An Appealing Pair of Red-Breasted Merganser Decoys by Capt. Harry Jobes (1936 – 2019), Aberdeen, Maryland, circa 1979. Jobes was a well-known decoy carver in the Havre de Grace tradition, who worked as an apprentice for many years with Madison Mitchell before striking out on his own and now holds an honored place in the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. His three sons who learned well from their father are also considered major carvers from Havre de Grace and continue in the carving tradition. Harry was well-known on the antique and decoy circuit, for his carving ability, his salesmanship, and his incredibly storytelling character. This Pair of Merganser Decoy are Classic Harry Jobes, though earlier in his career. The Carving is distinctly Jobes, the Paint is Fully Original, though showing a bit of wear, and the Turned Head on the Hen displays a further animism for the rig. They are Fully Rigged and in Very Good “as found” condition. Each decoy is Signed: “Capt. Harry Jobes / Maker 1979”. Measurements: 16 ½” in length for the Drake (16” for the Hen), 6” in width, and approximately 8 ½” in height (no stand included). A Great Pair of Harry Jobes Mergansers from the 1970s.

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Price $400 plus shipping

Hard-to-Find Turned Head Eider Drake Decoy by Frank J. Dobbins (1907 – 1990), Jonesport, Maine, circa 1960s – 1970s. Jonesport is a “down east” coastal Maine village away from major thoroughfares, and the Dobbins name is well-established. Frank Dobbins became well-known to decoy collectors in the middle of the 20^th century. Frank created an abundance of decoys for both hunting and the tourist trade. Probably most notable are his Mergansers, a highly collectible species. Raven’s Way has handled a wide range of Dobbins decoys over the years, but his Eiders are quite hard to come by. Perhaps the Feather Patterns of Eiders pale in comparison to Mergansers. For Hunting Decoys, Eider Drakes are basically Black & White, though Bold on the Water and with a Pronounced Bill Form. Dobbins Drake is rather Sleek, presents a Simple Paint Pattern, has a Reaching Head at a Slight Angle, an Enhance Bill Form, and an Inletted Head in the Classic Down East Form. Clearly, Dobbins promoted his work with a Boldly Carved: “F J Dobbins / Jonesport / Maine”. Measurements: 18” in length, 6” in width, and 6 ½” in height. A Wonderful Dobbins Eider Drake Decoy.

(DX822)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information. Price $395 plus shipping