Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Red Eye junior, 1/2oz Nickel / Blue / Red Eyes fishing spoon #3977

Measuring 2 1/4" (5.5 cm) in length, the spoon’s body features a distinct two-tone finish of polished nickel paired with a vibrant blue stripe. This Eppinger Red Eye junior, identified by product code 3977, weighs in at 1/2 oz (13 g) and is a quintessential example of American-made tackle from the USA. The hallmark of this design is the pair of large, faceted red plastic eyes secured through the metal, intended to catch and reflect light even during the slow retrieve speeds often used for summer pike and perch. On the reverse side, the polished surface is clearly stamped with the "Red Eye Junior" name. The hardware consists of two sharp treble hooks attached via sturdy split rings at both ends of the lure. Rated at a condition of 5/5, the specimen shows a clean, mirror-like finish on the nickel half and deep saturation in the blue pigment. This spoon construction is engineered for a deliberate presentation, making it a functional choice for anglers targeting lethargic predators in warmer water.