Large Fish Speaking Decoy

Unique fish spearing decoy with a 2 ounce lead weight suspended from the bottom of a post extending down from the decoy's midsection. Comes with a chain used to attach another weight even further down. Weights may have been necessary to overcome the buoyancy of the decoy, or, more likely, served to achieve greater depth. Decoy has early worn red paint, over original black, and glass eyes, one of which we replaced. Carved scales, fins and teeth in open mouth. Appears to have had white paint outlining scales and fins at one point that is worn off in places. The tail may have had some wear or loss on top, but the flattened area on the bottom appears to be original, so it may have been flat on top originally also. 12 ½" L x 5 ½" H to bottom of post and apprx 7 ½" to bottom of 2 oz weight. Probably dates to the early 20th Century. Origin unknown, but probably used in the Great Lakes region, possibly for Muskellunge or Sturgeon given its size. (CI-8)

$450
 
(additional photos below)
 
Large Fish Speaking Decoy
 

© 2020  Blue Line Antiques.   All rights reserved