Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle, 1oz Frog (Yellow / Green / Nickel) fishing spoon #3498

Tipping the scales at 1oz (28g), this classic spoon represents the enduring legacy of Lou Eppinger’s 1906 Detroit origins. The Frog color pattern presents a striking yellow base decorated with a dark green crackle texture and bold "eye" spots, contrasted by a bright nickel finish on the reverse. Measuring 3 1/2" (9cm), the spoon’s characteristic oblong shape and deep concave surface are the result of Eppinger’s proprietary manufacturing dies, designed to provide a distinct wobbling motion when cast or trolled. Under product code 3498, this particular lure remains in excellent form, receiving a condition rating of 5/5. On the polished back, the authentic stamps for "DARDEVLE," "EPPINGER," and "U.S.A." are clearly legible, identifying it as a genuine American-made piece. The hardware includes a robust treble hook secured by a split ring. While Lou Eppinger moved operations to Dearborn in 1959, the fundamental design remains unchanged because it has proven effective for over a hundred years. Even the United States government recognized the reliability of this design, including Dardevle spoons in military survival kits during wartime.