Jasper Dodge was another high volume commercial decoy manufacturer who began decoy manufacturing in 1872 in Detroit, Michigan. Decoys produced until 1883 were carved entirely by hand without the aid of duplicating machines. Dodge began high volume manufacturing in 1883 when they purchased the assets and machinery from the Peterson Decoy Company.
Like other early decoy factories, Dodge went through a number of changes in transitioning from making hand carved decoys to mass produced, lathe turned decoys. Many people believe that Dodge decoys resemble Masons, which is somewhat true but with a number of differentiating traits.
Dodge produced three grades of decoys; Grade 1 was their top-of-the-line, with glass eyes and well carved bills. Grade 2 decoys had tack eyes and some bill carving, but were without mandible and nostrils being carved. Grade 3 had painted eyes, no bill carving and less paint detail.
Most duck species were produced by Dodge, including a good variety of shorebird decoys. Less goose, swan and sea ducks were produced when compared to puddle ducks and divers.
Dodge produced decoys until 1894 when their factory in Detroit closed and assets were acquired by Mason.
Dodge decoys are now beginning to be more appreciated by collectors and prices are beginning to reflect this view. As you would expect, there are fewer Dodge decoys available because they were in business for only about 20 years. Just recently, Bill Dodge and Ron Sharp have written a book titled, “Detroit Decoy Dynasty”, which has more information about these decoys and their history.
Dodge identification traits include:
- A very pronounced hump in the back of the decoy at its widest point,
- 3 grades of detail and quality,
- a “V” notch carved at the top of the bill on grades 1 and 2,
- scalloped feather painting, and
- some areas of neck filler were not smoothed.
According to Warman’s “Duck Decoy Price Guide”, values for most duck species range between $300 and $5,000. Dodge goose, swan or rare species like goldeneyes could value over $10,000. While Dodge decoys are available on the collector’s market, a few can be found at rummage, garage sales or antique shops.
If you are fortunate to have a Dodge decoy or are planning to purchase one, be sure to have it appraised for authenticity by a reputable dealer and by all means, enjoy the Detroit Dynasty lines of a truly superb antique decoy!
