Vintage hollow Wood Duck, 1st Place, 1974 Midwest Decoy Contest

Description

Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Dr. James B. Mense and I hold a BS degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from Iowa State University, and MS in Zoology from the University of Oklahoma, and a PhD in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University.  It was while studying in Michigan that I began carving with inspiration from Dr. Miles Pirnie, Jim Foote and Larry Hayden, and I won my first award in 1968.  Since then I have earned well over 100 awards, some in each of the last six decades, with six Best of Shows, in regional, national and international competitions including the Ward World Championships.
I began carving professionally in 1982 and my carvings can now be found in collections throughout the world.  In 1985 I was Commissioned by Mr. Peter Huizenga to carve a complete set of the ducks of North America, which I finally completed in 2001.  This involved carving a male and female of each of 29 species of waterfowl.  Peter added a room to his home primarily to house this collection.  I am forever in his debt for providing me this opportunity to practice my art.
I began selling through participation in Art Festivals, but since 1985 I have sold exclusively through several Galleries.  A few years ago I took a deep breath and decided to try selling my carvings directly through Ebay.  Internet sales continue to increase while brick and mortar retail sales are decreasing.  The Gallery markup on my carvings has continued to increase in the face of this internet competition, but by offering my carvings directly to collectors through Ebay, I can reduce the price by 30%!
I hope you will take a look at my other carvings as they become available on Ebay and that you will like what you see.  Every item listed was designed and entirely hand made and painted by me.  Be patient!  I am 77 now and only complete a few carvings each year now.  Any comments you have would be appreciated and if you have something special in mind, I will accept commissions provided I feel I have adequate knowledge and ability to successfully complete the project.  Thank you for your time!
This lifesize carving of a drake Wood Duck measures approximately 12" in length and 5.5" wide.  It was completely hand carved, from white cedar, cut in half and hollowed out with hand gouges to a thickness of approximately 1/4"and a weight of only 11.5 ounces!  It was judged first place in the Midwest Decoy Contest held at Point Mouille, Michigan.
The bottom will be signed to provide to provide for authenticity.