Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Imp, 2/5oz Red Devle/ copper fishing spoon #18718

Stamping on the copper underside reveals the "DARDEVLE IMP U.S.A." branding, a hallmark of Eppinger’s American-made craftsmanship. Weighing 2/5 oz (11 g) and measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) in length, this lure carries the legendary Red Devle finish of a white diagonal stripe across a vibrant red field. You can see some minor paint nicks from its journey through time, but the spoon is remarkably clean, warranting a condition rating of 5/5. The hardware is comprised of a single treble hook attached via a robust split ring. Eppinger spoons like this one have a deep history, even appearing in military survival kits due to their proven effectiveness. Built using the company’s proprietary dies in Michigan, the 18718 model utilizes a specific concave shape to catch the light. The copper reverse side is especially useful for fishing in cloudy water, providing a warm shimmer that complements the high-contrast stripes on the front.