Very rare pair of "Sleepers" by Paul Gibson of Havre de Grace, MD.  These decoys were made in the late 1950's or early 1960's.  They are in near perfect--but used--original paint; and they are in excellent structural condition--no neck cracks or repairs.
 
Mr. Gibson (1902-1984) began carving decoys as a teenager and continued to carve until late in his life. According to Henry Fleckenstein, Gibson bought Madison Mitchell's duplicating lathe in the 1030's and used it throughout his later years of production.
 
One interesting historical sidebar about this pair of decoys is that they were signed by Madison Mitchell and dated 1954.  Late in Mr. Mitchell's life, when his eyesight was particularly bad, people from all over used to take decoys to him for him identify and (hopefully) sign, knowing that his signature would add value to the decoy.  Mr. Mitchell was very particular to sign only decoys he made, but occasionally one (or, as in this case, two) would slip by his scrutiny and be signed by Mr. Mitchell.
 
For additional information contact:
 
Darrell Hagar
dghagar@gmail.com
410-430-5826