October 25, 2025 Fishing Lure
Lot #1614:
BOXED CHAUTAUQUA MINNOW
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2025
3” length. An all-time classic, Krantz & Smith patented this bait in 1909, a detail confirmed by being stamped into its tail fin. These minnows are quite rare, the known examples probably numbering in the dozens, but it’s the boxes that are an even bigger prize, with only 3 currently accounted for. This example is completely intact, and it is correctly marked COPPER on both ends, matching the lure. It’s got 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 bears a few small patches of verdigris, and the red in the eyes has been touched-up. About half of the original hook wrappings remain intact. A nicely-suited, correct combo ready for a prominent place in any advanced collection.
Item Dimensions: 3" Length.