Exceptional early model (pre-tail cap), featuring a long, slender body, marked pointed props, shallow cups, large blemish free glass eyes (white iris), and a light green crackleback finish with red hand painted gill marks. Appearing unfished, shiny Ex-/Ex, with only light wear and a thin chip at the tail. The Ex- condition introductory box is correctly stamped "913 Green Cracked Back White Belly", with the Sheridan R. Jones collection stamp on the interior of the lid. A very rarely seen combination, especially in this 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".