Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Cop-E-Cat 7300, 1/3oz Red / Yellow / Brass fishing spoon #4916

Stamped clearly on the brass-finished reverse side is the mark "COP-E-CAT 7300 DETROIT U.S.A.," a direct link to the Eppinger company's deep roots in Michigan manufacturing history. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) and weighing 1/3 oz (10 g), this spoon features the traditional concave profile that has defined the brand's production since Lou Eppinger’s early basement workshops. The front face is finished in a vibrant high-contrast red and yellow pattern, accented by a small black leaping dolphin graphic near the center. This specimen is in exceptional condition, rated 5/5, with its original treble hook and split ring assembly showing no signs of use or age. The top of the lure includes a cleanly punched attachment hole, designed to accommodate various snaps or leaders for both casting and trolling setups. Using proprietary dies, Eppinger crafted this particular Cop-E-Cat variant with a heavy-duty brass base that provides significant flash when the back of the lure is exposed.