Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Skeeter, 1/16oz Frog / Nickel fishing spoon #11719

A vibrant Frog finish with yellow circular accents defines the top of this Eppinger Dardevle Skeeter. Assigned product code 11719, this small spoon weighs just 1/16 oz (2 g) and measures 1" (2.3 cm) in length. The reverse side features polished nickel plating with a deep, clean stamp that reads "DARDEVLE SKEETER U.S.A." accompanied by the trademarked devil logo. Eppinger has been crafting these lures since 1906, and this specimen retains the sharp edges and specific concave profile the Michigan-based brand is known for. The hardware includes an original treble hook and split ring, both showing no signs of oxidation. In 5/5 condition, the lure appears as a well-preserved collector’s piece with no paint loss or scratches on the metallic back. While larger versions of the Dardevle were famously packed into military survival kits, the Skeeter’s small size makes it a specialized tool for light-tackle casting for trout or panfish.