LURE: Very rare silver Pearl minnow (possibly Ustonson) dating from c1770-1855 period. The lure approx. 3” long with twin Mother of Pearl side plates riveted to central nickel body plate, opposing tail fins, double and treble hooks to flank and tail, box swivel and trace mount, fine example. An article appeared in Sept 2005 issue of Classic Angling by John Knott. He researched the dating and evidence of the Ustonson Pearl Minnow comparing a lure in his own collection. Based on Ustonson trade card c 1775 bound into a Hawkins 3rd edition of the Compleat Angler 1775 plus illustrations of the minnow in Blacker’s Art of Angling 1855, the bait and drawings are near identical, it could be Ustonson? Further information Turner G Fishing Tackle, a Collectors Guide & Classic Angling. Sept 2005 issue.