Early combination in exceptional condition and extremely rare. Distributed by C.J. Frost of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, this large box with bold red "CHIPPEWA" on the top of the wrap-around label and marked "M-66 Fancy Green Back" on one end, grades at least Ex-, with the exception of the Immell Bait Co., Blair, Wis. penciled and Miss C. J. Frost Stevens Point handwritten underneath, signaling this to be a 1914 box when the short production Immell Bait Co. Skipper was first produced. The 4 1/2" lure appears unfished, in bright green crackleback with washer hardware, removable double hooks and Immell's unique interchangeable "Hop & Skip" nose fin, shiny Ex condition with only a few tight age lines and slight soiling. Also included is a second interchangeable lip and the lure retains its original string tag with handwritten "Hop & Skip Fin - Hooks Reversed Practically Weedless". The interior of the box includes the Sheridan R. Jones collection stamp, with this package pictured on page 66 of "The Life and Legend of Sheridan R. Jones". The only combination of this important bait and box to be offered at Lang's, perhaps the finest known example.

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".