STRATFORD SCHOOL LATE 1800'S EARLY 1900'S BLACK DUCK DECOY. ESTATE FIND. CT. USA

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ALL PRODUCTS ARE SHIPPED FROM OLD SAYBROOK, CT. USA! CALL OR EMAIL CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH ANY QUESTIONS: - PHONE 24/7 OK-This one should get a LOT of attention! This is a recent find at an estate in the Bridgeport area near Stratford. From doing much research in the book "Connecticut Decoys-Carvers and Gunners" by Henry C Chitwood, It is surely from the area in which it was found. We have seen dozens of Startford school decoys but we are by no means true experts in them. This is a WORKING black duck decoy in completely original condition. This decoy has amazing lines, patina and feel to him. It is a true piece of Startford school history. The Stratford school of makers includes Roswell Bliss, Shang Wheeler, Albert Laing, Ben Holmes, Rathmell, Disbrow, Reginald Culver & Bladwin among others. We can not confirm which maker this is from but I am SURE there are people more experienced than we are who can positively ID this decoy. We obtained this bird from an estate in Bridgeport Connecticut. The orginal owner of the decoy had dozens on display in his home and we are listing several of them here on Ebay. His Wife recently passed away and left the estate to another family member. The birds in the collection where all from the early 1970's and before. From what we can gather is he passed away many years ago and the collection remained in the house untouched for decades. Nothing in the collection dates more recent than 1972. More on this decoy: It is hollow from two pieces of wood for the boday as can be seen in the pictures. It also appears to be an inletted bottom board similar to that of the very early Wildfowler decoys but we are not 100% sure and we are not going to mess with the patina or structure of the bird in any way. On the bottom the rectangular block of lead is mounted IN to the bottom of the wood. It has a small eyelet or fence nail for line on the front along with a brass screw. It is truley an amazing bird and a true piece of History. This decoy would be an incredible addition to any decoy collection and if you collect or have ever wanted to collect a real piece of history this is it! Any questions at all please contact us via email or phone or here in ebay. Reserve is very modest for the true value of this bird and if you can positively ID the maker the reserve is probably too low! About Harris Decoys and Harris Outdoors Since 1958 Why you can buy with confidence from us: All of the products from Harris Decoys/Outdoors are shipped fromour modest store in Old Saybrook, CT. Harris Decoys was founded back in 1958 by Richard and Marion Harris after the Wildfowler Decoy Company burned down in Old Saybrook. Both Richard and Marion worked for Wildfowler. For three generations now, Harris Decoys has made, restored, bought and sold both working and decorative decoys and other wildlife. In the book Wildfowler Decoys by Cowan and LaFountain, there is a chapter dedicated to the Harris family in Old Saybrook. There is also an article on Harris Decoys on the web at: /features/tidbits/harris.htm Bob Sr. who is a disabled Veteran still lives at the Harris Homestead in Saybrook with his Son Bob Jr. And his family where the Decoy shop is located. He works on a small number of decoys every year turning out incredible handmade works of art. Wildfowler and Harris Decoys have been noted as highly collectible and some of the best working decoys made. The Harris family has always been, and will continue to be great supporters of Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and Connecticut Waterfowlers Association to name a few. We have always had a passion for nature and everything that “is” Outdoors. We are family who loves to fish, hunt, camp and enjoy the Outdoors. That is why we have started Harris Outdoors. We will continue to sell great decoys but we will also be providing you great products that we use ourselves. We sell products that we believe in and we try oursel... read more

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