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 lures out there stamped with his name, usually kidney spoon or hook to spoon types. However there are other lures out there that are attributed to him but not marked. There is also speculation of Harlow and a affiliation with Henry Loftie at the end of Loftie’s fishing tackle endeavors.
The Casting spoon itself is a horizontally stamped ribbed and fluted front and back. Running vertical in the center of the front is the Patent date, Fed 28, 88. The antique lure is usually found with a small box swivel already attached to the line tie. On the reverse of the antique fishing lure at the end of the line tie is the covered mechanism that allows the hook to retract behind the front pf the spoon.
The Casting spoon was also marketed by Reuben Wood’s Sons, and listed as the “Wood’s Crown Weedless Spoon”.
Harlow Casting Spoon Lure
