19th Century Fishing Lures

19th Century Fishing Lures are one of my favorite area if you have been following for sometime, or know me personally. Antique lures, reels and companies made before or just after the turn of the century. While some agree in their passions or pursuit for these things the path isn’t an easy one. Not just the finding or procurement of these items, but the history behind or during the production of the lures and reels and other ancillary items.

One of the reason I had started the other web site oldfishinglure.com was, there wasn’t much information out there about 19th Century Fishing Lures. At the time there was only a few references about the makers and the lures. Anything beyond the basics was almost kept tightly guarded or was difficult to find one person with the answers to all your questions. Pre 1900 antique lure makers are the foundation of not only American made lures and reels but of the American Fishing industry. There are millions upon millions of fisherman out there that owe a nod or a tip of the hat to these great pioneers and 19th Century Fishing Lures who paved the way for their livelihoods, and passions.

We are only caretakers of the antique lures, antique reels and stories we get to enjoy. It’s our duty to make sure the generations that come have a place of reference to look, to read and to embrace and ultimately enjoy. If we as collectors don’t take our jobs as historians and troubadours for what we enjoy, the future cant be held responsible for not taking the torch we pass.

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19th Century Fishing Lures

19th Century Fishing Line

19th Century Fishing Line 19th Century Fishing Line – Fishing lines came in a variety of packaging styles in the late 1800s besides being wound on wooden spools (which were introduced in the late 1870s). It was very common to find lines sold in “HANKS” (wrapped in elongated coils with [...]

15
Mar

Buel Original Spoon Bait

Buel Original Spoon Bait This Buel Original Spoon Bait article comes to us from a Hardware trade book Iron Age in 1893. What you will find interesting is that it gives us a date of 1834. In discussing this with a friend, and fellow lover of old metal lures he [...]

01
Mar

Pflueger Flying Helgramite Vs Chapman Buel

Pflueger Flying Helgramite Vs Chapman Buel This great little ad discusses the Pflueger Flying Helgramite Vs Chapman Buel. This comes to us from 1884, 137 years ago. Early advertising for lures mentioned in here such as the Crystal Minnow, and the Flying Helgramite are hard to come by so enjoy. [...]

26
Feb

WD Chapman Brockville Ontario Lure Ad 1883

WD Chapman Brockville Ontario Lure Ad This great WD Chapman Brockville Ontario Lure Ad comes to us from 1883. While this antique lure ad shows the WD Chapman Allure bait. The ad also gives us some other clues to putting together another of the Antique Fishing Lure Puzzles. We see [...]

22
Feb

Chapman Combination Minnow Lure Ad

Chapman Combination Minnow Lure Ad This WD Chapman Combination Minnow Lure Ad is out of Forrest and Stream from January 25th, 1885. Chapman’s Bait Still Ahead The “New Combination,” Just Out. See Cut In Three Sizes for Pike, Pickerel, Bass, Trout & Muskellunge Read the Testimonials: W.D. Chapman and Son, [...]

16
Feb

Pflueger Antique Fly Lure 1888

Pflueger Antique Fly Lure 1888 This Pflueger Antique Fly Lure 1888 ad is one of those that I found off the beaten path. Recording media has been done since the beginning of time, its just the mode, methods and the medium for transmission have change. I found this great old [...]

15
Feb

Grover Cleveland Fisherman President

Grover Cleveland Fisherman President What do Grover Cleveland Fisherman President and Joseph Decatur, Dr Kassen Gibson and the small town I grew up in in Upstate NY have in common? Grover Cleveland, who in my opinion was one of our best presidents was arguably one of the better fisherman and outdoors [...]

12
Feb

Pflueger May Bug Lure Ad 1904

Pflueger May Bug Lure Ad This Pflueger May Bug Lure Ad comes to us from a vintage 1904 Enterprise Manufacturing Company; Pflueger Lure and Reel Catalog. The May Bug spoon itself dates back into the 1800’s and can be fished bait casting as well as skittering. The May Bug has [...]

