Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Imp, 2/5oz Red Devle fishing spoon #20950

Stamped clearly on the reverse side with the "DARDEVLE IMP U.S.A." mark, this spoon confirms its place in the long lineage of American metal tackle. Weighing 2/5 oz (11 g) and measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm), the lure features the iconic Red Devle pattern, consisting of a bold red base with a distinct cream stripe running down the center. This specific specimen, cataloged under product code 20950, exhibits the proprietary concave shape that Lou Eppinger developed in Detroit to produce a specific wobbling movement. Its condition is a solid 4/5; the metal shows honest signs of use through scattered paint loss and light surface marks, particularly along the edges where the red finish has thinned. The hardware remains intact with a silver-tone treble hook secured by a heavy-duty split ring. Historically, the effectiveness of the Eppinger design was so well-regarded that these lures were once included in military aviation survival kits. The weight and finish make it a versatile choice for casting in various light conditions, relying on its flashy profile to grab attention during a slow retrieve.