Items Similar to Duluth Fish Decoy American Folk Art Carved Painted Orca Killer Whale Sculpture
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 18
Duluth Fish Decoy American Folk Art Carved Painted Orca Killer Whale Sculpture
About the Item
A scarce early Duluth Fish Decoy American folk art sculpture, depicting a Orca killer whale, hand-carved by the late David Earl Perkins (Duluth, Minnesota, 1934-2018), featuring the realistic original hand-painted black finish with cream white accents, glass eyes and metal fins, signed at the underside "DFD", on a lead weight. circa 1960s/1970s
Originally based on lures used for winter spear fishing, see below for the Duluth Fish Decoy story.
- Dimensions: (approx)
8" Wide, 3.25" High, 4.75" Deep
- Provenance / Acquisition:
Property from a prominent Dallas, Texas estate
Acquired from highly reputable auction house, Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas
- Very good original vintage condition with beautifully aged patina and typical wear, character and charm
- The Duluth Fish Decoys Story:
(From the DFD website and in the words of Dave & Jim Perkins)
"I guess it all started when I speared my first northern pike – what a thrill. The only thing better was to spear one lured in with a decoy I made myself. I made more decoys to spear more fish and found out I liked making decoys as much as spearing northerns. Well, soon enough, my decoy/lunch box had more decoys than lunch. So I laid off the making and stepped up the spearing. Then when the fish tore them up and they scraped up against each other in the lunch box and they rolled around on the floor of the dark-house they weathered with an aged, charactered, antique patina. It wasn't long before friends paid more mind to my spearing decoys than my fish stories. Said they’d like to have some to set on the mantle – said they were folky. So I laid off the spearing and stepped up the carving. Now I've been making DFD (Duluth Fish Decoys) spearing decoys for longer than I want to admit – they say you’re only as old as you think you are. Being on the north side of seventy, I been making them for… let’s just say a long time.
I don’t know a web site from a stick of fire wood but the kids and grand-kids have been pestering me to get one for years. In fact, I told Jim, you make the web thing and I'll make the decoys that go on it. But with the demand being more than I can keep up with, he's been making them right alongside of me - just like when he was a kid. Great to keep it in the family - two generations of DFD. Who'd of thunk it.
What a hoot it’s been to create something so enjoyed by others. Along the way our DFD decoys have ended up in The American Museum of Folk Art, on a limited edition print, in a governor’s mansion, in Hollywood actors' homes, in fishing decoy books, with interior designers, in art galleries, on a DVD, and now in a coffee table book devoted entirely to DFD. What a hobby it’s been – what a blessing of God. I hope to continue as long as my health holds out.
Lo, these many years later our DFD spearing decoys are still hand-crafted with that aged, weathered, antique patina. As with all folk art there’s no two alike. The pictures give the length of the decoy but it may vary by a half an inch. They all have glass eyes and are hand painted with a brush – no air brush for us. The lead belly weight is stamped DFD. They all function as working decoys – though most people prefer to set them on the mantle."
By Dave & Jim Perkins
- A wonderful curiosity:
Whimsical, charming, and unique, it makes for a fascinating and fun decorative object, complimenting some of today's most popular interior styles, including Hamptons coastal, traditional nautical, beach house, rustic modern, farmhouse, lodge, and more.
- Creator:Duluth (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 3.25 in (8.26 cm)Width: 8 in (20.32 cm)Depth: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s/1970s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very good original vintage condition with beautifully aged patina and typical wear, character and charm.
