Museum Archive: Vintage Eppinger Weedless Dardevle, 1oz Frog / Nickel fishing spoon #8249

Tipping the scales at 1oz (28g), this heavyweight casting spoon provides the heft needed for reaching distant pockets of open water. Stamped clearly on the nickel-finished reverse side is the "DARDEVLE DETROIT U.S.A." mark, which roots this specimen in the company's historic Michigan heritage. This 3 1/2" (9cm) specimen, identified as product code 8249, showcases a classic frog pattern with yellow crackle-finish rings and black centers over a deep forest green face. Designed for heavy cover, it features a fixed single hook protected by a sturdy wire weed guard. A tuft of bright red feathers is attached to the rear, adding a visual accent to the hardware. The finish and stamping are remarkably well-preserved, earning this lure a solid 5/5 condition rating. The hallmark concave profile and oblong shape are products of the proprietary dies Eppinger has used in the USA since Lou Eppinger began crafting these in his basement in 1906.