Polychrome Painted Carved Wood and Metal Long Fish Decoy By Russ Allen of NJ
Description: A very nice long and large size vintage carved wood fish decoy. This decoy appears to be carved of a single piece of wood and is painted in very dark green or black with the bottom being gray in color. The decoy has minimum carved details and is carved to show the general form of the fish with its mouth extended forward and having what we believe are hard plastic small dark eyes. The fins and the tail are inserted tin pieces that have been painted in yellow and reddish brown. The decoy is weighted with lead on the bottom with the initials “ra” carved next to the weight on the bottom. 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 1980s or possibly later.
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~12 3/4" long, ~3" at its widest including the two central fins, and about ~3" at its highest including the top fin. The piece weighs about 10 ounces.
Maker: Unknown. Marks: Marked with the letters "ra" (for Russ Allen of New Jersey) 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 on top of the fish, along the bottom on the fish's left side near the back fin, and on the edges of the fins where the paint appears to be bubbling and falling off and continues to flake off the edge (see photos for additional details). The piece is a bit soiled and would benefit from a good wiping 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.
