Decoy ID Help

[John Fraser]

Hello,
It's been a while since I posted, but I do enjoy visiting here from time to time to see what you're all up to. I recently bought this hen broadbill in Nova Scotia and am hoping that you can tell me something about it. It's very light wood (perhaps balsa) and appears to have a vertical seam that can be seen above the centerline on the photo of the bottom. Something unique about it is the way the head dowel is loosely inserted through a metal sleeve and then wired to an eye screw on the bottom. Perhaps for removing/switching the head or to get a little swinging action when floating in the water.

I recently posted this question on a Canadian decoy FB page, although that may have been an inaccurate assumption on my part as to the decoy's origin. One member thought it was from the Hudson Decoy Company in Pascagoula, MS. However when I look up Hudson Decoys I just don't see the resemblance. The Hudson bodies appear narrower and with what I believe are lathe marks, similar to other factory birds.

Thanks for looking.

- John

 

[John Fraser]

 

[John Fraser]

 

[Steve Sanford]

John~


Good to hear from you!


Neat bird - but I have no real insights. Well-carved, with nice details in the wings and back. The grain sure looks like balsa to me - laminated with the seams running vertically as with many Wildfowler and Herter's decoys. I believe that balsa became available after WW II - often in the form of surplus life rafts.


All the best,


SJS

 

[John Fraser]

Hello Steve,

Thanks for the input. I've resisted the urge to gouge my fingernail into it, but it does look and heft like balsa.

I continue to enjoy seeing the posts of your projects and have been using your painting tutorials to paint three rounds of urethane Aythya decoys (cans in 2020, broadbill in 2021, and redhead this year).

Here's a little video a friend took of me pouring one of those bodies:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aApjBfNuAzc


Hopefully I can stop by to visit on my next trip to VT.


Take care.


- John

 

[Steve Sanford]

John~


I enjoyed you tutorial. Great idea to use the mixing drill!


BTW: Here's the Partall film you described:







When I'm lucky, it peels off my mold - here for one of my XL Spray Shields - in almost one unbroken sheet.






When you stop by I'll tell you my tale of flotation foam, gravity and me.....


All the best,


SJS

 

[Vince Pagliaroli]

John,

I have dunno about it being a factory decoy IMO. I'm no expert.

The ice grove, stout tail, wingtip detail, and concave upper head give me a eastern Canada, St. Lawrence area marshes, and NY hunch. The way the head is attached is very clever for replacement and different positions mabbe. A good lightweight gunning decoy for marshes, small lakes, etc.

No matter the maker & gunner knew exactly what he needed to do the job. Has good honest gunning wear, but not abused. Would be curious to see the drake and the rest of the rig.


my 2 cents


Best regards
Vince

 

[John Fraser]

Thanks for the observations Vince. I agree that the maker incorporated some nice features into this one. I bought the decoy at a benefit auction and didn't get to examine it closely beforehand. So I didn't notice a lot of the details until after I purchased it.

Yes, it would be cool to see a few of it's rigmates!