Anyone seen these before?...

Joe Friday

Joe Friday

Well-known member
From the Duck-In decoy company of St. Louis, MO.....


I saw this today in an antique shop in Farmville, NC -- A canvas cloth feeder mallard decoy. Quick research says these decoys were made from 1938 to late 40s. They were reportedly filled with cork. This one was in very good shape, almost pristine. ( I wonder if it's not a reproduction) Asking price was $75, but I think it could be had for $45 or $50. I learned that a man named John Reinhart applied for a patent for this decoy in 1937, and the patent was granted November 1, 1938. The patent expired in 1955. The patent is viewable online with a drawing and complete description. I found some for sale on EBay, later.View attachment 20201221_120602.jpgView attachment 20201221_120542.jpg

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They are in American Factory Decoys - by Henry A. Fleckenstein, jr. page 71. "Offered in Mallard, Pintails and Black Ducks, $6 per dozen, with cords and anchors - per 1937.

Have seen them at the old Ohio Decoy show at Westlake, many years ago. Always quality decoy collectors and vendors from all over North America. If it was made you could find it in at least one of the rooms,

The one in your photo is in very good condition.


I always use tip ups in my marsh rigs, cuz they work.

VP
 
Pretty sure I have a pair in the basement. They were in my father's collection, I don't believe they were ever used. Now they're on my radar I need to take a look. Very interesting, kinda makes me want to make one out of cork for use with a jerk string.
 
SJ Fairbank said:
Pretty sure I have a pair in the basement. They were in my father's collection, I don't believe they were ever used. Now they're on my radar I need to take a look. Very interesting, kinda makes me want to make one out of cork for use with a jerk string.
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The ones that I have are made of cork. From Teal, up to Black Ducks and Mallards.

If ya weight em just right they work fine in a chop, and with a jerk string in small calm waters.

In the early 80's The Old Guide sold them. I bought one, and then made the others myself.


It is good that ya got the ones yer dad bought. A unexpected Christmas gift, you can now put on the shelf.

Gunnin' Decoys never go outta style.
 
Joe Friday said:
Here are 2 more pictures, showing the label....
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Yup, same label as in the book, and the decoys I saw in person.

Looks like mint condition considering the age. Doubt it was ever used.


Like the drake Mallard, head down feeding paint.

Have also made headless feeders, that were not tip ups.


"It's all been done."

All we do is continue the tradition of what works.

Toss that in a decoy contest tank these days, and most folks would laugh. Cuz they do not have a clue about decoy history, and it ain't' pretty.
 
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