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.

SOLD

Neat 6 ½” “White Fish” Ice Spear Fishing Attractor Decoy by Duane “Snook” Barrett (1937 – 2024), Osakis, Minnesota, circa 1980s. Barrett’s Fish Decoys are most influenced by the work of John Tax and his “working” fish are frequently imprinted with an “x” in the bottom weight, as is the case with this fish. Because he uses watercolors, in this case a Very Nice Black and Gray Pattern, his working fish are dipped in polyurethane to protect the finish. This fish is especially Appealing with Deeply Carved Eyes and a Bold Wood Tail. This 6 ½” fish is in Very Good Condition with Minor with some Minor In-Use Wear. Signed on the Bottom of one fin: Snook Barrett”. Stand Not Included. Very Neat Snook Barrett White Fish Decoy.

(FD645)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

Price $95 plus shipping

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