Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Devle-Dog 5500 UV, 3/4oz fishing spoon #16654

Weighing exactly 3/4 oz (21 g), this heavy-duty spoon exhibits the classic Eppinger craftsmanship with a distinct red-to-black color transition along its edge. The surface shows minor authentic wear in the enamel, common for these field-tested pieces, earning it a solid 4/5 condition rating. Under natural light, the red paint is vibrant, but the specimen truly transforms under ultraviolet light, radiating a bright, glowing orange as captured in the secondary image. Measuring 2 1/2" (6.5 cm) long, this Devle-Dog 5500 is cataloged under product code 16654 and features the signature concave shape designed for traditional casting and trolling applications. The hardware consists of a robust treble hook secured by a heavy-duty split ring. Eppinger's legacy, which began in a Detroit basement in 1906, is evident in the thick gauge of the metal used for this spoon. Tiny silver-white flecks are visible across the red field, adding a layer of visual texture to the finish.