Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Dardevlet, 3/4oz Red / White / Nickel fishing spoon #13796

Nickel-finished on the concave side, this spoon bears the classic "DARDEVLET" Detroit stamp, anchoring it to Lou Eppinger’s early manufacturing legacy. Weighing 3/4oz (21g) and measuring 2 3/4" (7cm), this Dardevlet is a versatile mid-size casting lure identified by product code 13796. The front displays the iconic red and white diagonal striped paint job, with the black devil head logo printed cleanly on the central white band. Finding a specimen with the Detroit marking rather than the later Dearborn stamp provides specific historical context for collectors of Michigan-made tackle. The hardware features a sturdy treble hook connected by a split ring at the rear. This lure remains in excellent condition, rated 5/5, with the paint and nickel plating maintaining a high level of original shine. Its performance during a steady retrieve is derived entirely from the unique oblong, cupped shape of the metal body.