Redhead by Captain Harry Jobes

This drake redhead was carved and painted by Captain Harry Jobes, of Havre de Grace, MD.  I purchased the decoy for $48 at The Bird Store in Kill Devil Hills, NC, on the outer banks.  I visited The Bird Store this past June, with Grandpa P.  It was the second time I have visited the store, and the third purchase I've made there (matching Jobes buffleheads for Grandpa P and Uncle Josh, and an old ll bean cork widgeon for myself), and I am a big fan of the store.

The Bird Store has a long-standing relationship with Captain Jobes, and they have quite a few of his decoys for sale.  I have no idea of the age of this decoy, but I don't believe it's been hunted over, I believe it's always been a decorative decoy.  Regardless, it was carved by a legendary decoy maker (Jobes) who trained under another legendary carver (R. Madison Mitchell).  Also, it looks great on the shelf next to this beautiful canvasback.

Captain Jobes legacy lives on, as his three sons Bobby, Charles, and Joey all still actively carve and sell their decoys.