Museum Archive: Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow, 1/2oz Five of diamonds (Red / Yellow / Nickel) fishing spoon #0900

Five red diamonds are stamped across a yellow face on this vintage specimen, featuring the iconic 'Silver Minnow' text in red. Labeled under product code 0900, this 2 1/4" (6 cm) spoon is a classic example of Louis Johnson's weedless design, originally patented in 1920 to solve the issue of fishing through heavy vegetation. This particular lure weighs 1/2 oz (14 g) and is constructed from a specialized copper and zinc alloy that is thicker in the center. This geometry allows it to maintain a steady rocking motion within a 270-degree arc, ensuring the guarded hook remains upright to avoid snags. Unlike modern versions, this is an older USA-made production piece, finished in the 'Five of Diamonds' colorway with a nickel base. The weedless wire guard is tensioned to stay firm until a strike occurs. This specimen is in unused condition, showing the crisp paint and clean metal of a well-preserved piece of tackle.