**Originally Listed At $400**

North America, Midwestern / Northern United States, ca. mid-20th century CE. An antique "Thos. E. Wilson & Co." tin fishing tackle box containing 3 handmade wood and tin fish decoys purportedly by Minnesota fishermen, Roy and John Nelson, who enjoyed seasonal spear and ice fishing on Crane Lake during the 1940-50s. The fish are hand carved and painted with vibrant bodies and the undersides are filled with lead to stabilize the fish under the ice- the reflective fins attracted fish to the hole where the fisherman could use a special ice spear. These decoys have become treasured pieces folk art in recent times! Size (tackle box): 12" L x 6" W x 6" H (30.5 cm x 15.2 cm x 15.2 cm); (largest fish): 10" L x 2" W x 1.5" H (25.4 cm x 5.1 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173597

Flaking and losses to paint on fins and bodies. Age and use expected wear, but fish are in overall good condition. Tackle box is fair condition, indentations, chipping paint and patina throughout.