Vintage wooden mouse fishing lure (unauthenticated)

The item depicted in the photograph appears to be a vintage wooden fishing lure designed to resemble a mouse or small rodent, presented on a white card against a mottled surface. The body of the lure is hand-carved from wood and features a two-tone painted finish, transitioning from an off-white or cream color at the head to a dark brown or black shade along the lower body and tail section, with a touch of red paint accenting the mouth area. A metal eyelet is screwed into the top of the head for line attachment, and a simple painted circular eye is visible on the side of the head. Two metal screw-eyes secure the underbody and side areas, each holding a rusted metal treble hook. Protruding from the rear is a thin, dark, wire-like tail that curves downward. The item shows noticeable signs of age, wear, and patina, including significant rust on the metal hooks and screw-eyes, minor paint chipping, and surface texture consistent with vintage handmade fishing tackle. There are no visible maker's marks, stamps, or signatures apparent in the image. The style and construction are characteristic of mid-20th-century or earlier folk-art fishing lures, though the exact age and manufacturer remain unverified without physical inspection.

Based on what I can see in the photograph, this vintage wooden mouse fishing lure displays characteristics typical of mid-20th-century folk-art tackle, including hand-carved wood construction, a two-tone painted finish, and heavily rusted metal components. I cannot verify from a photo whether the piece is a genuine antique crafted by a specific maker, a later replica, or a decorative piece created in the style of vintage folk-art lures, as I cannot inspect the wood density, paint chemistry, or hardware composition via an image alone. The estimated value range of $75 to $150 assumes that the item is a period-appropriate vintage piece of folk art tackle. Demand for antique and vintage fishing lures remains steady among niche collectors who appreciate rustic aesthetic and folk art qualities, though items lacking maker's marks or documented provenance generally command modest prices. If physical inspection were to reveal that the lure is a modern reproduction or a decorative copy, the market value would likely decrease significantly, dropping into the $20 to $40 range. To better understand the value and potential origins of this piece, one would need an in-person physical inspection by a vintage tackle expert, along with potential material analysis to assess the age of the wood, paint, and rusted hardware.