New York State fish decoys are among the first examples of the art known to be produced by non-indigenous people and generally date from the end of the 19th Century, when spearfishing was a highly popular sport in New York State. The sport became so popular that few examples date later than 1905, when ice-fishing was outlawed throughout New York because of concern over declining fish populations.

Maker Unknown / Perch Decoy
Metal fins and leather tail, Lake Chatauqua area, last quarter of the 19th Century.
Auctioned January 22, 2000 at Sotheby's/New York for $10,925.

As shown by the spectacular pieces above, New York State fish decoys are among the most prized of collectibles. Stylistically, they are instantly recognizable and seem related to Native American designs.

Maker Unknown / New York State Trout Decoy
Lake Chatauqua area. l. 8.5", Late 19th Century probably carved by the same artist as Perch Decoy above

By the end of the 19th Century, styles had rigidified and the New York State decoys were almost always made of wood, tended to be somewhat somber in color and impressionistic in terms of both design and detail. Generally, they are characterized by leather tails slotted into the bodies and single piece fins which pass through the body and protrude on either side.

Harry Seymour was the great master craftsman of the New York decoys. His elegant and sinuous carvings typify the New York Style and have consistently set auction records.

Harry Seymour / Perch Decoy
Carved wooden body with attached metal fins and leather tail. Length 14", c.1890

Harry Seymour / Perch Decoy
Carved wooden body with attached metal fins and leather tail. Length 14", c.1890

Harry Seymour / Perch Decoy
Carved wooden body with attached metal fins and leather tail. Length 13", c.1900

The decoys below represent a cross section of the 19th Century New York, Lake Chautauqua ice fishing decoys and illustrate the general look, appearance and style.

Maker Unknown / New York State Perch Decoy
Carved wooden body with attached metal fins and leather tail. Length 8", c. 1900

Maker Unknown / New York State Muskie Decoy
Carved wooden body with attached metal fins and leather tail. Length 14", c. 1900

Maker Unknown / New York State Perch Decoy
Carved wooden body with attached metal fins and leather tail. Length 7.5", c. 1890

Maker Unknown / New York State Perch Decoy
Carved wooden body with attached metal fins and leather tail. Length 5.5", c. 1900