COPPER CHAUTAUQUA MINNOW IN THE BOX

Krantz & Smith patented this bait in 1909, a detail confirmed by being stamped into its tail fin. These minnows are rare, with maybe a couple dozen or so accounted for in collections, but the boxes are far scarcer, with only 3 currently known. This example is completely intact, and it is correctly marked COPPER on both ends, matching the lure. It has some wear along the edges and some staining, and the deep black printing is still dark & rich and really pops against the light blue background. The box grades around Very Good, and the Minnow gets a similar net grade. The copper finish shows a little verdigris, and the red in the eyes looks touched-up. About half of the original hook wrappings remain intact. A highly-coveted, correct combo ready for a prominent place in any advanced collection. From the Stephen & Christine Rebic collection. 3 - 1/4" Lure

Item Dimensions: Box: 6 - 3/4" x 1 - 1/2" x 1".