Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Imp, 2/5oz Red / White fishing spoon #0796

Stamped clearly on the reverse side is the "Dardevle's Imp" U.S.A. mark, a signature of Eppinger’s enduring Michigan-made quality. This specimen, cataloged under product code 0796, showcases the quintessential Red / White stripe motif that has defined the brand for over a century. The face of the spoon carries the famous devil head logo, still distinct against the paint. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5cm) and weighing 2/5oz (11g), this lure is a prime example of the mid-sized casting spoons produced by the company Lou Eppinger founded in 1906. The condition is a characterful 3/5, showing honest wear and paint loss along the edges that tells a story of successful fishing trips. It retains its original hardware, including a steel split ring and a vintage treble hook. This concave oblong shape was even included in aviation survival kits during wartime because of its proven effectiveness in the field.