Fish Decoy, Vintage Weighted Wood and Metal, Black and White Pike? Marked G.M. #10

Description: A very nice weighted fish decoy made of wood with metal fins and weighted with what we believe is lead. This is a decoy of what we believe is a Pike. The decoy is made of one piece of wood that has been painted in white with black spots, a black head and a black tail. The fish has metal fins that are not made of ferrous material (it does not stick to a magnet), which are painted in black. The decoy has red highlights on the edge of the tail, edges of the fins, the top of the head, the mouth, and the gills. The bottom of the fish is also painted in black as are the bottom of the fins. The bottom is also signed with the initials G. M., which we believe are the artist's initials and the number "#10." The bottom also shows that there is material that is inserted into the wood to give the piece a nice weight. The material which we believe is lead has been painted over with black. The fish has two small loops on top behind the head to attach it to a fishing line. The fish shows carved details in the head such as the mouth, the eyes, and the gills. It has five metal fins, two on each side and one fin on top. These fins are secured in the wooden body. The carving has two dark eyes on the head of the fish in the center of a white circle. The tail shows curvature. I am not certain, but it seems that this is a true working decoy, but was never used for fishing (why else would it be weighted?). Again, the decoy is marked G.M. #10 on the bottom. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.

Date: Uncertain, but most likely sometime in the period 1970's - 1990's.

Origin: Purchased at an estate sale in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Size: Measures ~7 1/8" long, ~2 5/8" at its widest, and about ~1 5/8" at its highest. The piece weighs about 3.6 ounces.

Maker: Unknown.

Marks: Marked M.G. #10.

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 excellent condition, with no breaks, cracks, or repairs. The piece has a few scratches, a few minor dings to the surface, and minimum loss to the paint if any. Additionally the sides of the decoy has what looks like soiling, right in the middle of each side. All of these issues are minor and do not distract from its quality or beauty. Please view the photos for additional condition information.