Museum Archive: Vintage Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow, 2/5oz Silver fishing spoon #5775

Real silver plating gives this 2 1/4" (6cm) spoon a distinct, white flash that differentiates it from standard chrome or steel finishes. Louis Johnson originally developed this weedless design back in 1920 specifically for navigating heavy cover, utilizing a thick-centered copper and zinc alloy body to maintain an upright orientation. Tipping the scales at 2/5oz (12g), this specimen (Product Code 5775) hails from the era when Johnson manufacturing was still based in the USA, a detail often sought by collectors who prefer original American-made pressings over modern imports. The physics of the spoon's shape are engineered to create a rocking motion through a 270-degree angle, casting reflections downward and to the sides where predatory fish are most likely to strike. The integrated guarded hook remains clean and sharp, reflecting the high care this piece has received over the years. This classic Silver Minnow shows very minimal signs of age, earning a solid 5/5 condition rating for its remarkably preserved surfaces.