October 24th 2015 Antique Fishing Tackle
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/23/2015
Without question, one of the absolute all time rarest bait and box combinations to come to auction is this E. C. Adams Mfg Co of Morristown, NJ., Jersey Expert with original box and paper. On June 7, 1906, Edward Adams filed for and was granted (April 9, 1907) patent #849,522, for an Artificial Fish Bait. This short lived bait is not only rare, it is unique in design and function. Measuring 3-1/4" in length, this thin, flat sided, glass eyed minnow is finished in dark back, white belly, and outfitted with 3 single hooks to comply with New Jersey game laws. Condition appears to be excellenthaving a few scattered pointers on the back, otherwise it is one of the finer known examples. Early gut leaderremnants are still tied to the line tie. The 2 piece cardboard box with full label is one of less than 5 or 6 known examples, in any condition. It is darkened, appropriate to its age, but complete. Completing the total package is the original box paperwork, although not very large, it is the only known example from this manufacturer, printed "Patent Pending". The Adams Jersey Expert and the Davis Ideal Minnow from the same town, are the only two baits of their kind and should be considered as one of the all time classic early miscellaneous minnows to have been produced.