I bought a decoy shop.. well kind of..

[Anthony Babich]

A recent addition to my collection “The Decoy Shop” Made by Keith Littlejohn in 1997. This detailed Shadow Box depicts the workshop of Harry Jobes of Havre De Grace Maryland. Incredible detail! Will be presented for display as a main-exhibit for the March 8, 2025 LIDCA Show Hosted by The Long Island Decoy Association. The full story, description and carver bio will be available as well. Come check it out!

After much research and networking I was able to get in-touch with the artist: Keith Littlejohn of Newark, Illinois. Keith creates some amazing detailed pieces of art that have been featured in many museums, exhibits, famous individuals homes & more. After a lengthy conversation I was able to put together a nice display to exhibit Keith's work some of which was featured within the "Hunting & Fishing Collectables Magazine" updates will be posted after our March 2025 show!
Stay Tuned..

 

[Anthony Babich]

 

[Bob M]

VERY cool Anthony

 

[Eric Patterson]

Anthony

So much to like in your post. I wonder what Keith's tools of the trade are. All hand tools and mostly carving and shaping to make each item, or is he using power tools as well. I imagine he has a ton of little tricks he's figured out over the years.

 

[Anthony Babich]

Anthony

So much to like in your post. I wonder what Keith's tools of the trade are. All hand tools and mostly carving and shaping to make each item, or is he using power tools as well. I imagine he has a ton of little tricks he's figured out over the years.

Eric, from what we discussed many are HAND carved! However due to severe Arthritis Keith is unable to continue his passions like he used too. The smaller metal objects like lathe, clamps, table / shelf supports were sent out to a miniature fabricator shop where they do customized die-casting work. Just unbelievable the time that went into something like this... I'd imagine constructing an actual shop would take less time haha

 

[Eric Patterson]

I'd imagine constructing an actual shop would take less time haha

I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case.

 

[Eric Patterson]

Anthony, now I'm going to have my eye out for more of Keith's work. Like this one.

Keith Littlejohn (IL), GUIDE SERVICE

Newark, Illinois, late 20th century, mixed media model with hand carved and painted objects, metal and fiber materials on wooden stand, plaque painted with YE OLD GUIDE SERVICE / AK LITTLEJOHN.

www.lelandlittle.com

 

[Anthony Babich]

Anthony, now I'm going to have my eye out for more of Keith's work. Like this one.

Keith Littlejohn (IL), GUIDE SERVICE

Newark, Illinois, late 20th century, mixed media model with hand carved and painted objects, metal and fiber materials on wooden stand, plaque painted with YE OLD GUIDE SERVICE / AK LITTLEJOHN.

www.lelandlittle.com

That was one of his LAST pieces! Great price too

 

[Eric Patterson]

Houston Lewis is another whose art is in the same realm.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/199184717_houston-lewis-nc-b-1944-guide-skiff-with-blind

 

[Chris Hughes]

Houston Lewis is another whose art is in the same realm.

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/199184717_houston-lewis-nc-b-1944-guide-skiff-with-blind

Love the sacks of corn... yellow gold.

 

[Vince Pagliaroli]

Capt. Harry was a regular fixture at the Westlake Ohio Decoy Show in the 1980's & 1990's. He had a corner suite on the bottom floor. His get togethers/parties were seafood extravaganzas, standing room only jammed packed with decoy loving people. The weather was always cold and snowy. Ya knew Capt. Harry was in attendance by all the tubs, bushels and boxes of seafood outside his suite. Made me smile when I pulled into the parking lot and saw that.

He also brought plenty of his fine decoys and would set up in the ballroom. I got this Wigeon Drake from him for $30. He asked if I'd like it signed? Yes Sir. Then he placed it in the plastic fish bag and I was a happy man. The brushwork on his decoys has confidence, flair and is impeccable. The man made mighty fine Decoys.

After I retired we would go to the Havre De Grace decoy show and also visit the museum. Capt. Harry was always in attendance those were all wonderful times.

 

[Vince Pagliaroli]

I was incorrect, checked the tag on the decoy price I paid was $60. Mary Lee has suggested I place tags on my huntin', fishin' & art items I've accumulated over the years. Ya know why.

 

[HenryHawthorne]

I was incorrect, checked the tag on the decoy price I paid was $60. Mary Lee has suggested I place tags on my huntin', fishin' & art items I've accumulated over the years. Ya know why.

Don't let her increase your life insurance!

 

[Crimediver]

I picked up about a dozen of Capt. Harry Jobes decoys at a church thrift store about 10 years ago. Assortment of divers and puddle ducks and one goose. All signed. I paid 15 bucks apiece. I also got a rustic wall clock with a canvasback on it. The clocks numbers are small carved shotgun shells. I thought I got a deal.