Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Red Eye junior, 1/2oz Nickel / Blue / Red fishing spoon #12830

Nickel-plated surfaces on this 1/2 oz (13 g) spoon feature a distinctive tri-tone pattern consisting of bold blue stripes and a vibrant pink-red accent toward the tail. Produced in the USA by Eppinger, the Red Eye Junior measures 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) in length and is specifically weighted for techniques that require a slow, steady retrieval—a method often necessary when targeting sluggish pike or perch in warmer waters. A defining characteristic of the 12830 model is the pair of faceted red glass beads, which are secured through the body with wire to create high-visibility strike points. These glass eyes reflect light from various angles, providing a focused visual trigger for predators. The hardware includes two treble hooks mounted via split rings at the top and bottom of the lure's body. Showing a condition rating of 5/5, the metal maintains a clean, bright finish and the painted stripes are well-preserved. This specimen highlights the robust construction and functional design that have kept the Red Eye series in tackle boxes for decades.