Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Midget Crystal, 3/16oz Crystal fishing spoon #11800

A hammered 'Crystal' finish defines the visual character of this Eppinger Dardevle Midget, reflecting light across its textured surface from multiple angles. Weighing in at 3/16oz (6g) and measuring 1 1/2" (3.5cm) in length, this casting spoon is a classic choice for trout or panfish on lighter gear. The back of the spoon clearly features the stamped identification "DARDEVLE MIDGET," a hallmark of the Eppinger brand which has been operating out of Michigan since Lou Eppinger started the company in 1906. This specific lure, identified by product code 11800, displays a condition of 4/5. The brass-toned metal body shows the characteristic concave shape that provides its distinct movement through the water column. Its single treble hook is secured by a sturdy split ring at the top. While Eppinger moved production from Detroit to Dearborn in 1959, the manufacturing process continues to utilize proprietary dies to maintain the specific geometry of these American-made spoons. The 'Crystal' pattern on the convex side is intended to break up reflections, providing a different flash profile compared to the standard smooth-sided Dardevle variants found in many vintage tackle boxes.