Extraordinary Charles W. Lane Automatic Minnow. Patented July 29, 1913 in Madrid, NY, one of the rarest of all miscellaneous baits. This hollow metal minnow, with patent marked rotating tail, tiny yellow glass eyes, and body measuring 2 5/8", is uniquely designed so as the tail rotates, the side fins move up and down. The hand painted finish features a brown back, silver sides, white belly, scale detail, and delicate red gill marks. One of the nicest examples of this bait to come to auction, shiny Ex-, coming in its extremely rare 6 1/4" x 2 1/4" box, marked "From Chas. W. Lane Mfg. Co. Madrid, New York", with lines above to include the buyer's address if used for shipping. With wear to the sides of the box top from the securing metal "ears", otherwise near Ex. This exact combination appears in "The Life and Legend of Sheridan R. Jones" on page 49. A rare opportunity to add one of New York's finest combinations to your collection.

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".