Steve Sanford
Well-known member
All~
My Dad bought 7 Model Canada Bluebill decoys from Herter's right after WW II. These were Herter's oversize decoys with balsa bodies. After he replaced them with (dozens of) the foam-bodied Model 72s - for gunning Broadbill on Great South Bay - he asked me to convert them to Whistlers - when I was in high school (late-1960s). Sharp eyes will notice that I re-shaped the bills just a bit....
Because my Dad had never added ballast keels, they commonly "turned turtle" when gunning in any kind of chop. Later - once into adulthood, I added Pine keels with lead poured into them. I also re-painted them (1980s). They have served me well.
As we are preparing for the LIDCA Show on March 8, I have been immersed in both Wildfowlers and Herter's decoys. I do have a Model 50 Bluebill - which I restored (with "antique) paint style) - but it is up on a shelf in our Lake Champlain camp. I may drive up to retrieve it - but wouldn't mind having another - or a pair. So - here is what I am "in search of":
If you have one, please let me know. I do not need original paint. In fact, a pair with honest in-use re-paint and any Herter's cast iron ballast below - would be great. (Redheads would be OK, too.)
All the best,
SJS
My Dad bought 7 Model Canada Bluebill decoys from Herter's right after WW II. These were Herter's oversize decoys with balsa bodies. After he replaced them with (dozens of) the foam-bodied Model 72s - for gunning Broadbill on Great South Bay - he asked me to convert them to Whistlers - when I was in high school (late-1960s). Sharp eyes will notice that I re-shaped the bills just a bit....
Because my Dad had never added ballast keels, they commonly "turned turtle" when gunning in any kind of chop. Later - once into adulthood, I added Pine keels with lead poured into them. I also re-painted them (1980s). They have served me well.
As we are preparing for the LIDCA Show on March 8, I have been immersed in both Wildfowlers and Herter's decoys. I do have a Model 50 Bluebill - which I restored (with "antique) paint style) - but it is up on a shelf in our Lake Champlain camp. I may drive up to retrieve it - but wouldn't mind having another - or a pair. So - here is what I am "in search of":
If you have one, please let me know. I do not need original paint. In fact, a pair with honest in-use re-paint and any Herter's cast iron ballast below - would be great. (Redheads would be OK, too.)
All the best,
SJS
