Museum Archive: Vintage Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow, 3/16oz Silver spinning lure #11121

Stamped clearly along the inner edge of this 3/16 oz (5 g) spoon is the iconic 'Johnson Silver Minnow' identifier, marking its heritage as a USA-made original. This vintage piece measures 1 3/4" (4.5 cm) in length and features the authentic silver plating that Louis Johnson introduced in 1920 for a cleaner, whiter flash underwater. The thick-centered copper and zinc alloy body is a specific design element intended to keep the hook oriented upward, significantly reducing snags in heavy vegetation. Observed in excellent 5/5 condition, the silver surface has maintained its reflective properties remarkably well. A single hook is protected by a sturdy metal weed guard, a hallmark of this weedless design. The spoon is shaped to rock through a 270-degree angle, focusing light reflections toward the sides and bottom. Identified by product code 11121, this specimen hails from the period of American production known for high-quality plating. The line eyelet is formed with a clean, rounded loop that ensures a direct connection to the lure's center of gravity.