Mint 10” Butterfly Gar Ice Spear Fishing Decoy with its Original Box by Tony Smith, Macatawa Bait Company, Holland, Michigan, circa Early 2000s. The Macatawa Bait Company was started in 1976 by Tony Smith and I bought one of Tony’s small trout in an early box style from a Michigan dealer. Then a few years ago, I bought a number of exceptional fish decoys from Tony and this is the last one. This Butterfly Gar is an Excellent Example of the Critter Style work done in Michigan by Tony’s company. The Fish are Extremely Well Carved with excellent detail, Complemented with Extra Fine Paint, and Fully Rigged, as the photographs suggest. They are simply outstanding collector pieces. This Butterfly Gar is in Mint Original Condition and comes with its Original Box. Stand Not Included. An Outstanding Ice Spear Fishing Decoy.

(FD621)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

Price $225 plus shipping

Early Frog Style Ice Spear Fishing Decoy by David E. Perkins (1934 – 2018), Duluth, Minnesota, circa 1960s. Perkins started making fish decoys in the late 1940s and Marks them “D.F.D.” for Duluth Fish Decoys. With the growth in interest in Perkins’ Fish, he began to give them a Folky Design starting in the 1980s – 1990s. (See Petersen’s Folk Art Fish Decoys.) This 10” Frog is an Example of the “Critters” Perkins made prior to his serious folk art period. It is Boldly Designed, has Glass Eyes, a Cut Mouth, and Spinner Feet. The Paint is Excellent and Original and reflects a “Bull Frog” look. The weight is Stamped: “D.F.D.”. No Stand Included. A Terrific Collectible Fish Decoy.

(FD616)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

SOLD

Early 8” Spotted Trout Ice Spear Fishing Decoy from Michigan, circa 1930s. This is a wonderful old decoy that has served its practical work to lure in fish for dinner. Now it’s an artifact of the past and a splendid piece of Folk Art. The colors on this are terrific, with a Deep Burgundy Base Coat with Green and Gold Spots throughout. All appears Original. The Craving is also appealing. The Fish has Gill Carving and a Tiny Cut in the Front for an Open Mouth. The Tiny Black Glass Pin Head Eyes create further appeal. The Tin Fins are typical of a time past and they are also painted. This Early Michigan Fish Decoy is Something to be Admired.

(FD638)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

Price $145 plus shipping

Neat Little 4 ½” Sunfish Spearing Decoy Painted in an Abstract Pattern by Joe Dalton (1936 – 1995), Blackduck, Minnesota, circa 1990s. Dalton’s work is discussed in Donald Petersen’s Fish Decoy Makers: Past and Present. This Solid Little Fish carved from Cedar displays Painted Tack Eyes, Cut Mouth & Gills, a Slightly Curved Wood Tail, and Excellent Original Paint. The Fish is Branded “JD” on the Bottom and Signed “Joe Dalton”. The Fish was originally purchased from Art Kimball back in the early 1990s and kept in our collection until the present. Eye Catching.

(FD644)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information. 

Price $95 plus shipping