Before I try to explain what a Mikko Type fish decoy is, I would like to provide a description of what a fish decoy is:
Originally Fish decoys are/were functional objects used to attract fish like pike, musky, perch and/or sturgeon for the purpose of spearing them through a hole in the ice. The making of fish decoys is part of a long and rich tradition of ice fishing. There is documentary evidence that Native Americans have speared fish through the ice using handmade decoys since prehistoric times. The earliest decoys known are from around 1000 A.D. The oldest in existence were fashioned from stones, bones, antlers and shells. (excerpt from About Spear Fishing by World Champion decoy makers Fred & Jo Anne Campbell of Benziejo Decoys – Benzonia, Michigan)
Note: another article about Fish Decoys:
What is a fish Decoy by Scott Kimball
Now on to the “Mikko Type” fish decoys, which is a term that describes fish decoys that are made to look old to fill a niche that allowed collectors to have expensive looking decoys at a fraction of the cost. Originally the name Mikko from Minnesota was from a carver that aged the decoy to give it a old look. These decoys were marked with his name so now the name “Mikko” is used to describe any artificially aged decoy and is usually referred to as a “Mikko Type” fish decoy.
There is nothing wrong with a Mikko Type decoy as long as it is not being passed off as the real deal. Many collectors search and collect just Mikko Type decoys.
Mikko Type decoys are normally well made and they look old and are many times attributed to a specific carver and not marked. Please be aware of Mikko Type decoys and understand what they are.
Learn about Mikko Type decoys by exploring the many differerent viewpoints.
An Introduction to Vintage Michigan Fish Decoys
(ByGary L. Miller – Michifish@charter.net )
Fake or Mikko Type – Folk Art Vintage Fish Decoys
(By John A. Gabriel – Folkartfishdecoys@sbcglobal.net )
Buying fish decoys on eBay
(By John A. Gabriel – Folkartfishdecoys@sbcglobal.net )
Keith Kristjanson – www.spearingdecoy.com )
Folk Art Fish Decoys The Purest Utilitarian Folk Art Collectibles
(ByTim Sreck – www.fishdecoy.net)
About Spear Fishing
by Fred & Jo anne Campbell of Benziejo Decoys – Benzonia, Michigan)
Frauds & Fakes
( by Dominic Torella III Nick’s Wood ShopAus Gres, MI )
These articles are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the express permission of the author.