Jim Schmiedlin Canvasback Hen

Jim Schmiedlin (1945-2015) Bradford Woods, PA circa October, 1987 16.75" long 9" wide Large and incredibly bold, this broad bodied hollow carved decoy was intended for and used on the rough open waters of Lake Ontario and Erie. As noted on the underside of the decoy; "From my own off-shore rig, this hen canvasback was used on the waters of L. Ontario (N.Y.), L. Erie (PA & N.Y.), L. Chatauqua (sic) (N.Y.), and Pymatumng Lake (PA & Ohio). Ducks were shot over this decoy by: J. Price, D. Lowther, M. Lowther, A. Little, C. Gentile, J. Honard, Jeff Cress, John Cress, F. Geloish, B. Symoski, myself, and others" - Jim Schmiedlin The hen has a beefy neck with a sharply turned to the left head. The bill details are refined and there is some carved texturing in the neck. The sculpturally formed body has pocketing below the raised wings with Jim's classic carved wing tips extending towards the relief carved tail feathers. Jim's carvings are amongst the most sought after of any working decoy maker who carved in the last 70 years. He mastered his own unique, original, and highly identifiable look. In earnest, his medium was simple, recycling wood and using deck screws. His tools mirrored nothing fancy. Yet he created one of the most elegant and recognizable working styles in waterfowling history. Condition: Original with light gunning wear to include some paint rubs on the edges of the decoy.