Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle, 1oz Crystal (Golden Scale) fishing spoon #0306

Measuring 3 1/2 inches (9 cm) in length, this casting spoon represents the heavy-duty side of the Eppinger lineup. This specific Dardevle, designated by product code 0306, features the distinctive Crystal (Golden Scale) finish—a textured, amber-hued pattern designed to catch light in varying water conditions. Weighing in at a substantial 1 oz (28 g), it provides the heft needed for deep-water presentations or long-distance casting. You will notice the classic DARDEVLE stamp deeply impressed into the metal on the concave side, a hallmark of the company founded by Lou Eppinger in 1906 in Detroit, Michigan. The original large treble hook remains attached via a sturdy split ring, ready for the water. The golden scale finish shows some thinning and honest wear on the textured surface, allowing the bright base metal to show through in spots, particularly along the mid-section and edges. This specimen is clean and maintains a strong aesthetic presence, deserving a condition rating of 3/5. It is a genuine piece of American tackle history, reflecting the same durable construction that once saw these lures included in military aviation survival kits.