Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Imp, 2/5oz Red / White / Nickel fishing spoon #9591

Stamped clearly on the nickel-finished back are the words "DARDEVLE'S IMP" and "U.S.A.," marking its origin from the legendary Eppinger factory in Michigan. This specific specimen, bearing product code 9591, features the iconic red-and-white striped enamel finish on its concave front. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) and weighing 2/5 oz (11 g), it represents a mid-sized profile highly effective for northern pike and bass. With a condition rating of 4/5, the spoon shows gentle signs of its vintage, including minor paint chips at the eyelet and along the edges, though the primary stripes remain vibrant. Lou Eppinger began crafting these in his Detroit basement back in 1906, and the heavy-duty hardware—including the copper-toned split ring and bronze-finished treble hook—reflects a long-standing commitment to durability. The reverse side's polished nickel surface provides high-contrast flash, particularly useful in clear water settings. Its unique oblong, concave shape is precisely engineered using proprietary dies to ensure the specific wobble that made these spoons famous enough to be included in WWII aviation survival kits.