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

10” Northern Pike Ice Spear Fishing Decoy by Chris Goplerud (1959 – 2022), Park Rapids, Minnesota, circa 1990s. I obtained this outstanding fish from Chris’s Dad John Goplerud (also deceased), who was very proud of his son’s fish decoys. This Decoy displays an Outstanding Pike Style Craving with added detail, and the Original Paint is in a Realistic Pike Style. As with most Minnesota decoys, it has a Wood Body, Paint Eyes, and Metal Fins. The Paint shows some age grazing, staining on the bottom, and may well have been used and older then when I obtained it. Chris Signed the Bottom: “C.G.” Stand Not Included. An Exceptional Pike Style Fish Decoy from Minnesota.

(FD636)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information. 

SOLD