Vintage Carved Wood and Metal Polychrome Painted Folk Art Fish Decoy Signed "ra"
Description: A very nice small size vintage carved wood fish decoy colored in green and yellow color with a black highlights and red bottom. This decoy appears to be carved of a single piece of wood and is painted in green, yellow, black, and red. The decoy has minimum carved details and is carved to show the general form of the fish. The fins and the tail are inserted tin pieces that have been painted. The fish has two plastic eyes. They are red in color with a central black spot. The decoy comes equipped with several holes in its back fin to hang from. The decoy is weighted with lead and is painted in red on the bottom with the initials “ra” carved in it. A nice vintage decoy which would make a great addition to your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain, but most likely sometime in the mid 1900s (mid 20th century) or possibly earlier.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~5" long, ~1 3/4" at its widest including the fins, and about ~2 1/4" at its highest including the top and bottom fins. The piece weighs about 2.3 ounces.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Marked with the letters "ra" on the bottom.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: Truly a nice and very interesting fish decoy. A beautiful and nice piece which would make a worthy addition to your collection of fish decoys.
Condition: The decoy is in very good condition, with no breaks, cracks, or repairs. The piece has s few minor scratches, some dings to the surface, and some losses to the paint especially above the gill, on the back, and around the mouth (see the first photo). The piece is a bit soiled and would benefit from a good cleaning to bring out its full beauty. A truly nice piece worthy of a spot in your collection. Please view the photos for additional condition information.
