DENVER, PENN — Morphy Auctions conducted its first sale of antique fishing tackle on Saturday, October 24, selling 551 lots for a total of $563,000, including the buyer’s premium. Among the top lots was this Moonlight Dreadnought bait and box, Paw Paw, Mich., that sold for $28,800, with premium. It was one of the most difficult bait and box combinations made by the Moonlight Bait Co., first offered in 1912, and by 1913 Moonlight was not able to keep up with demand.

It measures 4 inches long, red and white painted, five hooks with nickel plated spinners fore and aft. This example is in excellent condition and is considered a top ten classic that would fit with any proud collection.

A complete review of the auction will be in next week’s paper.