Early "The-Chippewa-Bait" box, distributed by C.J. Frost of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, houses an unfished 4 1/2" Skipper. With bold red "CHIPPEWA" on the top of the wrap-around label and marked "M-66 Fancy Green Back" on one end, grading about 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 Skipper was first produced. The striking lure is finished in white with bright green and red spots, washer hardware, removable double hooks and Immell's unique interchangeable nose fin, shiny Ex condition with only very slight box wear and a few tight age lines. The lure retains its original string tag with handwritten "Rocking & Swimming Effect Fin", and the box includes its "For Best Results, Reel Quite Rapidly" paper insert. 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 lure in a stand-out color and 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".