Collectors often ask me about Upper-Chesapeake Susquehanna decoys.  I thought I would write this guide to help some who are beginning to collect and clear up some mis-conceptions about this fine collectable folk art resource.  The most important thing to remember in decoy collecting as in life is "think for yourself".  Do not take any one collectors advice as Gospel but read up on the subject, ask questions and have an open mind.  Many who give advice, want to sway you to their often narrow perceptions about decoys.  Decoy collecting has only become a popular collecting pastime in the last thirty years.  There are few real experts and new ideas and decoy philosophies are always welcome.

As the famous Steve Ward said in his epic poem the "Drifter" there are decoy collecting "fools" who want to set a decoy up on a shelf and think they have enshrined their own mortality in a wooden block.  A similiar poem be found in Joel Barbers very early book on decoy collecting.  I think the intent of the writer is that all too often some collectors get caught up in a modern materialistic "keeping up with the Jones" mentality.  A my decoy is better than yours philosophy that unfortunately is a big part of our society.  The creation of decoys by the carvers of old was to help give a man freedom to enjoy the glory of the outdoors, or at least remind him of it, and not be stifled with dry-rot by the small minds of those who love the sound conformity and lock step.. 

Decoy collecting should be a fun, interesting and enjoyable.  Some who collect seem to relish forcing their opinion on others, they might be considered purists.  Anyone who goes against what they believe are often attacked for not being a card carrying member of "the true believers" club.  We see this type mentality displayed in many religions.  Today such thinking is an actual true threat to us from true believers in the Middle East for example.

Always take what you read in decoy descriptions with a grain of salt as the old saying goes.  Original paint for example is always original paint.  If a decoy has hardly any original paint, the paint on it is still original.  The same goes with decoys that have had the old second and third or more cover paint coats removed.  The paint under these newer coats is still original.  Some times in better shape than old worn original paint that has dried and been beat off by wear. 

A very few purists will try to tell you that the gunning over paint on Susquehanna decoys is to be valued more than an original paint surface that has been worn down to the original paint.  These folk usually have a number of cover over paint decoys they want to sell you.  This is the real reason for the ranting and raving over paint issues, There are very few of these purists around and they usually have the same opinions concerning heads, brands, signatures etc.  Remember, in their mind, only they have good decoys or plan to aquire them someday.

Purism can become an infection that affects people with it's promise of simplicity but often have flawed assumptions that are easy to dispel.  Self-serving prophets are everywhere today it seems on the internet.  If only they would disclose their true intentions there would be few problems to begin with.  These folk really think their perceptions are reality. 

If you are new to decoys, start out with one type of decoy.  Study that type until you know it well.  There is a Book section on my site that will guide you as to what the different makes and models look like.  You will find as many varying opinions to Upper-Chesapeake decoys as there are collectors. 

Collect decoys for the enjoyment of having a piece of history in hand that cannot be duplicated.  The old carvers of the Chesapeake were a freedom loving lot who did what they could do with what they had.  Collecting decoys should always be an enjoyable and interesting pastime.  It is a fairly straightforward endeavor, with simplicity at it's core.