Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Imp UV Weedless, 2/5oz 39 Mackerel (N)/никель fishing spoon #17530

Tipping the scales at 2/5 oz (11 g), this specific Eppinger model represents a modern technical evolution of the legendary Detroit-born spoon. Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) in length, the Dardevle Imp UV Weedless showcases a 39 Mackerel pattern with vibrant green hues and bold black tiger-stripes. Under ultraviolet light, the finish transforms to a luminous neon green, making it a distinct choice for deep water or overcast days where standard visibility is reduced. The concave oblong body of this model 17530 is a hallmark of the manufacturer's proprietary stamping dies, a process refined since the company's 1959 relocation to Dearborn. Being a weedless variant, it is constructed for casting into structure and vegetation where standard treble hooks might snag. The reverse is finished in a bright nickel, providing a high-flash contrast to the painted face. This specimen is unused and remains in its original packaging. A splash of red at the tail end serves as a targeted focal point.