11
Feb

Fowler Reel Ad Abbey Imbrie 1884

Fowler Reel Ad Abbey Imbrie 1884 This Fowler Reel Ad comes to us from a Abbey Imbrie antique fishing tackle catalog. The antique lure and reel catalog was published in 1884 and provides for us this great ad. Enough cant be said about vintage or antique advertising giving us glimpses into [...]

08
Feb

Chapman Fancy Allure Ad

Chapman Fancy Allure Ad This Chapman Fancy Allure Ad was published June 23rd, 1889.

19
Jan

Chapman Gut Fishing Leader

Chapman Gut Fishing Leader This Chapman Gut Fishing Leader ad was published May 28th, 1889 and is features in the Chapman in the News Section. This article shows in part the breadth that Chapman played in the Fishing Tackle Industry. From the line, to the lure, the reels, rods and [...]

18
Jan

Chapman Letter to Huntsmen

Chapman Letter to Huntsmen This Chapman Letter to Huntsmen was published October 6th, 1889 and is featured in Chapman In the News Headquarters For Sporting Goods in Rochester An Open Letter to Huntsmen This season we have made special purchases for your benefit in the way of Hunting Outfits nd accoutrements. [...]

16
Jan

WD Chapman Christmas Questions

WD Chapman Christmas Questions WD Chapman Christmas Questions was published December 19th, 1892, and is part of the Chapman in the News Series. What Shall I get My Husband? What Shall I Get My Son? What Shall I get My Brother? What Shall I Get My Lover? These are the [...]

15
Jan

Chapman Electric Bait Ad

Chapman Electric Bait Ad This WD Chapman & Son & Company Electric Bait Ad was published June 16th, 1889 and is part of our Chapman in the News Page. W.D. Chapman, Son & Co. 121 State Street The Weather is warm: Our Business is Hot! But we are loaded with [...]

14
Jan

WD Chapman Minnow Propeller Definition

WD Chapman Minnow Propeller Definition This WD Chapman Minnow Propeller Definition is a pretty unique advertisement. It lends itself or proves that life was simpler back then in the 19th century. In a day and age where everything seems to be complicated from our fishing boats to the equipment installed [...]

11
Jan

Chapman Mascot Lure Ad

Chapman Mascot Lure Ad This Chapman Mascot Lure Ad was published May 28th 1892, featuring its New Mascot Bait. Get Your Fishing Tackle and Sporting Goods at Chapmans, 121 State Street, Rochester N.Y. The Largest Assortment of any House in the United States. Chapman’s New Mascot Baits, in Seven Sizes. [...]

05
Jan

Antique Lure History Collage

Antique Lure History Collage While this Antique Lure History Collage isn’t very old all being published in 1986, the author took great care in inserting some wonderful “Easter Eggs” to find. This photo was taken from an article in 1986, from “The Florida Today” newspaper. How many can you find? [...]

04
Jan

Pflueger Joseph Spoon Lure

Pflueger Joseph Spoon Lure The Pflueger Joseph Spoon was said to have been introduced around the late 1880’s. Pflueger, the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Akron, Ohio expanded their metal spinner and lure offering through innovations, patent purchases, mergers and aquisitions as well as making things very much like other companies. [...]

27
Dec

Pflueger Propeller Antique Lure

Pflueger Propeller Antique Lure The Pflueger Propeller Antique Lure is great piece of 19th Century metal. This antique lure was first made made by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Akron Ohio around 1886. There were two different versions available in the catalog. The “Propeller” was given a model 691, and [...]

26
Dec

Pflueger Angle Worm Lure

Pflueger Angle Worm Lure The Pflueger Angle Worm Lure was first introduced in 1894. While the Angle Worm would be new, making rubber lures was not a new thing for the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, Pflueger, of Akron Ohio. I’ve said for a before that I believe Pflueger’s choice of rubber [...]

24
Dec

Pflueger American Spinner Lure

Pflueger American Spinner Lure The Pflueger American Spinner Lure was first introduced around 1894. The Enterprise Manufacturing Company of Akron, Ohio would not be the only one to make this lure. A very similar with notable differences was produced and patented by John B. McHarg in 1896 as well as [...]

