Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Cop-E-Cat 7400, 1/2oz Nickel / Blue fishing spoon #1992

Weighing in at a solid 1/2oz (14g), this vintage spoon represents a classic chapter in American tackle history. The 2 1/2" (6.5cm) profile features a striking Nickel / Blue finish, where the vibrant blue top half provides a sharp contrast against the polished nickel. Flip the lure over to see the deeply embossed "COP-E-CAT 7400 DETROIT U.S.A." stamp, a hallmark of Eppinger’s manufacturing before the company’s operations centered in Dearborn. This specimen, identified by product code 1992, arrives in 5/5 condition, maintaining a brilliant surface that reflects its quality origins. The hardware is period-correct, featuring a sturdy treble hook attached via a robust split ring, designed for long-distance casting or controlled trolling. Eppinger’s proprietary dies give the body its specific concave shape, a design so effective it was famously included in aviation survival kits for its reliability. The weight and balance are tailored for a slow retrieve, allowing the hardware to function as intended without the need for high-speed winding.