Rare Swimming Green-winged Teal Drake
Jim Schmiedlin (1945-2015)
Bradford Woods, PA, March 2003
15"
 
Jim's carvings are amongst the most sought after of any working decoy maker who carved in the last 70 years.
 
Jim mastered his own unique, original, and highly identifiable look.  Like master carvers nearly a century before his time, Jim made working decoys, in his own style, that managed to attract as many people as they did ducks and geese.  He made mostly for himself and virtually all working model birds have seen some genuine use if not years of genuine use.  Well before realizing the meteoric values they do today.  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.
 
Ducks and geese that were commonly hunted make up the majority of his decoys available today.  The carved details reflect the level of technical creation by an ardent observer of the waterfowl he hunted and sought to achieve in wood.  No matter the species, unique poses, such as the swimming pose, are more rare.  Commanding top dollar at every public sale.
 
Regarding public sales, no swimming green-winged teal drake has ever come up for public auction before making this one of the truly rare opportunities to add a decoy like this to your collection.  The decoy is hollow carved.  The swimming head is reaching forward to the left with a slight upward tilt.  The body is sculpted beautifully with pocketing and raised wings including an individually raised wing tip that begins on the left side and rises up over the back to the right side.  The tail feathers are fluted and the head and bill are highly detailed. 
 
The decoy retains its original keel and weight.  On the underside it bears its created date of March 2003, the JAS brand, as well as Jim's famous 'Reward for Return' label.
 
Condition: Original and near mint with minimal gunning wear
 
*List price is Check or Cash price.  Online payment purchases will have an additional 5% processing fee surcharge.  Please contact with any questions!  Thank you for your business!