23
Dec

Pflueger Puritan Beaded Egg Bait

Pflueger Puritan Beaded Egg Bait The Pflueger Puritan Beaded Egg Bait fishing lure was introduced some time after 1886. The Enterprise manufacturing Company of Akron Ohio is said to have purchased the patent rights to a lure. The antique lure called the Hamilton, originally made by the Nye Creaser Company. [...]

22
Dec

Pflueger Antique Lure 1893 Sportsman Directory

Pflueger Antique Lure 1893 Sportsman Directory In this Pflueger Antique Lure 1893 Sportsman Directory advertisement we see the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, Pflueger advertise its luminous lures. The Enterprise Manufacturing Co., out of Akron, Ohio had just a year earlier come out with the Success Spinner. The advertisement recants an anglers success [...]

21
Dec

Charles Orvis Logo

Charles Orvis Logo The Charles Orvis Logo is something every NFLCC member should familiar with. I’ve always enjoyed the headings on the gazettes and the clubs logo, and thought I would share where the idea and design was taken from.And truth be told I actually am in the process of incorporating [...]

20
Dec

1888 Thomas Conroy Billhead

1888 Thomas Conroy Billhead This 1888 Thomas Conroy Billhead is a great piece of Ephemera. Paper goods from the previous century provide us large cookie crumbs along our way to finding out some of the riddles. If for nothing else the Bill head, and envelope provide a picture or window [...]

19
Dec

Brush Trolling Spoon 1880 Ad

Brush Trolling Spoon 1880 Ad Here is a great Brush Trolling Spoon 1880 Ad. Taken from Forest and Stream the May 20th 1880 weekly edition. The ad actually uses the patent drawing in its advertisement illustration. Don’t Catch Weeds and Logs But Catch Fish Brush’s Patent Trolling Spoons entirely overcome [...]

18
Dec

Andrew Clerk Company

Andrew Clerk Company This Andrew Clerk Company ad comes out of book published in 1885. One of the benefits of insomnia is I get to stay up reading and get rewarded by running across great early ads such as below. Through mergers, acquisitions name changes, and more the Andrew Clerk [...]

17
Dec

Skinner Turkey Wing Ad 1884

Skinner Turkey Wing Ad Since today’s motif is Turkey, I found this apropos. This Skinner Turkey Wing Ad came from 1884. The Hibbard Spencer and Bartlett Company was a large seller of many items fishing tackle included. GM Skinner Clayton NY Silver Plated Oval and Kidney Pattern. These Baits are [...]

15
Dec

WD Chapman Photo

WD Chapman Photo This WD Chapman Photo is truly a great piece of history. In speaking to a local historian in Theresa New York Jefferson County she said she had a photo of the antique lure maker and would make a copy of her copy and mail it to me. [...]

14
Dec

Hawks Ogilvy 1889 Fishing Tackle Catalog

Hawks Ogilvy 1889 Fishing Tackle Catalog Here we have a Hawks Ogilvy 1889 Fishing Tackle Catalog cover. I had posted another early Henry Loftie Catalog cover and I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the others. I’ve always enjoyed being able to look back in time, to see the [...]

14
Dec

Antique Fishing Attire 1875

Antique Fishing Attire 1875 There have been may discussion over Antique Fishing attire in as much as the ability of the common layman to be able to afford to fish as a leisure or pleasure hobby. Simply put many people in early 19th Century America fished for food not for [...]

13
Dec

Hastings Frog Antique Lure

Hastings Frog Antique Lure The Hastings Frog Antique Lure was originally made by James T Hastings, of Chicago, Illinois. He patented his version of the fly eater, August 24th, 1895. However, this version of the antique frog lure was made by smiling Bill Jamison, also of Chicago, Illinois. Jamison acquired the [...]

13
Dec

Cornelia Fly Rod Crosby

Cornelia Fly Rod Crosby Cornelia Fly Rod Crosby was Born and raised in Philips Maine in 1854. Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby was a writer, fly fisher, hunter, and outdoor enthusiast who worked for the Maine Central Railroad promoting the sporting life in Maine at the turn of the century. She [...]

