We can only add what "we think we know to be true" based upon Nianguas and boxes that we have or have seen. It is important to note that "corrupt" packages (lures, paperwork, lids being changed) are almost inevitable. Many boxes were unmarked and once the lures were taken out for display the likelihood of those being placed back into the original box with the original paperwork and the original lid is quite low. We are not "experts", so errors may be present. Should you see any misinformation, please contact us. We will correct it ASAP! This information pertains to Niangua Minnows. Some of this information does apply to other Little Sac lures, but inconsistencies do exist between the changes in the lures/boxes and the different lure models.

The first and easiest hardware change to note is the addition of nickel plating to the cups and props. The early Nianguas (Wooden Minnows) all had unplated brass hardware. The "true" Niangua has always had nickel plated hardware. The brass prop and cups also had differences. The inital lures had heavier brass props and cups. It is a little hard to see in a pic, but is quite obvious when looking at a couple examples side by side. Below is a pic trying to show the difference in the thickness of the brass props.

The Nianguas (Wooden Minnows) found with these brass props should be from 1996 - early 1998. The heavier prop on the left is earlier than the thinner prop on the right.

It is a little hard to see in a pic, but is quite obvious when looking at a couple examples side by side. Below is a pic trying to show the difference in the thickness of the brass cups.

The Nianguas (Wooden Minnows) found with these brass cups should be from 1996 - early 1998. The heavier cup on the bottom is earlier than the thinner cup on the top. The heavier cup also has beveled edges. The thinner cup is flat.

When the "true" Nianguas arrived on the scene in early 1998 they included the new nickel plated brass props. Which were the thinner style props with the addition of the nickel plating. The props are proprietary and very distinctive. The swept back props end with a larger rounded ends than most other props found on other lures. We should add that the change to the thinner props was made because the thinner props spin easier. Lanier has always created lures that are both beautiful and FUNCTIONAL. Below is a pic of the nickel plated props still being used today.

The Nianguas found with these props should be from early 1998 - present.

When the "true" Niangua Minnows arrived in early 1998 the cups were nickel plated as well. Again, similar to the props, the thinner cup continued to be used with the addition of the nickel plating. The cup itself did go through one more change. It appears to have taken place sometime in late 1999 or early 2000. The cups used prior to that time were flat. While the cups still remained thinner they once again have the beveled edges. Below is a pic showing the difference between the flat nickel cup and the beveled nickel cup.

The Nianguas found with the flat nickel cups should be from 1998 - late 1999/early 2000. The Nianguas found with the beveled nickel cups should be from late 1999/early 2000 to present.

There has also been a change in the washers used on the Nianguas over the years. The washers used on the Nianguas until 2003 were cupped. In 2003 the washers changed to a flat style. The 2003 Nianguas can be found with either/or style of washers. Also worthy of noting is that the early Nianguas (Wooden Minnows) had a washer on both sides of of both props. The "true" Niangua Minnows have only a trailing washer on the front prop. Below is a pic showing the difference between the cupped and flat washers.

The Nianguas found with the cupped washers are from 1996 - 2003. The Nianguas found with the flat washers are from 2003 - present.

Another difference in the Nianguas exists in the hooks. Until late 1999/early 2000 SOME of the Nianguas had the right side hook place further forward than the left side hook. While it is possible to find examples of Nianguas in this time period with either the left hook forward or the right hook forward, after this time all the Nianguas that we have seen have had the left hook forward configuration. Below is a pic showing the difference between the left hook forward and right hook forward configurations.

The Nianguas found with the right hook forward should be from the 1998 - late 1999/early 2000 time period. The Nianguas found with the left hook forward can be from 1998 - present.

The last difference we will discuss is the hook itself. Lanier introduced the Jamison treble hooks for the first time in 2001. Below is a pic showing the difference between a Jamison treble hook and a standard nickel plated treble hook.

The Nianguas found with Jamison treble hooks should be from 2001 - present. The Nianguas found with the standard nickel plated treble hook can be from 1998 - present.

We will try to continue to add information regarding hardware changes as we discover them.

Hope you enjoyed your visit!!! Feel free to contact us with questions, comments or LEADS!!!
Thank You!!!
Tim & Colleen