just4decoys.com

Dedicated to the old working decoys of a bygone era

What's new this month and Purpose

New This Month:

New additions for the Month of September:

In the month of September, just4decoys is presenting 3 wonderful examples of John Black Graham's redhead decoy. The Graham redhead is rare and each example is from three different times in his life.  Also featured is a very rare example of a Moonlight Bait Company fish decoy. This fish decoy is the rare 8 1/2 inch large size. (Found under "Monthly featured Decoy")

Just4decoys has also added a new page "Fish Decoys-4" to the site. I will be adding some exciting fish decoys during the next few days. Please return often to see the new listings.

Please Enjoy!!

Purpose:

The purpose of this web site is to research and study Upper Bay Decoys and the men who carved them. Although many facts stated in this ongoing research have been proven throughout the years or have been documented by the old carvers personally or by people who personally knew them, the opinions expressed on this web site are just that, opinions. This hobby and it's research is ongoing as anyone who has studied decoys can tell you, "You never know everything, there is something to be learned everytime you look at a decoy" In stating this, we welcome all input and opinions as to the identification of the decoys and their makers. Please send all comments to just2decoys@aol.com

Pictures provided on this site are taken by me personally or given to me for the purpose of study by fellow collectors. Some collectors prefer to remain anonymous, but credit will be given to collectors who wish to have their names listed.

I hope you enjoy this site and will return frequently to see what is new and changing. I update the site monthly with new found facts. The category "Monthly Featured Decoy" will feature a different decoy with identification and history every month. This is usually updated on the last week of every month.

 

The Fish decoy category is exciting. I have been personally interested in Fish Decoys since I witnessed a Native American pulling a homemade wooden sled across a snowy lake in Northern Minnesota on a winter's day in the early 1960s. I saw him cut a hole in the ice, put down pine branches on which he then put himself. He then set his hand carved wooden decoy in the water and played it like a Marionette. He then raised his iron spear and thrust it into the water, pulling out a giant Northern. Information on these great decoys is limited and the study is unlimited and exciting. Any information is helpful and welcome.

 

A word of advice to new collectors:

I stay away from known fakes, forgeries, new made to look old, restorations, recently reheaded decoys and reproductions. These items have their collectors and place, but I prefer not to knowingly list or show these on this site. I do list and picture old decoys that have good honest gunning repaint because these were never made to sit on a shelf, they were made for use and repainted accordingly by the men who used them. This is a vital part of their history.