Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle JT Buel, 1/2oz spinning lure #12232

Red and white striping on the oval blade identifies this Dardevle JT Buel as a staple of the Eppinger brand. Tipping the scales at 1/2 oz (15 g) and measuring 4 3/4" (12 cm), this lure, product code 12232, features a feathered trailer that combines earth tones with a flash of red. Red beads are stacked along the wire shaft, acting as spacers for the clevis and adding a subtle point of interest. On the reverse side of the blade, the silver finish remains bright and clearly shows the stamped manufacturer details and the famous devil head logo. This particular specimen is in exceptional shape, warranting a 5/5 condition rating. The hair on the tail is full and securely tied with red thread, intended to provide bulk and profile during a retrieve. Its construction reflects the quality of American-made tackle from the mid-century era, with a heavy-gauge wire frame and a precisely bent eyelet for line attachment. The combination of the classic red-and-white pattern with a spinning blade and feathered hook makes this a specialized variant in the Dardevle family.