Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Spinnie, 1/3oz Ivory / Red / Nickel fishing spoon #3774

Sized at exactly 1 3/4 inches (4.5 cm), the stamped nickel back of this spoon confirms its authentic American heritage. The front face features a creamy ivory finish accented by a bold red tip at the line-tie end. Centered on the body is the unmistakable devil head logo, a symbol synonymous with the Eppinger brand since Lou Eppinger started hand-making lures in Detroit back in 1906. Flipping the 1/3 oz (9g) lure over reveals a clean nickel-plated reverse side, deeply stamped with DARDEVLE SPINNY U.S.A. Finding a specimen in such a well-preserved state—rated at a 5/5 condition—is a treat for any collector. The hardware, including the split ring and treble hook, remains bright and secure. These smaller Spinnie models are excellent examples of the proprietary dies Eppinger used to achieve their signature wobbling movement during a slow retrieve. For anglers working clear water, the flash of the nickel-finished back provides excellent visibility. Identified by product code 3774, this specific lure represents a lineage so effective it was once included in military aviation survival kits. The concave oblong shape is precisely formed to mimic the natural movement of baitfish without the need for high-speed retrieval.