Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle, 1oz Red / White / Nickel fishing spoon #4200

Weighing in at a substantial 1oz (28g), this classic spoon represents a quintessential piece of American angling history from the Eppinger workshops. The front face features the iconic red and white diagonal striping, a color scheme that has been a staple in tackle boxes since Lou Eppinger began crafting lures in his Detroit basement back in 1906. Measuring 3 1/2" (9 cm) in length, the spoon's body tapers towards the line tie, where a cleanly drilled hole awaits a snap or heavy leader. Flipping the lure over reveals a bright nickel finish, deeply stamped with the "DARDEVLE" DETROIT U.S.A. mark. This specific stamping provides a direct link to the brand's early manufacturing roots in Michigan. On the painted side, the famous devil-head logo is clearly visible near the hook attachment, verifying its authenticity under product code 4200. The hardware consists of a single treble hook secured by a heavy-duty split ring, built for the rigors of casting for larger predatory species. Rated at a 4/5 condition, the specimen shows well-preserved enamel with very minimal wear. The polished nickel back provides the high-flash contrast necessary for visibility in clearer water conditions.