Vintage Folk Art Fish Decoy: Tonka Baits, Wayzata Minnesota

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Folk Art Fish Decoy for your consideration. The decoy measures approx. 6 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1 1/2 … Read more Folk Art Fish Decoy for your consideration. The decoy measures approx. 6 inches long, 2 inches wide and 1 1/2 inches tall. American; mid 20th Century. Wayzata, Minnesota. Darel Schipper, Schipper Manufacturing. Hand-crafted; original, old red, orange and black hand painted fish. Five metal fins, two on each side plus tailfin. Wavy wire on top. Lead weight on base with stamp mark for "TONKA BAITS". Very good vintage condition. Shows wear commensurate with age and use. Areas of paint loss. See photos. Displays superb!

History: Schipper Manufacturing DBA Tonka Baits was a fish decoy company manufactured by Darel Schipper in Wayzata, Minnesota. Tonka Baits decoys are collectible vintage folk art valued by ice fishing enthusiasts and collectors. The company name "Tonka" was likely inspired by the nearby Lake Minnetonka, and is unrelated to the toy company, which was founded in the nearby town of Mound. Tonka Toys also used Lake Minnetonka as inspiration for its company name. The creation of hand-carved fish decoys is a tradition with a long history in the Upper Midwest, stemming from Native American ice spearfishing techniques. Fish decoys were especially popular during the Great Depression for both survival and as a form of folk art. Schipper-made "Tonka Baits" decoys were intended for the practical use of ice spearfishing but are now sought after by collectors. See less