Vintage South Bend Nip-I-Diddee Wood Lure, 2/5oz fishing lure #23437

Weighing in at 2/5 oz (11 g), this vintage South Bend piece represents a classic era of topwater craftsmanship. Measuring 2 3/4" (7 cm), the wooden body of the Nip-I-Diddee features a distinctive finish of black splotches over a creamy yellow base, complemented by subtle red accents near the nose. This specimen, assigned product code 23437, is equipped with a dual propeller system—one at the nose and one at the tail—designed for surface-level casting. The hardware includes two sets of treble hooks, with the belly hook secured by a signature metal clip. Its yellow glass eyes remain vibrant, adding to the character of this USA-made rarity. Rated at a 4/5 condition, the lure shows gentle signs of its journey through time while maintaining the structural integrity of the wood and the shine on its metal components. As a floating model, it was built to sit right on the surface, making it a standout for collectors focused on early 20th-century surface baits.