05
Dec

Enterprise Manufacturing Pflueger Fishing Tackle Plant

Enterprise Manufacturing Pflueger Fishing Tackle Plant This great Enterprise Manufacturing Pflueger Fishing Tackle Plant article comes to us from November 10th, 1900. The article found in the trade rag, Hardware; A Review of the American Hardware Market. The article discusses the growth and transition through acquisition of the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, [...]

04
Dec

Scorpaena Volitans

Scorpaena Volitans The Scorpaena Volitans whose name is an indication of its seductive & deadly beauty. I love old color plates, and this plate is almost 2 centuries ago, published in 1833. Plates exhibit a lost art and craft akin to some of the subjects of focus itself. It’s habitat, [...]

03
Dec

Acanthurus Vittatus

Acanthurus Vittatus The Acanthurus Vittatus a name nearly as eloquent as its striped & colored beauty. This plate is almost 2 centuries ago, published in 1833. Plates exhibit a lost art and craft akin to some of the subjects of focus itself. It’s habitat, the Coast of Ceylon, has been [...]

02
Dec

Sparus Decussatus

Sparus Decussatus The Sparus Decussatus looks like it belongs off the movie Tron in it geometrical color-scape. I love old color plates, and this plate is almost 2 centuries ago, published in 1833. Plates exhibit a lost art and craft akin to some of the subjects of focus itself. It’s [...]

01
Dec

Byron Chapman Photo

Byron Chapman Photo This Byron Chapman Photo has been recently identified by the Historical arm of the Town of Theresa NY, specifically the Theresa Free Library. From its originally finding decades ago, this picture or photo was misidentified as antique fishing lure maker WD Chapman and his muskie catch off [...]

29
Nov

Chapman Fishing Lure Bazaar

Chapman Fishing Lure Bazaar This Chapman Fishing Lure Bazaar photo is truly a gem. A bazaar is a interesting name to use and is one of those words that been usurped and replaced by more familiar references of the American marketplace. If you asked what a Bazaar is technically many [...]

28
Nov

Chapman Lure Trading Cards

Chapman Lure Trading Cards Chapman Lure Trading Cards are some of my favorite things that go along with Antique Fishing Lures. I’ve got quite a collection of 19th Century Lure trading cards from other makers such as Henry Loftie, L&B Bait Company and John Mann. Back in the 1800’s companies [...]

27
Nov

Brook Trout Fishing Currier and Ives

Brook Trout Fishing Currier and Ives This Brook Trout Fishing Currier and Ives is part of a series of lithographs I’ve always enjoyed. Currier and Ives created over 7500 different titled lithographs. They were made between 1834 to 1907. Some of their fly fishing and fishing series even appearing on [...]

29
Oct

Holzwarth Expert Minnow Lure Ad 1901

Holzwarth Expert Minnow Lure This Holzwarth Expert Minnow Lure Ad dates to 1901 and was found in a Wisconsin Naturalist Magazine. Really a strange place to advertise the ad for his Expert Minnow lure so far away from Ohio. I say this as there is not much information out there [...]

21
Oct

Reuben Wood Forrest Stream

Reuben Wood Forrest Stream In this Reuben Wood Forrest Stream article from 1896 Vol. 47 we see an account from Mr Fred Mather about fishing with Reuben Wood. One of my favorite pieces that Ill share from later is a 1897 catalog from his fishing tackle company, its a bit [...]

19
Oct

Pflueger Muskellunge Minnow Ad 1904

Pflueger Muskellunge Minnow Ad This Pflueger Muskellunge Minnow Ad is brought to you from 1904. The Ad itself is out of the 1904 Pflueger or Enterprise manufacturing Company from Akron Ohio. I’ve always loved this giant lure and had wished I had kept my example of this giant rubber minnow. [...]

16
Oct

W D Chapman Lure Article Closure 1893

W D Chapman Lure Article Closure 1893 In this W D Chapman Lure Article Closure 1893 we see WD Chapman Lure Company say adieu to the fishing tackle industry in a Jewelers trade rag in 1893. Sorry for the blurry article. A lot of the older magazines and paper articles [...]

