This is one of our favorite Decoys of all time. It is a decorative decoy Big Sky Carvers of Montana made for the Orvis Company for a collection they called’Folk Art Edition. It is signed by the artist who finished it, Kissy Durham, with her distinctive heart dotted’i’ but not dated. There is an Orvis brand on the bottom and also, Ms. Durham’s hand written words, Canada Goose. The photos give a clear description but also notice the finish, typical of Big Sky Carvers, using paints and transparent stains. It is a stylistic representation of a Canada Goose that is near life size. It measures 21.5 inches from beak to tail. It is 14.5 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and weighs 6 pounds, 10 ounces. We are guessing this gentleman was made during the mid 1980’s. Big Sky Carvers made a number of decorative decoys for Orvis, most of them may have an artist’s signature, frequently there is no link to Big Sky Carvers. Kissy Durham was one of the very talented artists they employed from the area surrounding Boseman, MT. This Decoy is without flaw with the exception of a drying crack in the wood which just adds character. It is the only one that we have found anywhere. Either very few were made or owners simply will not part with them. At no cost at the listed price.
This is a Big Sky Carvers Canvasback Drake Decorative Decoy. It was finished by Grace Blake but not dated or numbered. It does have her signature, her writing below her signature of “Canvasback, ” and the Big Sky Carvers branded logo. It is kind of a beast, somewhat reminding us of the oversized Canvasbacks done by Tom Taber. The branded logo says Manhattan, MT, so the Decoy was made sometime after they moved from Boseman, MT, in the early 90’s. It is larger than life-size, being almost 17 inches from beak to tail. It is 8.5 inches tall, 6.5 inches wide, and weighs in at nearly 4 pounds. We have loved Big Sky Carvers Decoys from the mid 80’s. We have preferred the earlier ones but this one is very well done and we would not have been surprised to find a date from the 80’s. The photos show the typical finish of paints and transparent stains that enhance the natural beauty of the bird. Anyway, it is in great condition and a worthy gift for anyone who appreciates one of the most beautiful of waterfowl…. Or a well done decorative decoy. At the listed price.