{"product_id":"vintage-helins-flatfish-lure-set-2-original-boxes-detroit-michigan","title":"Vintage Helin's Flatfish Fishing Lure Set of 2 with Original Boxes — Helin Tackle Co. Detroit Michigan, Yellow Frog X4 and White Pink Spot","description":"\u003cp\u003eVintage Helin's Flatfish fishing lure set — two lures, each in its original Helin Tackle Co. box, both from Detroit, Michigan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelin's Flatfish is one of the most recognized American fishing lures of the mid-20th century, marketed as the best-selling plug for hooking and sold in a wide range of sizes and colors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth lures include their original paper inserts inside the boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set includes two distinct lures in two distinct color patterns, making it a stronger display pair for a collector than two of the same.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eItem:\u003c\/strong\u003e Set of 2 vintage Helin's Flatfish fishing lures with original boxes and paper inserts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Helin Tackle Co., Detroit, Michigan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Likely 1950s–1960s, based on box design and paper insert style [not confirmed to exact year]\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLure 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e Size X4, Color FR (Frog pattern) — yellow body with black spots and red dots, 4-gang treble hook rig (4 trebles). Larger lure. Wood body.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLure 2:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smaller size — white body with pink\/red spot pattern, single treble hook. Size not confirmed from box labeling visible in photos.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBox 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full Helin's Flatfish box in green and red — \"Size X4 Color FR\" handwritten on front panel; paper inserts included showing hooking configurations (4-gang, 3-gang, 2-treble, single treble)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBox 2:\u003c\/strong\u003e Helin Tackle Co. box — older style, more worn; \"Standard 4-Treble\" and size chart insert visible; Helin Tackle Co. Detroit 7, Mich. address label on base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInserts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original paper instruction\/catalog inserts present in both boxes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuggested Use:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/collections\/vintage-memorabilia\" title=\"Vintage Memorabilia \u0026amp; Rare Ephemera\"\u003eFishing lure collector display, vintage tackle collection, fisherman gift, Michigan heritage display\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition Grade: Good\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePositives\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBoth lures present with original boxes — a meaningful detail for collectors, as many Flatfish lures survive without their boxes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal paper inserts present in both boxes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLure 1 (yellow X4 FR): body paint largely intact, vivid yellow with clear black and red spot pattern; all hooks present\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLure 2 (white\/pink): clean white body with clear pink\/red spot pattern; hook intact and sharp-looking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBox 1 graphics bold and readable — \"Helin's Flatfish\" name, size, color all visible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIssues \/ Wear\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLure 1 (yellow X4): surface shows age spots, light grime, and minor paint wear consistent with storage; hooks show light oxidation\/darkening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBox 1 shows wear, yellowing, and handling marks — box is intact but not crisp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBox 2 is more worn — significant age yellowing and surface soiling on exterior; box is complete but shows heavy storage wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSold as found — light cleaning or no restoration done; see all photos for detail\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSee all photos for detail — sold as pictured. Sold as a set of two lures with two boxes.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCollector's Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHelin's Flatfish lures were produced by Helin Tackle Co. in Detroit, Michigan from the 1930s through the late 20th century and became one of the most popular fresh and saltwater plugs in American fishing history. The X4 size in FR (Frog) color is one of the classic patterns. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA solid find for anyone who fishes, collects vintage tackle, or has a connection to midcentury Michigan fishing culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShipping + Trust (Reading Vintage standards)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e∙Photo-verified condition (\u003ca title=\"shipping policy\" href=\"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/pages\/shipping-policy\"\u003eno surprises\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003cbr\u003e∙Packed with our protective packaging standard\u003cbr\u003e∙Ships in 1 business day\u003cbr\u003e∙Free Shipping on $35+ (U.S. only)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisclaimer\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca title=\"about reading vintage\" href=\"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/pages\/about-reading-vintage\"\u003eWhile I do my best\u003c\/a\u003e to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlease Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese pieces come from estate collections and have been surface cleaned. You may wish to perform additional cleaning depending on your preference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Orders $35+ Ship Free","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48623966355711,"sku":"B5 – T16 – 28","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2503\/7976\/files\/vintage-helins-flatfish-lure-set-original-box-detroit-michigan-yellow-white.jpg?v=1780438938","url":"https:\/\/myreadingvintage.com\/products\/vintage-helins-flatfish-lure-set-2-original-boxes-detroit-michigan","provider":"Reading Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}