Museum Archive: Eppinger Dardevle Chuck-Lett 3400 UV, 3/16oz fishing spoon #3938

Measuring exactly 2 1/2" (6.5cm) in length, this vintage spoon highlights the early production era of Eppinger in Detroit. Tipping the scales at 3/16oz (5g), the Chuck-Lett 3400 UV features a vibrant gradient of fluorescent orange fading into a cream-colored body. On the face, you will find the legendary devil head logo, a symbol of the Dardevle lineage that dates back to Lou Eppinger’s basement workshop in 1906. The reverse side is a polished silver-tone plate, clearly stamped with "CHUCK-LETT DETROIT U.S.A. 3400," confirming its regional origins before the company moved to Dearborn in 1959. This specific item, cataloged as product code 3938, is unused and retains its original luster and sharp treble hook. While many Dardevles were famously included in aviation survival kits for their reliability, this specimen was specifically intended for trolling. The concave oblong shape provides distinct mechanical displacement through the water during a steady retrieve.