Museum Archive: Vintage Weedless Johnson Silver Minnow, 1/3oz Red / White / Silver fishing spoon #9542

A weight of 1/3oz (9g) gives this 2" (5cm) weedless spoon the density needed for accurate casting into heavy cover like lily pads or reeds. The face features a bold red and white striped pattern, a color scheme long favored by anglers to mimic the appearance of a distressed baitfish. Flipping the lure over reveals the stamped metal back, which includes the manufacturer name and the historical patent date of February 22, 1923. This specimen, identified by product code 9542, is in 5/5 condition with a clean and well-preserved finish. Louis Johnson’s original design used a specific copper and zinc alloy that is thicker in the center, which helps the lure maintain its orientation with the hook point facing upward. The single hook is integrated directly into the body and is protected by a sturdy metal weed guard, allowing it to move through vegetation without snagging. The silver-plated concave side is designed to throw light reflections downwards and to the sides, targeting the perspective of predatory fish approaching from below.