12
Oct

Pflueger Trory Minnow Lure Ad

Pflueger Trory Minnow Lure Ad This Pflueger Trory Minnow Lure Ad comes to us from a 1904 catalog. The Pflueger Enterprise Manufacturing Company Claims to have created the first artificial minnow production with its Crystal Minnow then on to the Flying Helgramite then to the Trory. Its hard to argue [...]

07
Oct

Pflueger Luminous Lure Ad 1885

Pflueger Luminous Lure Ad 1885 This Pflueger Luminous Lure Ad came out in 1885. This makes it 131 years old and a treat to still be able to see. Finding advertising that is this old is certainly a high point for those out there like myself that love old paper [...]

03
Oct

Spalding Pneumatic Sporting Boat

Spalding Pneumatic Sporting Boat This A.G. Spalding Pneumatic Sporting Boat is a classic example of a early float tube. I’ve always really enjoyed the old ads and find many of them amusing when your pursuing through an old catalog and you stumble upon certain one that make you wonder what [...]

01
Oct

Skinner Gananoque Antique Lure Story

Skinner Gananoque Antique Lure Story This Skinner Gananoque Antique Lure Story is borrowed from; A souvenir of the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River. by John Haddock, and was written in 1895. We see another famed antique lure maker referenced, WD Chapman of Theresa NY. The old articles are great to [...]

28
Sep

Antique Fishing Photo Sam Wallace CDV

Antique Fishing Photo Sam Wallace CDV This a great Antique Fishing Photo Sam Wallace CDV. CDV or Carte De Viste is a photography format or medium like we a few have discussed before with Samuel Tisdale the Black bass Man. The Carte De Viste CDV was invented and patented by [...]

20
Mar

Pflueger May Bug Spinner Lure

Pflueger May Bug Lure The Pflueger May Bug Lure was introduced in the late 1880’s. The May Bug is one of the early quintessential Pflueger, or Enterprise Manufacturing Company Lure made in Akron Ohio. The lure was produced for around 3 decades or thirty years until 1916. The May Bug [...]

03
Mar

Voices from the Past Fishing for History

Voices from the Past James Grant

Voices from the Past James Grant There is nothing more delightful than coming across a reference to a fishing tackle maker in an unexpected place. In my “other job” as a history professor I try to keep up on recent research. A fairly recent book I picked up called Gwen [...]

16
Feb

The cover of Yankee Doodle showing the trademark character.

Yankee Doodle: The American Humorist’s Take on Victorian Angling

Yankee Doodle: The American Humorist’s Take on Victorian Angling When I was working on my dissertation (which dealt with the überexciting subject of British travel writing in the Balkans), I would consistently be distracted by the British humor journal Punch. Punch was a legendary satirical political journal that took swipes [...]

16
Feb

JD Allen Antique Lure Fish Spoon

JD Allen Antique Lure Fish Spoon This JD Allen Antique Lure Fish Spoon is kind of a 19th Century fishing lure head scratcher for me. These spoons are marked JD Allen, South Otselic, NY and a size number 4. One of the main mysteries Ive never been able to resolve is, [...]

15
Feb

Paragon Minnow Lure

Paragon Minnow Lure From across the pond harkens this glass eyed beauty, a very desirable and tough to find Allcocks, Paragon Minnow lure. The Paragon was first introduced in the 1890’s and made through the Teens. This metal minnow is 3″ in length with a red yarn covered single trailing [...]

28
Jan

William Delany Fishing Lure

William Delany Fishing Lure Like many in their day William Delany Fishing Lure maker began his trade as a Jeweler in the 1800’s. Many in the Delany line of Cobourg, Onatario made their livelihood in similar fields. While many know that William and William Jr were involved in Jewelry and [...]

19
Sep

Syracuse Split Bamboo Fish Rod Company

Syracuse Split Bamboo Fish Rod Company This Syracuse Split Bamboo Fish Rod Company, Henry Loftie catalog is a great early pre 1900’s Catalog. Circa 1889, this cover has made it over a century protected for it to be enjoyed by collectors and American Fishing Historians a century later. I’ve always [...]

