Jim Schmiedlin The "missing" Schmiedlin Canada Goose

Jim Schmiedlin (1945-2015) Bradford Woods, PA, 1996 26 in. long

A Pittsburgh native, Jim Schmiedlin proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1971. He began carving in his spare time while working at Pittsburgh Brewing (Iron City Beer). Today, Schmiedlin’s work ranks among the most sought-after of any decoy maker of the past seventy-five years.

Schmiedlin geese are exceptionally rare; only four are known to have been carved. As with the celebrated Harry V. Long Canada goose trio by Elmer Crowell nearly a century earlier, Schmiedlin’s geese represent the pinnacle of his artistry and are nearly impossible for collectors to obtain. In fact, this particular high-head decoy was considered “missing” within collecting circles.

Of the four geese he made, one remained with the family in Pennsylvania and the other two have each set record prices for contemporary decoys when they surfaced at auction.

This example displays a bold and elegant design, featuring a high, turned head and a fully hollowed body. The paint is executed with Schmiedlin’s finest blended feathering, and the layered wings and carved tail reflect the influence of Elmer Crowell, who famously used incising, overlapping wing tips, and subtle blending. Also notable is the expertly rendered bill carving.

Geese often inspire a carver’s best work, and Schmiedlin did not miss the opportunity; this is among the finest decoys he created for his personal hunting rig.

In addition to the maker’s “REWARD FOR RETURN” and “JAS” brands, the underside’s keel is removed, and it carries numerous handwritten notes documenting its gunning and collecting history, including a reference to the Thompson Bay photograph. There is a long painted inscription from Jim to Betty Williford. Outstanding original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Jim Schmiedlin Rig Betty Williford Collection Matt Geis Collection

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Winter Sale 2021," February 2021, lot 488, rigmate illustrated. David W. Hodgman, "Jim Schmiedlin: Making the best darn gunning decoys in the land," Decoy Magazine, May/June 1999, pp. 32-35, information on the carver.

Provenance

Jim Schmiedlin Rig Betty Williford Collection Matt Geis Collection