Museum Archive: Hofschneider Red Eye junior, 1/2oz Copper / Red Eyes fishing spoon #1806

Copper plating catches the light across the broad body of this 1/2oz (13g) spoon, a hallmark of the Hofschneider Corporation's classic design. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5cm), the Red Eye junior is a specialized tool for pike and perch, particularly effective when a slower retrieve is required to entice lethargic summer fish. The defining features of the model 1806 are the two large, translucent red glass eyes mounted through the metal, which serve as a high-visibility strike point. This specific specimen is unused, having remained on its original Rochester, New York, display card. While the lure itself is clean, the original treble hooks show some surface aging from decades of storage and may require a fresh set before hitting the water. The back of the mounting card provides historical context, referencing Patent No. 1847397 and the brand's headquarters at 848 Jay Street.