Super rare black picture box, marked "Pat. applied for" with a clear illustration of the earliest Evolution Minnow - the scales, fins and hardware detail being quite crisp, and the underside of the box bottom retaining the original mailing label. With general wear, a well-done repair to one side flap and light soiling, this important box is in much better condition than most of the scant few known. The 2 3/4" minnow is finished in dark back with aluminum belly, the front spinner stamped with two 1901 patent dates, about VG+ due to a thin section of tail missing and a glued tail tip. An extremely desirable Shakespeare box, especially with the Evolution illustration in this condition.