Museum Archive: Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow , 2/5oz Silver fishing spoon #13787

Plated with genuine silver for a whiter flash than standard chrome, this vintage specimen from Highland Park, Illinois, represents a classic era of American tackle manufacturing. The 2 1/4" (6 cm) teardrop-shaped spoon is crafted from a copper and zinc alloy, intentionally designed to be thicker in the center. This balance allows the 2/5 oz (12 g) lure to rock through a wide 270-degree angle, directing its reflection downwards and to the sides where predatory fish typically strike. Identified by product code 13787, this Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow utilizes a rigid wire guard to keep the single hook clear of weeds. The original orange box confirms its origin from the Louis Johnson Co. and details the use of 24 karat gold or pure silver plating across their product line. This specific lure is unused and remains in its period-correct packaging.