beads that serve as its namesake "eyes." These beads are securely wired through the spoon body, a distinct construction detail beloved by vintage tackle enthusiasts. The reflective nickel finish on this 15494 model is exceptionally clean, earning it a 5/5 condition rating for its mirror-like quality. Original hardware is fully intact, featuring a front-mounted barrel swivel to manage line twist and a sharp treble hook attached via a split ring at the tail. The stamped text remains crisp and legible, providing a direct link to the manufacturing history of New York’s mid-century angling industry.