22
Aug

Pflueger St Clair Double Spoon Lure

Pflueger St Clair Double Spoon Lure The Pflueger St Clair Double Spoon Lure is truly a beauty. This antique fancy metal Pflueger, Enterprise Manufacturing Company fishing lure was made in Akron, Ohio. The Saint Clair was a model 691 and was the Non Luminous Tandem Spoon, its counter-part the St. [...]

31
Jul

Joliet Spinner Lure

Joliet Spinner Lure The Joliet Spinner Lure was introduced around 1902.The Joliet Spinner would end up being made by both G. Bruton of Joliet, Illinois and later by New Jersey Aluminum Co. This metal spiral antique fishing lure is a simple twisting piece of metal that was offered in multiple [...]

19
Jul

Pflueger Governor Lure

Pflueger Governor Lure The Pflueger Governor Lure was first introduced around 1892. This antique fishing lure was made by the Enterprise Manufacturing Company, of Akron Ohio. This fancy Pflueger Metal Spoon and minnow was given a series 792. The “Governor” was the Luminous version to its non luminous counterpart, “The Admiral”. [...]

01
Mar

Tight Lines Tuesday Mount Everest

Tight Lines Tuesday Mount Everest Tight Lines Tuesday Mount Everest by John Etchieson – In the early 1920s (1921 – 1924) several expeditions were undertaken by different parties of men to ascend to the top of Mount Everest, the worlds tallest mountain at 29,035 feet above sea level which is [...]

19
Sep

Joe Pepper Big Four Lure Card

Joe Pepper Big Four Lure Card Here is a great Joe Pepper Big Four Lure Card assortment. These rare cards are seldom seen especially in this new old stock condition. The item dates to the turn of the century or a few years after. The lures and flies are carefully [...]

26
Aug

Harpers Weekly April 1872

Harpers Weekly April 1872 In this edition of Harpers Weekly April 1872 we get a glimpse in to some of the lifes work for a man who’s name and work are embedded in fish-lore, fly fishing and sporting. Mr Seth Green in no an uncommon name to read when doing [...]

21
Aug

Charles Hibbard Antique Lure

Charles Hibbard Antique Lure Heart Shaped Spoon This is an early Charles Hibbard Antique Lure. Charles A Hibbard of Grand Rapids Michigan was one of the pre 1900’s antique lure makers. This heart shaped spinner or spoon bears the stamp Hibbard, Pat March 25, 84. Hibbard became part of the [...]

29
Jun

JB McHarg Civil War Token

JB McHarg Civil War Token This great example of a JB McHarg Civil War Token is a prime example of what drives me to collect. Looking off the beaten path for neat items to compliment both my or other lure collections is something I’ve always enjoyed. This drive or niche, or thinking [...]

31
May

Orvis Fly Fishing Catalog

Orvis Fly Fishing Catalog This Orvis Fly Fishing Catalog is a piscatorial visual treasure. I’ve always had a passion for the covers on 19th Century Fishing Tackle Companies, and this early early 1883 Orvis catalog does not disappoint. There are many fisherman through there lives make their way up to [...]

01
May

Fly Fishing Cabinet Card

Fly Fishing Cabinet Card Here is a great early 19th Century Fly Fishing Cabinet Card. The astute gentleman posing with his large green heart rod and what looks to be a larger Salmon type reel. Leaning upon the rock as well is a early landing gaff, single tine. Im not [...]

28
Apr

Comstock Flying Helgramite Lure

Comstock Flying Helgramite Lure The Comstock Flying Helgramite Lure was made by Harry Comstock, Fulton, New York. Circa 1883. This is considered one of if not the first glass eyed antique fishing lures produced. The inventor Harry Comstock was not only a lure maker but at the time a noted [...]

01
Feb

Chautauqua Trolling Minnow

Chautauqua Trolling Minnow The Chautauqua Trolling Minnow although looking the part is not a pre 1900’s lure. Ive grouped it in there, as if to suggest while in truth it was made in 1909, if fits better with it the Pre 1900 friends made by Chapman, Buel, Mann Loftie and [...]

