Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Dardevle Spinnie Crystal, 1/3oz Crystal (Golden Scale), fishing spoon #15546

A textured Crystal (Golden Scale) finish covers the front of this 1 3/4" (4.5 cm) spoon, catching light with a distinct multifaceted glint. This specific specimen, bearing the product code 15546, weighs in at 1/3 oz (9 g), making it a versatile choice for standard casting setups. The concave back is clearly stamped with the "DARDEVLE SPINNIE U.S.A." mark, a nod to the proprietary dies Lou Eppinger developed to ensure specific water displacement. Based in Dearborn, Michigan, the manufacturer utilized this teardrop geometry to create a lure capable of reaching depth while maintaining stability. The hardware remains in excellent condition, rated 5/5, featuring a sturdy treble hook and split ring assembly that shows no signs of wear. The golden scale pattern is particularly effective in clear water environments, reflecting light in a way that mimics natural baitfish scales. It remains a prime example of the American-made tackle that Eppinger has produced for over a century, famously proving its reliability when the U.S. government included similar models in aviation survival kits.