Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Cop-E-Cat 7300, 1/3oz Orange / Black fishing spoon #0457

Weighing in at 1/3 oz (10 g), this mid-sized spoon is a classic representation of the Eppinger legacy. The vibrant orange face of the Dardevle Cop-E-Cat 7300 features five distinct black dots, a pattern that collectors often recognize for its visibility. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) in length, the metal body displays the signature concave design that Lou Eppinger perfected after starting his business in a Detroit basement in 1906. On the reverse side, the polished metal is stamped with the manufacturer's mark and "USA," identifying it as product code 0457. The finish shows some minor character marks around the edges, though it remains in a very respectable 4/5 condition. A robust treble hook is secured to the trailing end, ready for casting or trolling. The balance between its weight and the curvature of the stamped steel is a testament to the proprietary dies Eppinger has used for decades.