This is a Big Sky Carvers Mallard Drake Decorative Decoy carved in a preening pose. It was made in the year 2000, is signed by the artist, Chris Linn, and is numbered 1126. Photos give a good description. It is in good shape with a few tiny nicks. On the front on the forehead there are some tiny light colored lines, possibly wood sap, that appear to be there from when it was finished. It is life size, measuring 13.5 inches from chest to tail. It is 7.25 inches tall, 6.5 inches wide, and weighs just over 2 pounds. We have loved Big Sky Carvers Decoys over the years and this is a nice one. It has the typical hand painted finish using paints and transparent stains. The turned, preening head adds to its beauty. By 2000 Big Sky Carvers were located in Manhattan, Montana, and the Company had undergone ownership changes. This decoy is more typical of their earlier decoys though It would make a great gift decoy for a young hunter or anyone who has enjoyed seeing this beautiful, and common, bird in the wild.
This is a Decorative Canadian Goose Decoy. It has a brand on the underneath that says, Exclusively Designed for Abercrombie & Fitch. It is also signed by S. Huntsman and has ” Canadian Goose, ” written in their handwriting. It is not dated. It is near perfect but does have a few very slight nicks on its head and also a couple of small blemishes in the paint on its side, which appear to be how the artist left it. Photos give a clear picture. We thought it to be a wonderful decoy. Smaller than life-size, it measures 15 inches from beak to tail. It is 8 inches tall, 6.5 inches wide and weighs 2 pounds, 9 ounces. Our best guess is that it was made for Abercrombie and Fitch by Big Sky Carvers of Manhattan, Montana, probably in the 1990’s. It has been hand painted by a very skilled artist with each feather showing lifelike detail. Anyway, the Abercrombie name helps its value. We thought it a special gift for anyone who appreciates the beauty of a Canadian Goose, whether they pursue them in the field or not.