This is an unbelievable find of 5 Classic Michigan Canvasback Decoys in original condition and paint.This auction is for the lot of 5 decoys.I will not separate the group.I have photographed the rig together and also provided an individual close-up photo of one of the birds. Please email me if you need additional photos. Found in Central Wisconsin the owner told me that these decoys are from Michigan but their exact origin is unknown.They were all carved by the same skilled hand and each one is a little different.Some have comb painting and some do not.Several have raised wing tips and some are plain.Each head is distinctive yet similar.I believe the carver was trying to represent variety in the decoy rig to replicate how a flock of wild birds appearance varies in nature.The carver is yet to be identified but is a very skilled craftsman.I would estimate their age to be 1940’s.These decoys have rich patina on the original paint.There is no touch up or repaint.Areas of each decoy show alligatoring of the finish that comes only with time as further evidence of their age.The surfaces of all decoys are dry and untouched.Beside slight wear from hunting, there is no damage to any of these birds.This rig of birds is the way we used to find decoys in the 1960’s.We thought nothing of keeping the best bird from a rig for ourselves and selling or trading the rest.This is a group of original rig mates just as they were found.This is a magnificent rig of Canvasbacks that could be the center of any collection.An opportunity to buy a group of decoys like this may never happen again.
