Museum Archive: Vintage South Bend Babe Oreno Wooden, 1/2oz Red Head fishing lure #23424

Crafted from solid wood, this mid-sized surface lure tips the scales at 1/2oz (14g). The iconic Red Head color pattern consists of a warm white body paired with a bold red front, accented by hand-painted eyes featuring yellow irises and black pupils. Measuring 2 3/4" (7cm) in length, the South Bend Babe Oreno Wooden, identified by Product Code 23424, is a classic example of the American-made craftsmanship that defined the brand's legacy in the USA. Its hardware includes two sets of belly and tail treble hooks, with the belly hook assembly featuring a specialized metal mounting bracket. The paint displays fine surface checking, characteristic of vintage wooden lures, while the overall condition is a well-preserved 4/5. Designed as a floating rarity, the lure's cupped face is built to push water during a surface retrieval.