Museum Archive: Vintage Thomas Buoyant, 1/4oz brass/red/black fishing spoon #20351

Stamped clearly into the brass on the underside, the manufacturer's name and 1/4 oz (7 g) weight mark define this classic piece of American angling history. This specific specimen, identified by product code 20351, measures 1 3/4" (4.5 cm) and carries the original 1946 patent heritage. The front face features a gold-toned finish adorned with a pattern of red, black, and yellow dots, bordered by a vibrant red stripe along the side. Small gill-like indentations near the hook eye add a subtle touch of realism to the metallic body. The Buoyant design was engineered in the USA to mimic a fleeing baitfish when casting or trolling. This example retains its original treble hook, secured by a sturdy split ring. The lure shows signs of character from previous outings while remaining in a solid 4/5 condition, with the paint pattern still distinct and the metal surfaces looking well-preserved. It was designed primarily for species like trout, salmon, and pike, performing optimally at a slow retrieval speed.