Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Imp, 2/5oz Orange / Red Stripe / Nickel fishing spoon #1865

Stamped clearly on the nickel back with "DARDEVLE IMP U.S.A.", this spoon reflects the long-standing heritage of Eppinger craftsmanship. The face features a vibrant orange finish bisected by a curved red stripe, further detailed with five black dots and the classic devil logo. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) and weighing 2/5 oz (11 g), the Imp is a mid-sized casting spoon suitable for a variety of freshwater predators. The specimen shows signs of use, with paint loss visible near the center and along the edges, while the nickel reverse has developed some surface spotting. The hardware consists of a single silver-tone treble hook attached via a split ring. Given the visible wear and minor oxidation on the metal, the condition is rated 4/5. This lure, carrying Product Code 1865, remains a solid example of the Detroit-born company's utility-focused design. Its high-contrast color scheme is historically favored for stained water or overcast days, relying on the classic concave shape to provide its signature underwater presence.