Striking early Immell Bait Co. floating minnow, the wood body measuring 3 5/8" with good white iris glass eyes, red painted center spinner (marked with the Nov 1, 1910 patent date), hand painted gill marks, and finished in a striking pattern of fancy red spots over white with brown and green back, shiny Ex with only a few age lines and very slight box wear, definitely unfished. Coming in a very rare 4 7/8" picture box, the crisp top label with bold red "Chippewa" and clear lure illustration, which wraps to include the "P-66-S Fancy Green Back, Spotted Sides" printed end flap. The interior of the box includes the Sheridan R. Jones collection stamp, with this bait and box pictured on page 66 of "The Life and Legend of Sheridan R. Jones". An important early bait and box, especially in this remarkable condition.

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".