Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Midget Trout, 3/32oz Brass fishing spoon #17543

Stamped clearly into the concave back, the "DARDEVLE MIDGET" marking identifies this classic piece of American tackle history. Weighing in at a delicate 3/32 oz (2.5 g), this brass-finished spoon is a refined example of Eppinger's precision manufacturing under product code 17543. At 1 1/2 in (3.5 cm) in length, the teardrop shape is a design hallmark perfected in Dearborn, Michigan, utilizing the company’s proprietary dies to ensure the signature movement Dardevles are known for. The solid brass color provides a natural glow in the water, making it a reliable choice for clear-water trout and panfish. Its hardware remains robust, featuring original-style split rings and a sharp treble hook. Looking closely at the metal, the specimen sits at a 4/5 condition, showing a light, uniform aging across its surfaces that confirms its vintage origins without compromising structural integrity. The line-tie end is pre-rigged with a sturdy split ring, ready for immediate use on a light spinning or ultra-light setup.