Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Imp, 2/5oz Red / White / Nickel fishing spoon #14195

Stamped clearly into the nickel-finished reverse, the names "DARDEVLE IMP" and "U.S.A." verify the long Midwestern heritage of this classic spoon. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) in length and weighing 2/5 oz (11 g), this Eppinger creation is a staple for those targeting pike or bass with a casting or trolling approach. The traditional red and white striped finish on the convex side shows signs of honest use, resulting in a 3/5 condition rating where the paint has chipped away at the edges and across the face, exposing the underlying metal. This wear is characteristic of a lure that has spent years in a tackle box. Attached to the rear via a robust split ring is the original treble hook, which remains securely fastened. These lures were famously manufactured using proprietary dies to achieve their specific concave shape, a design Lou Eppinger perfected in Detroit before moving operations to Dearborn in 1959. Even with the paint loss on this Product Code 14195 specimen, the weight distribution remains balanced for long casts. The nickel-colored back remains bright, providing the flash necessary when fishing in clearer water environments.