Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Voices from the Past: A Glowing Lure (1937)




The following short article from Popular Mechanics dated September 1937 is interesting as it reminded me that some lures made in the past, like the Abbey & Imbrie Glowbody, were so toxic they can still kill you.

I imagine the following lure could also be added to the list of lures that would make you very ill.

Fish Lure Emits "Cold Light" From Mercury-Neon Tube

Neon gas and mercury mingling in a tiny tube generate the "cold light" of a luminous fish lure just invented. Batteries and current are unnecessary. In the fish-shape celluloid lure with hooks at each end, the inventor placed a tube containing mercury and neon gas of special mixture. A hairspring connects this tube with the tail to permit agitation without breaking it against the sides of the lure. When agitated, this mixture develops a red glow which attracts fish. The lure is especially adapted to deep-water fishing.


I was unable to find a patent for this lure, but the article did include the following picture. I thought it might be a Long Island Manufacturing Products lure, but I don't think so. Check Bill Sonnett's great article on the Flasher family, by the way…



So, does anyone know what lure this is?

-- Dr. Todd

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