Shakespeare Midget Spinners
Shakespeare Midget Spinners were introduced in 1934 and continued into the early 1950's, probably around the time Shakespeare was purchased by Creek Chub. They are made of wood and measure 1-7/8" with a weight of 1/2 ounce. The catalog number assigned to the Midget Spinner is 6601. Midget Spinners were produced with "pressed eyes" only with either a silver or gold color with a black center. These baits sport a simple cup and screw eye belly hook fastener, a screw eye rear hook fastener and also have a belly weight present. Differing prop markings are evident throughout production. Most have the typical Shakespeare/honor built markings while others have "Midget Spinner" marked inside the Shakespeare oval (I have also seen this on Shakespeare slim jims as the "slim jim" name is marked inside the oval). I am unsure as far as dating when specifically this marking appears. Some props are unmarked yet all are the same "floppy" props. Cataloged colors include Red Head/White, Silver Flitter (green back, white belly, silver flitter), Green Perch, and GRS. As with most baits, uncataloged patterns are present. Pictured below is my collection of Midget Spinners showing all the cataloged colors as well as a few tough uncataloged patterns.Boxes include the earlier cardboard box and then the later plastic top/cardboard bottom and are shown below.
John Inglis baits: John Inglis was a Canadian company out of Toronto who marketed Shakespeare baits during the 1940s and 1950s. It is unclear if this company produced the baits or were made by Shakespeare ad exported. Eitherway, these baits are clearly marked with "Inglis" on the props. It is my understanding that the Midget Spinner, Grumpy and Slim Jim were offered by Inglis in Canada. I'm not sure of what color patterns were specifically offered. Pictured below are a few Midget Spinners with the Inglis marked spinners. John Inglis baits used boxes that are strikingly similar to Shakespeare boxes in color, and markings yet are clearly marked "Inglis" of Toronto Canada with no mention of Shakespeare.
The pictures below can be "clicked" on to enlarge the photo and reveal
additional info regarding the specific bait and color.
John Inglis baits: John Inglis was a Canadian company out of Toronto who marketed Shakespeare baits during the 1940s and 1950s. It is unclear if this company produced the baits or were made by Shakespeare ad exported. Eitherway, these baits are clearly marked with "Inglis" on the props. It is my understanding that the Midget Spinner, Grumpy and Slim Jim were offered by Inglis in Canada. I'm not sure of what color patterns were specifically offered. Pictured below are a few Midget Spinners with the Inglis marked spinners. John Inglis baits used boxes that are strikingly similar to Shakespeare boxes in color, and markings yet are clearly marked "Inglis" of Toronto Canada with no mention of Shakespeare.
The pictures below can be "clicked" on to enlarge the photo and reveal
additional info regarding the specific bait and color.
