AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a vintage wood fishing lure manufactured by the Creek Chub Bait Co. (C.C.B. Co.) of Garrett, Indiana. The lure is an 'Injured Minnow' model, identifiable by its side-swimming orientation, glass eyes, and metal propellers at the front and rear designed to create surface disturbance. This specific example features a scale-pattern finish, likely in a green or gold shiner coloration, which shows a fine aged patina. The construction consists of a solid turned-wood body, painted glass eyes, and two large treble hooks secured by heavy-duty metal hardware. The lure is approximately 3 to 4 inches in length. Accompanied by its original 'C.B.B. CO. LURE' cardboard two-piece box, the packaging bears the distinctive graphics of the era, including the company name and illustrations of game fish. Condition-wise, the lure exhibits light crazing and minor paint chipping consistent with use and age, typical of early 20th-century wood lures. The metal hardware shows some oxidation and darkening. The box exhibits significant wear, soiling, and edge fraying, but remains structurally intact with legible branding. These lures date roughly from the 1920s to the 1940s and are highly prized for their craftsmanship and historical significance in the development of American sport fishing tackle.

I have carefully examined the provided images of this Creek Chub Bait Co. Injured Minnow No. 1500 and its accompanying two-piece box. Based on the 8019 'Perch' color code and the hardware configuration, this specimen likely dates to the late 1930s. The lure appears authentic, featuring the correct glass eye set and the distinctive 'cup' rig hardware characteristic of the era. The finish shows a fine, age-appropriate craquelure (crazing) in the varnish which is a positive indicator of an original factory finish. While the lure shows minor oxidation on the propellers and hooks, it remains in 'Very Good' condition for its age. The box is the primary value driver here; despite its visible edge wear and soiling, a matching 'white border' box for a No. 1500 is highly sought after. Market demand for early Creek Chub tackle remains stable among North American collectors. Recent auction comparables for an Injured Minnow in Perch scale with an original box range from $150 for worn examples to over $350 for 'mint-in-box' specimens. The significant wear on this box places this set in the mid-range of that spectrum. Note: This appraisal is based strictly on photographic evidence. A full authentication would require an in-person physical inspection to confirm the absence of paint touch-ups under UV light, verify the integrity of the wood body, and ensure the box end-flap matches the lure's specific model and color code. I would also need to verify that the hardware has not been replaced or polished, as original 'uncleaned' patina is preferred by high-end investors.