- Seller Location:Forney, TX
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5977237254942
About the Seller
4.8
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 2013
1stDibs seller since 2021
200 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: <1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Forney, TX
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Vintage American Folk Art Carved Painted Candlestick Statue PairLocated in Forney, TXAdd rich decorative character, whimsical elegance and rustic warmth with this one-of-a-kind pair of two vintage American folk art candle sculptures. Primitive handmade slatted solid...Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsWood, Paint
- Monumental Mexican Carved Polychrome Mermaid Dance Mask, Folk Art SculptureLocated in Forney, TXA magnificent life-size Mexican folk art hand carved and painted wood body dance mask, in the form of a mermaid, dating to the early 20th century, most likely originating in Guerrero, Mexico. Featuring a large nude female form, exquisitely detailed throughout, including intricately painted eyes, sculpted wavy hair and rich polychrome decorated scaled tail mounted with fish figure, having cutout for wearing around waist, moderately hollowed body reduces overall weight, and arms jointed at the shoulder allowing the arms to rotate and freely move when worn. Retaining later looped wires for hanging from the ceiling or wall. Great original antique / vintage condition with expected heavily distressed patina and chippy paint finish losses. All wear consistent with age and indicative of use. Provenance / Acquisition: From the collection of Mrs. Bettye Wellons, Austin, Texas. Acquired from highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, established in 1983, Austin, Texas. 2022 Texas Mansion Carved Antiques & Decor catalog. Overall dimensions: (approx) Raised on arms angled back with back head up...Category
Early 20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsWood, Gesso, Paint
- Large Antique East African Carved Wood & Bronze Antelope Deer Folk Art SculptureLocated in Forney, TXA large, rare, and most impressive antique hand carved and painted wood and metal stylized antelope African folk art sculpture with beautifully aged distressed patina. Handmade in East Africa, dating to around the late 19th / early 20th century, possibly earlier, this scarce, one-of-a-kind, museum quality work, features a richly detailed patinated bronze head and tail with etched textural elements, tall ears and faux ringed...Category
Antique Late 19th Century African Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsBronze
- Mid-Century Mexican Folk Art Carved Polychrome Painted Baby Christ Figure PairLocated in Forney, TXA charming pair of vintage Mexican folk art hand carved and painted Infant Jesus religious figures. circa 1960 Handmade in Mexico, mid-20th centu...Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Baroque Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsGesso, Paint, Wood, Glass
- 19th Century American Patriotic Barber Pole Open Sign Folk ArtLocated in Forney, TXA rare, likely one-of-a-kind, large antique, circa 1860s, early American hand carved, painted, and sculpted wooden patriotic barber pole advertising trade sign / open sign...Category
Antique Mid-19th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsWood, Giltwood, Paint
- Spanish Colonial Mexico Carved Painted Archangel Santo Religious SculptureLocated in Forney, TXA large vintage Spanish Colonial style Mexican religious folk art carved wood santo figure - bulto carving. Mid-20th century, Mexico, primitive hand-crafted construction, one-of-a-kind, likely depicting San Miguel Arcángel (Saint Michael the Archangel), hand carved gessoed polychromed solid wood figural sculpture, standing on integral plinth base, affixed with metal wings, right hand raised holding a sword. Provenance / Acquisition: From the estate of Margaret "Candy" Becker (Austin, Texas 1942-2022). She was an artist in all areas of her life who created art in many different media, including needlework, quilting, watercolor, acrylics, mosaic, and clay. Candy was a consummate traveler who spent time in Mexico, Guatemala, Japan, Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Spain, England, and Ireland. Acquired from the highly reputable auction house Austin Auction Gallery, est.1983, Austin, Texas. Important Western & Religious Art catalog Dimensions: (approx) 16" High, 10" Wide, 6.5" Deep Condition: Great original antique / vintage condition with nicely aged patina. Includes the original sword, which is very rare. Wear consistent with age and use, including scattered chippy paint losses and worn paint, nothing that detracts from the display but only adds to the overall authenticity, character and old world rustic charm Interesting, colorful, with a unique sculptural form and rich history, this large wooden statue would make for a wonderful decorative object - curiosity in your authentic Mexican hacienda, Santa Fe New Mexico adobe...Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsMetal
You May Also Like
- Folk Art Carved and Painted Owl Decoy, USA, 1900'sLocated in Buenos Aires, OlivosFolk Art carved and painted owl decoy, USA 1900's A decorative barn owl carving decoy Original paint with even wear. Mounted over a new iron stand.Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsWood
- American Folk Art Carved Cat SculptureLocated in Chicago, ILA whimsical and bold 20th century American Folk Art cared wood sculpture depicting a stylized seated cat with a long neck, expressive face, and a beautiful chip carved surface. It cr...Category
20th Century American Folk Art Animal Sculptures
MaterialsPine
- Provincetown Folk Art Carved Wood Whale Wall SculptureLocated in Douglas Manor, NY3-575 hand carved wood grey whale wall sculpture signed Claire on versoCategory
Vintage 1960s Wall-mounted Sculptures
MaterialsFruitwood
- American Folk Art House SculptureLocated in Chicago, ILEmbark on a journey through color and creativity with this 20th-century American Folk Art sculpture, a whimsical homage to the Chicago Imagist style, e...Category
20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsWood
- Ed Russ Killer WhaleBy RussLocated in Philadelphia, PAEd Russ carved argilite. Known as one of the best carvers, very fine attention to details. Signed bottom 1998.Category
1990s Canadian Anglo-Indian Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsStone
- Folk Art Carved Walking Cane, Snakes and FishLocated in Palm Springs, CAFolk Art carved walking cane with hand, 2 snakes and fish. Cane measures 7" wide, 7" deep and 38.25" high.Category
Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
MaterialsWood
