As a new or novice collector regarding the identification of artificially aged fish decoys we feel it is in the best interest of the hobby to assist each other in spotting suspect fish decoys and also protect our interests and investments. We further believe that only through educating ourselves can we assist in preserving fish decoy’s as popular Folk Art and the collecting of them as a pleasurable pastime

The term “Mikko” originally was used to refer to fish decoys that had been made and sold by a particular individual in Minnesota.  The term is now used  generically to describe fish decoys that have been artificially aged to appear old.  This itself is not a particular problem, if they are properly marked and identified.  “mikko type” decoys were apparently initially made to fill a niche market that was created when fish decoys boomed as Folk Art in the 1980′s and the price of well made old working fish decoys skyrocketed.  There were people who wanted fish decoys in the style ( including the “appearance” of old age ) of the genuinely old Folk Art decoys to be used as decorator items, but could not or would not pay the new market prices.  Initially these “mikko type” decoys were sold as an example of an inexpensive, decorative American art form. To the initial purchaser they represented a good value when they were purchased as decorator items.  However, with the passage of time , the problem is that many if not most of the “mikko type” decoys have been or are being sold as genuine folk art that is old or as actual antique fish decoys.  As a result many collectors and others have been burned before they became educated as to what they had really purchased.

Most all “mikko type” fish decoys tend to share a number of common traits, among which are the following:

1) They are artificially aged modern reproductions of fish decoys with little   or no historical significance or collector value.

2) They tend to have uniform artificially created rust on all metal parts and the rust is red not a brown to black of “old” rust. If the rust is red it is recent.

3) If the fins still have some paint on them, the rust appears to be coming from under the paint.

4) They have been treated in some manner to artificially age the paint, which dulls the sheen of fresh paint resulting in a dull/flat finish. The paint “wear” is uniform.

5) Often the low spots of the painted surfaces retains the sheen of fresh paint as opposed to the dull/flat finish of the “treated” areas.

6) They normally have no major damage to the wood, such as gouges and nicks from spearing.

7) They are complete with all their fins, none missing or damaged.

They are made with thick wooden tails.

9) They have been made in the last 6 months to 15 years.

10) They are generally well made and will function as fish decoys.

PLEASE NOTE: As collectors become adept at recognizing “mikko type” decoys, it can be expected that the common traits or characteristics will begin to change.

One of the safest ways to protect yourself is to buy from reputable dealers, collectors and carvers.

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