Duck and Fish Decoys, Folk Art, Art Glass, Decorative Arts and Furniture
Lot 44:
Description
A vintage hand-carved and polychrome-painted wooden fish decoy, utilized as a spearing lure for ice fishing. The body is carved from wood with a dark-painted dorsal surface and a yellowish-tan ventral side, both of which feature dark speckling to represent a trout. A single red-painted gill mark is located behind the head. The decoy is equipped with a vertical metal dorsal fin and four horizontal metal belly fins. Two lead weights are inset into the underside to provide balance and depth during use. A metal screw eye is mounted on the top of the dorsal surface for line attachment. The broad, flat tail is decorated with painted yellow striations. This piece lacks any visible maker’s marks or signatures.
Length: 9.5 inches.
Condition report:
The decoy shows significant age-related wear and a weathered surface. There is extensive flaking, chipping, and loss to the original paint across the body, exposing the natural wood underneath. All metal components, including the fins and screw eye, exhibit heavy oxidation and surface rust. The wood displays minor abrasions and drying consistent with age and utilitarian use.
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