Museum Archive: Vintage Johnnie O'Neil Weed Wing Jonny O'Neil's, 1/3oz fishing spoon #22612

Stamped clearly into the polished metal surface is the distinctive 'Johnnie O'Neil's Weed Wing' mark, identifying a design that first emerged from Akron, Ohio, in 1957. Weighing in at 1/3 oz (9 g), this 2 1/4" (6 cm) lure features a silver-toned body integrated with a fixed-wing head and a single hook protected by a wire weed guard. This specific specimen, identified by product code 22612, represents the original vision of Johnnie O' Neil before the patent—awarded in 1962—was eventually sold to Harrison Industries. The construction is solid, designed for casting into heavy vegetation where standard spoons might snag. In its current state, the lure earns a 5/5 rating, showing a bright, clean finish across the entire spoon and wings with hardware that remains firmly attached and free of oxidation. The transition of this model through companies like Panther Martin adds a layer of depth for collectors focusing on mid-century American tackle history.