Mike McCrea wrote:
Rick wrote


This seems to be part of an antique/collectors auction. The prices are
insane. 11,500 USD for a pintail duck decoy is worse than the boat.


The prices that the work of some eastern shore master carvers get for
their decoys and other objects is astounding.

But as long as collectors are willing to bid up the prices and fork
over the big bucks I gotta smile. Most of those carvers whose work
commands such prices and attention are the eastern shore version of
good ole boys who have worked the water, hunted and fished and guided
their whole lives.

I wish 'em the best and hope they can keep fleecing wealthy collectors
as long as they can whittle and carve.

Mike,

I don't argue your sentiments. To paraphrase an old adage, an object is
only worth what someone will pay for it. Many of these folks have
suffered through some difficult economic times. Me, I'm in no position
to grant such largesse or to support starving artists. I'm glad someone
is, I guess.

As for the boat, I don't think Old Town was ever in the same category. I
could get one of Vaillancourt's birch bark reproductions for less, and
I'd probably enjoy it more (though it would still about 7K USD):

http://www.birchbarkcanoe.net/canoepg.htm

Vaillancourt's efforts are documented in McPhee's awesome book,
"Survival of the Bark Canoe," and is a craftsman of the highest order.
Regardless of whether you are interested in canoes, McPhee is well worth
reading. Unlike me, an incredible writer.

Rick