Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle, 1oz Black / White fishing spoon #2840

Weighing in at a substantial 1oz (28g), this Eppinger Dardevle spoon features a high-contrast black finish with a single off-white stripe down its center. Measuring 3 1/2" (9cm), the teardrop-shaped body reflects the heritage of Lou Eppinger’s 1906 Detroit origins, utilizing proprietary American-made dies to create its signature concave shape. Identified as product code 2840, the lure is built for the rigors of heavy casting and trolling in pursuit of larger game fish. The solid metal construction is paired with a vintage treble hook secured by a robust split ring at the tail. Visually, the specimen is in 3/5 condition, with the paint showing some honest wear and light chipping along the edges that reveals the history of its use in the field. This off-white backed variant offers a distinct visual profile under the water surface, maintaining the functional design that once earned these spoons a place in military aviation survival kits. The heavy gauge of the metal ensures it reaches the desired depths during the retrieve, making it a reliable tool for reaching predatory fish in varied water conditions.