Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Cop-E-Cat 7300 UV, 1/3oz Fluorescent Yellow / Nickel fishing spoon #5183

Fluorescent yellow paint dominates the face of this vintage spoon, accented by five distinct red diamonds and the famous black imp logo. Flipping the lure reveals a polished nickel reverse side, clearly stamped with "COP-E-CAT 7300 DETROIT USA," reflecting Eppinger’s long manufacturing history in Michigan. Identified by product code 5183, this specimen weighs 1/3 oz (10 g) and measures 2 1/4" (5.5 cm). The finish is specifically designed for UV and fluorescent properties, making the bright yellow and red diamonds highly visible in varied light conditions. A sturdy nickel-finished treble hook is secured to the base with a strong split ring. Given the cleanliness of the paint and the crispness of the stamp, this lure maintains a condition rating of 5/5. This particular model utilizes the proprietary dies Eppinger developed to create the specific concave shape of the Cop-E-Cat series.