26
Jan

Joseph Meatyard Pocket Watch From John Mann

Joseph Meatyard Pocket Watch From John Mann This piece a Joseph Meatyard Pocket Watch From John Mann has always been one of my favorite things in my antique lure collection. Yes, Yes I know its not a lure, but it is to me an equal to most every lure in [...]

21
Jan

Sam the Black Bass Man Part I Sunday Sounds

Sam Sam the Black Bass Man Part I In introducing Sam the Black Bass Man, I must digress back a bit, and say thanks for all the views , likes comments, emails and texts I’ve received. The last 12 Months with Fin and Flame has been fun. I have even [...]

16
Dec

Hibbard Spencer Bartlett Fishing Catalog

Hibbard Spencer Bartlett Fishing Catalog This Hibbard Spencer Bartlett Fishing Catalog is from 1893. Its one of my favorite antique fishing lure and reel catalogs. The company playing a major role in the outdoor sporting fields both hunting, fishing, and fly fishing for many decades. Acting as a major jobber [...]

02
Sep

John Mann Tandem Improved Trolling Spoon

John Mann Tandem Improved Trolling Spoon The John Mann Tandem Improved Trolling Spoon is an early Pre 1900’s or 19th Century fishing Lure. The John H Mann Company of Syracuse NY is one of the most successful grocery, sundries, dry good and fishing tackle store central New York would ever [...]

31
Jul

Izaak Walton Colored Print

Izaak Walton Colored Print This Izaak Walton Colored Print is one of my favorites. I posted the other week a Currier and Ives Colored Trout photo and got good reception, so I thought another piece of art was apropos. This dates to the mid 1800’s and was published by Dean [...]

27
Jul

Harlow Casting Spoon Lure

Harlow Casting Spoon Lure The Harlow Casting Spoon Lure was patented in 1888. This Pre 1900’s fishing lure was made by John H Harlow, of auburn New York. The patent was for the use of the retractable hook and spoon. There isn’t very much info out there about Harlow.There are [...]

23
Jun

John Mann Trolling Spoons

John Mann Trolling Spoons This John Mann Trolling Spoons Ad dates to 1883. American Angler magazine gives us some great ads and stories. Im pretty partial to John Mann as I’ve collected his lures and miscellaneous items like tea tins from his general store, personal artifacts, and business items such [...]

23
Jun

Pflueger Fish Scaler

Pflueger Fish Scaler This Pflueger Fish Scaler ad comes from 1892. The Chicago Journal of Commerce printed or show cased this new to market Pflueger Enterprise Manufacturing Company item. Many people think Pflueger’s reach ended at lures and reels, however Pflueger was trying to create a end to end fishing [...]

21
Jun

Buel Arrowhead Spinner Antique Lure

Buel Arrowhead Spinner Antique Lure The Buel Arrowhead Spinner Antique Lure was originally shown in the 1852 patent. There were a few changes over time to the shape and make of the lure. In 1893 Buel re brands his arrowhead with a convenience feature. This antique lure has a deeper [...]

08
May

Woods Lollacapop

Woods Lollacapop This tin of Woods Lollacapop is one of those things people can find to ad depth or character to their antique lure collection. Those that know me well know that I love a good story, and a ancillary item such as this as much as I love the [...]

07
May

Pflueger Pine Cone Scale Spinner Lure

Pflueger Pine Cone Scale Spinner Lure The Pflueger Pine Cone Scale Spinner lure can date all the way back to the late 1800’s. One of the keys to Pflueger’s success (no pun intended) in the fishing lure arena has always been tied to its sale of metal spoons. A concept [...]

06
Mar

Abbey Imbrie Ghost Fishing Lure

Abbey Imbrie Ghost Lure The Abbey Imbrie Ghost Lure comes from one of the larger jobbers in American fishing history was Abbey and Imbrie. Although its roots are decades deeper the company itself was founded in 1875 via merger, Abbey and Imbrie’s reach into the various facets of the fishing [...]

01
Mar