Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Midget, 3/16oz Black Devle fishing spoon #21686

A stamped devil face icon sits at the center of the nickel body, identifying this Eppinger spoon as the classic Black Devle pattern. Weighing 3/16 oz (6 g) and measuring 1 1/2" (3.5 cm), this Midget model is cataloged under product code 21686. The concave reverse side is clearly marked with the "DARDEVLE MIDGET U.S.A." stamp, a branding tradition that dates back to the company's early years in Michigan. In its 4/5 condition, the specimen shows its age through light paint loss and chipping on the curved black stripes, though the polished nickel base remains bright. It features a single treble hook attached by a split ring, a robust hardware configuration intended for casting or trolling. Historically, these lures were so trusted for their effectiveness that they were included in aviation survival kits. The contrast of the dark lacquer against the metal finish is designed for high visibility across different water clarities. This specimen's specific oblong shape is achieved through the use of Eppinger's proprietary manufacturing dies.