Decoy weights
- Thread starter John Ascherman
- Start date
Steve Sanford
Well-known member
John~
I would certainly NOT melt them down. I have never seen any like them. I am not a true collector - but I do have about 80 decoy anchors hanging from the ceiling in my shop - almost all of which my Dad and I have accumulated over our lifetimes.
Most are homemade - a big part of the charm for me - but I have a bunch of factory anchors as well. This mushroom-style was made by D. C. Sanford (a distant ancestor) - in Bridgeport, CT. It has most of the same properties as yours:
How heavy are they? They look like a nice design for low energy waters. For example, I use 3-ounce pyramid or bank sinkers on the rigs I use in beaver ponds and the like - and I have some very light mushrooms as well.
I recommend you enjoy them for what they are. You can use them for small-water rigs - or simply hang one from you shop ceiling.
BTW: I just gave a couple dozen anchors to a friend. They looked just like your Greenhawk anchors - but had no ID cast into them. I'll see if I have a photo to share.
All the best,
SJS
Last edited:
Steve Sanford
Well-known member
John~
Here is a glimpse of my "hangers"....
Here is the style that looks like your Greenhawk.
On the bench.
Just over 1 pound.
Here is the style I use for tidal waters.
I stow my decoys in compartmented bags - with the partitions sewn to the bottom. So, I can drop the anchor in, then the decoy.
All the best,
SJS
John Ascherman
Member
You're the one I wanted a reply from. I will not melt them. They feel like maybe a pound each? On the mighty Ohio River you always have the current you have to deal with. During winter time, it sometimes goes up a foot or two depending on snow or rain. That creates more current. No still water like in a pond. I guess this Sam Hern was a friend of Tom Restle? After reading the story on Tom Restle and Carl Hoecherl, I have kind of got intrigued with the whole process and started a small collection of his decoys and anchors. When I bought the anchors, I really didn't know what I was getting. Since I retired two years ago. I have had time to live life. I found this web page, found people have been making Trestle coated decoys for years. I have always hunted and went to work to pay bills and just trying to survive with a wife and two kids. Now there is grandsons I can possibly teach, if I live long enough? lol I always read your replys on here, because you have great ideas. You have learned the hard way with trial and error. Thanks a bunch, John
MLBob Furia
Well-known member
John,
Sam Hern was the founder of Hern Marine now located on Rt. 4 north of Cincinnati. He bought three Mercury outboard motors in 1947 and began building race boats in his backyard in Norwood, Ohio. As the first Mercury outboard dealer in Cincinnati, he expanded to family runabouts in the early 1950’s and opened Hern Marine on Seymour Ave, just across from the old Cincinnati Gardens. Sam was a duck hunter, and I have seen pictures of him hunting on the Ohio and it's sloughs hanging in the current Hern location. The business passed down to one of his sons and then was sold to new ownership in later years.
Your can of decoy anchors no doubt were fabricated by and belonged to Sam
Sam Hern was the founder of Hern Marine now located on Rt. 4 north of Cincinnati. He bought three Mercury outboard motors in 1947 and began building race boats in his backyard in Norwood, Ohio. As the first Mercury outboard dealer in Cincinnati, he expanded to family runabouts in the early 1950’s and opened Hern Marine on Seymour Ave, just across from the old Cincinnati Gardens. Sam was a duck hunter, and I have seen pictures of him hunting on the Ohio and it's sloughs hanging in the current Hern location. The business passed down to one of his sons and then was sold to new ownership in later years.
Your can of decoy anchors no doubt were fabricated by and belonged to Sam
@MLBob Furia is sure is nice to see you post. I hope all is well with you.
Steve Sanford
Well-known member
Bob~
Fabulous history! The Ohio River is a long way from Great South Bay but lots of people and tales in common.
All the best,
SJS
John Ascherman
Member
I didn't know this. It all makes sense now. The estate I bought these from was near Rt 4. I live in SE Indiana about 40 minutes to Hern Marrina. They are on the north side of Cincinnati. Learn something everyday. Thanks John
Vince Pagliaroli
Well-known member
This a prime example of why Duckboats is so important to all things waterfowl related, and more. Educational it sure IS.
Thank you Eric for all your hard work and passion for our lifestyle.
Thank you Eric for all your hard work and passion for our lifestyle.
MLBob Furia
Well-known member
Thanks, Eric. Everything is going well. still working hard at rehab on the back, and keeping busy. This summer has seen me able to get back to the Catskill Mtns. on my yearly trip there. Also traded my 22 year-old Tacoma with 250,000 miles on it for a new Santa Fe Hybrid. I'm getting a hitch put on my wife's 2018 Santa Fe next week, as that will be the new tow vehicle, and also getting the TDB & trailer ready for the coming season. Last year, Scooter and I missed the season entirely, but both of us will be up in the sloughs this year- she with screws in her surgically repaired leg, and me with my all that hhardware in my spine. We may both be moving a bit slower, but we'll be there! Hope to get her on some pheasants this year as well.
Had two pieces accepted into the Indiana Wildlife Artists 43rd annual juried art show held at the Minnistrista Museum & Gardens. One of them was chosen Best of Show. Show runs to October 10th.