Extremely rare example of a No. 777 Crab-Oreno. Patented in 1932, this elusive lure was produced for a very short time, most likely due to the fragility of the rubber body and limbs. Only made in this 3" size, with 1/0 hook, brown textured body, unique formed keel and natural bucktail, this example is near complete, but the rubber is now flat, having "melted" over the decades. Even though no longer upright, you can view the entire crab well, including the textured body and black bead eyes. The metal keel is clearly stamped Crab-Oreno, coming in its original Ex-/Ex condition box, correctly stamped 777 with the Sheridan R. Jones collection stamp on the interior of the lid - the box even rarer than the lure with only a scant few known. An important combination for even the most advanced South Bend lure collection - you may never see another.

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".