Pflueger

Hole Eye Surprise Minnow

c. 1919

Shown in the 1919 trade catalog, Pflueger listed this bait as available in 4 colors (white enamel, white enamel belly w/blended rainbow back, white enamel belly crackled back & chub minnow scale blend). By 1922 two additional colors (Lum & natural perch scale blend) had been added. Baits were made of red cedar and in their words the baits were heavily coated with their special indestructible waterproof porcelain enamels. As the title implies, the baits were made with holes for their eyes which would create bubbles when retrieved. Generally, with 3 hooks, some two hook versions have been found over the years.

Baby Surprise Minnow

c. 1926-28

Baby Minnows are one of the toughest of the Surprise Minnow group to find in any condition. Listed in 10 colors, a complete set can take years to achieve. Short lived the Baby (i.e. 3 inch Surprise Minnow) was not listed as available by 1928.

Corner Counter Display

c. 1955

Very unusual Pflueger counter display. Designed to set in the corner of a room, or window the display was actually constructed in as part of the shipping box. Once on sight, the store owner then followed instructions to in essence open and fold out making the shipping carton the back easel. Only example known.

Framed Single Dimension

c. 1937

Interesting display concept incorporating a "self-frame" style leveraging an earlier Lynn Bogue Hunt upleaping bass first seen in their 1924 counter display. In this example the company has incorporated a two-dimensional concept by having the bass enlarged up front with a smaller view of the fishermen. Smaller than the one shown below, this display presents the same lures. With the presence of the Pflueger Mustang, even though the O'Boy is shown in the Bass' mouth, the sign dates to around 1937.

Self Framed Two Dimensional

c. 1937

Using the same theme, graphics and self-frame approach as the display above, this Pflueger die cut is unique in that it is 2 dimensional with the men and boat in the background folding away from the fish in the front of the display. Larger than the one shown above, this display presents the same lures. Like the one above, the presence of the Pflueger Mustang, even though the O'Boy is shown in the Bass' mouth, dates the counter display to around 1937.

O'Boy Minnow Counter Display

c. 1924-29

Based on a painting by Lynn Bogue Hunt, this Pflueger display is unique both in sized (its small) and overall simplicity of advertising. As with their earlier advertising, the company uses the opportunity to bring attention to the company name by providing the correct way to pronounce "Pflueger" followed by a visual presentment of a specific lure. In this case they are promoting what looks to be their Pflueger O'Boy Minnow. Scarce