Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Midget Trout, 3/32oz Frog fishing spoon #23461

Green crackle paint provides the base for a distinctive Frog pattern on this vintage Eppinger spoon, accented by bold yellow circles with black centers. As a Dardevle Midget Trout (Product Code 23461), it represents a smaller profile in the legendary lineup, measuring exactly 1 1/2" (3.5 cm) in length. This lightweight specimen weighs in at 3/32 oz (2.5 g), making it a specialized choice for targeting stream trout or panfish on light tackle. The convex side features the unmistakable black-inked devil face graphic, a hallmark of the Detroit-based brand founded by Lou Eppinger in 1906. Flipping the lure over reveals a clean, polished silver finish stamped with the "DARDEVLE MIDGET" identification. The original hardware, consisting of a single split ring and a sharp treble hook, remains intact and functional. Based on the integrity of the paint and the clarity of the stamps, this lure is in 5/5 condition. The small-scale construction demonstrates why these lures became staples in survival kits during wartime; their compact size and reliable casting weight allowed for efficient fishing in diverse environments. The yellow spotting is precisely aligned, and the green crackle texture is consistent across the entire metal body.