Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle, 1oz Black / White / Nickel fishing spoon #0813

A weight of 1oz (28g) gives this substantial casting spoon the heft needed to reach deeper water columns where large pike or muskies often hold. Measuring 3 1/2" (9cm), the lure features the iconic Eppinger Dardevle silhouette—a design Lou Eppinger began perfecting in his Detroit shop back in 1906. The finish is a striking black and white diagonal stripe over a nickel-plated body, carrying the product code 0813. Given its 3/5 condition rating, the specimen shows visible paint loss and surface wear, especially along the edges and the center, which reveals the bright metal beneath. The hardware consists of a sturdy treble hook attached via a copper-toned split ring at the rear. This oblong, concave shape is engineered to provide a specific wobbling movement during a slow retrieve, a technical feat achieved through Eppinger's proprietary manufacturing dies. The nickel-finished back offers additional flash in the water, contrasting against the dark topcoat to provide high visibility in varying light conditions.