Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Lildevle, 1/8oz Black / White / Nickel fishing spoon #2053

Weighing exactly 1/8oz (3.4g), this small-profile spoon is a quintessential piece of Detroit-born angling history. This Dardevle Lildevle, listed under product code 2053, measures 1 1/4" (3cm) and displays a clean diagonal paint pattern in black and white over a nickel-plated body. On the reverse side, the clear "LILDEVLE DETROIT U.S.A." stamp connects this piece to the early production era of Lou Eppinger’s company before their 1959 move to Dearborn. The finish is in remarkable 5/5 condition, exhibiting no significant wear on the paint or the polished nickel back. Its construction features a single treble hook attached by a robust split ring, designed for effective casting for panfish and trout. The oblong shape and concave face are the same proprietary designs Eppinger has used for over a century to create specific flash and visibility when retrieved through the water column.