Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Midget, 3/16oz Black / White / Nickel fishing spoon #9978

Stamping on the polished nickel reverse side clearly identifies this as an Eppinger original, marked "DARDEVLE MIDGET U.S.A." The high-contrast black and white diagonal stripe pattern on the front face is a staple for any serious spoon box. At 1 1/2" (3.5 cm) in length and a weight of 3/16 oz (6 g), this specimen is a prime example of the smaller profile lures used for light-line casting. You can see the iconic devil head graphic neatly detailed on the central white stripe. The hardware is solid, featuring a split ring and a sharp treble hook. Rated at 5/5, the condition is excellent, showing just the slightest hint of paint wear right at the line-tie hole, while the nickel back retains a brilliant mirror-like shine. Eppinger's history in Michigan shines through the quality of the metalwork, which was produced using their specialized proprietary dies. This color scheme, specifically chosen for its visibility in different water clarities, remains a favorite among those who appreciate the legacy Lou Eppinger started in his basement back in 1906. The concave shape of the metal body is the signature hallmark of the Dearborn factory's production.