Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Imp, 2/5oz Black / White / Copper fishing spoon #12451

Stamped into the warm copper back, the 'DARDEVLE IMP U.S.A.' logo marks this 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) spoon as a genuine piece of Michigan angling history. Weighing in at 2/5 oz (11 g), the metal body features a high-contrast vertical stripe pattern in black and white, a versatile color combination intended for various water clarity levels. This specific specimen, cataloged under product code 12451, displays a condition of 4/5, showing some light paint loss along the edges and front surface that reveals the copper substrate without detracting from the central devil head graphic. Eppinger’s signature concave design provides the spoon with its characteristic wobbling action during a steady retrieve, a technical design hallmark that has remained consistent since Lou Eppinger began hand-making these in his basement. The hardware remains robust, featuring a classic treble hook secured by a sturdy split ring, suitable for both casting and trolling techniques.