Museum Archive: Vintage William Shakespeare Shakespeare Dopey Wooden, 2/5oz fishing lure #23125

Contrasting sharply in a black-and-cream finish, the surface of this 1 1/2" (4cm) wooden body displays fine-line age-cracking that speaks to its vintage USA origins. William Shakespeare's catalog listed this Dopey model under product code 23125, characterized by its compact profile and integrated metal diving lip that doubles as a belly plate. At a weight of 2/5oz (12g), the lure carries oversized painted eyes and robust screw-eye hardware typical of mid-century manufacturing. The condition is rated 4/5, showing a well-cared-for history with a surface that remains stable despite the natural drying of the finish over the decades. Two sets of treble hooks are attached via the ventral and caudal loops, currently shielded by clear protective tubing to preserve the hardware and body.