Exceptional Hollow Carved Double-Crested Cormorant Decoy by Reggie Birch, Chincoteague, Virginia / Berlin, Germany, circa 1980s. Reggie is well-known throughout the decoy world for his work as a carver and his place in the development of “contemporary antique” decoy carving, using traditional tools and carefully crafted aging techniques. This particular Hollow Craved Cormorant decoy was designed quite simply as a contemporary carving, reflecting the Characteristics of the Double-crested Cormorant. Form is a critical element of this carving and Reggie uses a Pronounced Head Display, Bold Bill Detail, and Full-Bodied Presentation to offer an Almost Full-sized Presentation the Species’ Character. Measurements: 26” in length, 9 ½” in width, and 9” in height. Paint is intriguing here because the Cormorant is basically seen as “black”, but Reggie has elaborated the Blackish Brown Feather Color with a dark Orange Bill, Greenish Sheen on the side of the Head, Blue-Teal Color of the Eyes, and a Subtle Accenting of the Feather Pattern which is most represented by the carving. It is Signed on the Bottom: Reggie Birch / Chincoteague, VA. Condition: Excellent Original Paint and Form with Minor Spotting on one wing. This Cormorant is one Exceptional Decoy.

(DX811)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.    Price $1195 plus shipping

Stylized Pair of Hooded Merganser Decoys by Marty Collins, Bridgewater, Massachusetts, circa Early 2000s.  As Rod Taylor points out in Hunting & Fishing Collectibles Magazine, Sept./Oct. 2010, pg. 35, “Today Collins is regarded by many as one of the preeminent carvers in America.” Many, if not most, of Collins’ carving display a strong Massachusetts influence, especially Joe Lincoln and Elmer Crowell. With these Mergansers, Marty displays the ability to take his favorite carvers to the next level with the Collins’ Brand of Decoys. These Decoys show the Rugged Construction of a Gunning Decoy and the Quality Carving of a “Preeminent” Maker. The Bills are Highly Detailed with Separation, Mandible, and Nostril Carving. The Crests are designed with Wood Inserts. The Body offers a Wide Presence a Distinctive Ice Groove behind the Head while the Tails Flare Out like a Hoodie. The Quality Paint Work suggests the Look of the Merganser on the Water, whereas, the Subtle Aging Enhances Use as a Gunning Decoy. Rigged for Use and Displaying an Inserted Weight, the Decoys are Boldly Branded: “M.D. Collins”. Measurements: 13” in length, 6” in width, and 6” in height (the Hen is just a bit smaller). A Great Pair of Hooded Mergansers ready for the Water or the Shelf.

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Price $850 plus shipping

Hollow Carved Sleeping Pintail Drake by Downeast Sportcraft Decoy Company, Freeport, Maine, circa 1946 – 1950. Apparently, the Downeast company grew out of a slow period in the construction business and ended rather quickly when that slowdown ended. Still, while the business lasted, the company created some fine decoys, mostly solid gunning birds but also some fine hollow decoys. The “Down East” Pintail offered here is a Hollow Carved Decoy in a Sleeping Pose with a Well-Designed Body Form, Textured Wood Finish, Small Glass Eyes, and Near Excellent Original Paint, Highlighting the Field Marks of the Pintail Drake. It displays Very Minor Wear with some original filler along the body seams. It measures 17” in length, 6” in width, and 6” in height. (For reference, see Ken Trayer’s North American Factory Decoys.) The Downeast Company may only have been in business for a short period of time, but they created some quality decoys the coastal hunter.

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Price $495 plus shipping

Appealing Pair of Old Squaw (Long-tailed Duck) Decoys 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 this is the first opportunity we have had to offer a pair of Old Squaw Decoys. This Pair remains in Very Good Original Condition, the Drake displaying a Turned Head and an Inserted Leather Tail while the Hen is a Straight Head and Simple Tail Form. The Decoys display Strong Original Paint with Very Minor discoloration from Age. The Bills have both mandible and nostril carving; the Eyes are finely carved and delicately painted; the Bodies are appropriately small and short with the Paint Pattern representative of the birds in winter. The Drake measures 16” in length, the Hen 12”; both are 4 ¾” in width and 5 ½” in height. Each decoy has carved in the bottom: “FJ Dobbins / Jonesport / Maine”.  A Very Appealing Pair of Frank Dobbins Old Squaw Decoys. (DX827)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.   Price $295 plus shipping