Charles Schlipp (better known as Charley) started in the fishing lure business when he worked for Al Foss lures in the design and manufacturing part of the company. His patents helped the Al Foss brand grow in the fishing community.
In 1929, Al Foss sold his company to American Fork and Hoe which also owned the brand True Temper. Charley worked in the True Temper Division with its fishing tackle product line.
After three years, Charley left American Fork and Hoe and decided to start his own fishing lure business. He manufactured and sold a line of metal fishing lures under his own name. Later, he named his business the Mill Run Products Company.
Charley made his own metal version of a crawfish, frog, and several pork rind baits. Along with these, he made this cute little mouse spoon that was advertised an “A sure hooker for all game fish, from pan fish to muskies”. The bait was also “Guaranteed for life”.
On the back of each mouse it is stamped “Charley’s Mousie Spoon”, so they are very easy to identify. I like how the spoon is “mouse shaped” with eyes and ears stamped into the metal. A very creative design.
Charley’s Mousie Spoon
Mill Run Products Co
Cleveland Heights, OH
Mid 1930s
April 2023
