Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle, 1oz Nickel / Light Blue fishing spoon #8410

Stamped clearly into the polished concave side, the "Dardevle" Detroit U.S.A. mark anchors the identity of this Eppinger classic. This 3 1/2" (9 cm) spoon features a light blue base coat overlaid with a darker blue honeycomb scale pattern. The underside is a clean nickel finish, providing a high-contrast flash during a steady retrieve or while trolling. Labeled as product code 8410, this 1 oz (28 g) specimen is built with the heavy gauge metal that made Lou Eppinger’s designs a staple in Michigan tackle boxes since 1906. Looking at the hardware, the original treble hook is attached via a sturdy split ring, ready for heavy-duty casting. In terms of condition, this piece earns a 4/5 rating; while there is some light paint loss along the outer edges and slight thinning of the scales, the metal remains bright and the stamping is crisp. It’s a testament to the manufacturing dies Eppinger used before and after their 1959 move to Dearborn. When working this spoon, the 1 oz (28 g) weight allows it to reach deeper columns effectively without the need for additional sinkers.