Rarely seen complete combination, the crisp 2pc box clearly stamped "Surface Tom" and housing the correct striking bait, not only finished in Keeling's beautiful yellow/gold sides with black back, but the lure is also factory stamped "Surface Tom" on its left side. The box is in Ex condition, with the Sheridan R. Jones collection stamp on the interior of the lid, and coming with its Tom Thumb paper insert, the lure also grades Ex with the exception of a stray spot of paint near the tail. Keeling boxes top stamped for the model are quite rare, correct combinations even more so. It would be almost impossible to upgrade this super combination.

From the Sheridan Jones Collection.

Referred to as "America's pioneering outdoor writer", Sheridan Jones (1881-1958) was certainly one of the most respected and prolific angling writers of his era. Many of the lures offered in this auction, where noted, were personally owned by Jones. Several were given to the esteemed author and outdoor writer for his professional opinion, others as gifts by lure makers vying for his favor. Stated best by author Joseph Hilko in his 2010 book The Life and Legend of Sheridan R. Jones: "Jones' legacy as an educator, naturalist, professional writer and world-class angler is worthy of remembrance today".