Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Imp, 2/5oz Red / White / Copper fishing spoon #1033

Contrasting red and white enamel stripes define the face of this 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) Eppinger spoon, a look that has signaled fishing success since Lou Eppinger began his business in Detroit back in 1906. Labeled with product code 1033, this Dardevle Imp weighs 2/5 oz (11 g) and features the iconic devil head logo on its concave front. The underside reveals the copper metal base, deeply stamped with 'DARDEVLE IMP U.S.A.' for easy identification. In a solid 4/5 condition, the lure shows gentle wear including light thinning of the red finish at the very edges and some surface darkening on the copper reverse. It comes rigged with a single, heavy-duty hook attached via a split ring, ready for casting. The specific oblong shape and concave surface were designed to produce a wobbling action upon retrieval, mimicking distressed baitfish. Historically, the Dardevle's reliability led to its inclusion in American aviation survival kits during the mid-20th century. Each of these spoons was pressed using proprietary dies at the company's long-standing facility in Dearborn, Michigan.