Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A classic mid-century hollow-body soft plastic frog lure featuring articulated legs and a weedless hook design. This specific model represents the transition from rigid wood and metal lures to the lifelike, flexible synthetics that revolutionized bass fishing.
Story
In the 1960s, Michigan's Burke Flexo-Products pioneered 'living' lures using soft plastics. This frog was designed to dance through lily pads where heavy metal lures would snag. It turned a simple afternoon at the pond into a high-tech game of deception.
Maker / Origin
Burke Flexo-Products was a leader in the 'soft lure' revolution, founded by Chuck Burke who was obsessed with realistic texture. They were among the first to successfully market lures that felt 'squishy' to a fish, encouraging them to hold on longer for a better hook set.
Condition & Value
The lure shows some paint loss on the eyes and minor scuffing on the body, but the soft plastic legs appear remarkably intact and not 'melted' or brittle, which is common for this age. Good preservation of the flexible joints maintains its value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.