8 Vintage Fishing Lures including Hardy Bros, Mepps | Angling Collectibles in Original Tobacco Tin, c. 1930-1950

For the angler …  a distinctive group of eight vintage fishing lures dating to around 1930–1950, including four by premier British tackle maker Hardy Bros of Alnwick.  Contained in the original tobacco tin in which the lures were found, the collection includes a Hardy’s metal minnow, two painted Devon spinners marked “Alnwick,” a Hardy Alnwick spoon, a French-made Mepps spinner, and three unmarked lures: a brass Halcyon-style spinner, a mother-of-pearl spinner, and a metal Devon spinner.  Together, they make a notable addition to any angler’s collection, and a unique display for a gentleman’s study, den or lakeside cabin.

Hardy Bros was founded in 1872 by brothers William and John James Hardy, quickly becoming one of the world’s best-known tackle firms, supplying rods, reels, flies, and sporting equipment to anglers across Britain and the globe.  By the end of the nineteenth century, the firm had established an international reputation and would go on to hold multiple Royal Warrants, a distinction that continues to this day. The “Hardy’s England” and “Alnwick” markings found on several of these lures identify original twentieth-century Hardy production from the firm’s Northumberland workshops.

Dimensions: (Tin) 3-3/4” x 2-1/4” x 7/8” 
Weight: 2.6 ounces (tin + lures)

Condition Notes: Very good vintage condition overall. Tobacco tin shows heavy honest wear from decades of use and storage, including scratches, oxidation, and areas of old adhesive residue visible to lid (see photos). Foam and green felt liner is a later addition and easily removable. Lures have purposely not been cleaned or polished in order to preserve original patina and finish throughout. Unless noted below, hooks remain securely attached, reasonably sharp, and all lures appear structurally sound overall.  Other items in photos not included.

- Hardy’s metal minnow marked “HARDYS ENGLAND” on both sides. Finish remains bright overall with minor discoloration visible to one side. Please note that no hook is present.
- Hardy spoon marked “HARDYS ALNWICK ENGLAND.” Surface patina and oxidation visible to marked side. Treble hook displays minor corrosion but remains sharp and securely attached. Fragment of old fishing line remains attached to upper loop.
- Unmarked metal Devon spinner shows scattered surface wear consistent with field use. Treble hooks show oxidation but remain securely attached.
- Mother-of-pearl spinner shows age-related darkening around central wire. Hook displays more pronounced oxidation but remains sharp and securely attached.
- Halcyon spinner is unmarked and retains both blades, hook, and original tufted dressing securely in place. Fragment of old fishing line remains attached to upper loop, with remnants of original thread or dressing visible around body.
- Mepps spinner blade marked “MEPPS AGLIA BRITISH PATENT BREVETE FRANCE” and “MADE IN FRANCE.” Fragment of old fishing line remains attached to upper loop. Hook remains clean, sharp, and securely attached.
- Two Hardy painted spinners marked “ALNWICK.” Original painted finishes show scattered rubbing and paint loss consistent with age and use; blue example is missing painted eye detail to one side. Hooks show minor tarnish but remain securely attached.

All items are hand-wrapped and packed with care for secure delivery.  We offer flat rate shipping via USPS Ground Advantage for $10, or USPS Priority Mail for $15. Orders over $100 (not including taxes) ship free via USPS Priority Mail — any shipping charges for orders over $100 will be refunded after checkout. We pack using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible.

Sorry, no returns or cancellations.  Please view all photos for more detail and feel free to contact the shop with any questions prior to purchase.