Hi Old Guy,
I don’t know a thing about duck decoys, but I purchased this one at an auction last month just because I liked the look of it. It has the initials TM carved into the underside of its body and I was wondering if you would know anything about who made it? The auctioneer didn’t know.
Jessica Watson, Hamilton.
Hi Jessica,
I am by no means an expert on decoys, and just like you I usually buy because I like the look or the lines of a decoy. I do know however who carved yours. The TM carved on the bottom of yours stands for Tom Martindale. I know him personally and have bought many decoys from him. He has been carving decoys and shorebirds for close to fifty years. He comes from family of carvers. His father and grandfather carved and his son carves as well. His daughter is a well-known artist in British Columbia. There are many stories about Tom. I have seen his decoys of his promoted on sites like eBay listing him as the “late” Tom Martindale who carved in Maine in the ‘70s and others describing him as a carver from Chesapeake Bay. The truth is that he is Canadian and is alive and well and still carving. He lives in southern Ontario. In fact, I met with Tom as recently as last week to purchase some of his shorebird carvings. He is a very talented artist and his decoys are quite collectible.
Enjoy your purchase. I’m sure you’ll get many compliments on your bird.
The Old Guy
Hello Old Guy,
Approximately years ago I purchased 4 or 5 decoys at a Tag Sale in Connecticut. It has the initial TM that you mention above and looks the same. You mention that he is still alive and of all places, he lives in Canada? So do I !!! The other side of Canada ‘tho – North Vancouver, British Columbia. I’d love to connect IF this is the same TM. Thank you for anything you’re able to share with me. Enjoy every day and Stay safe, Shirley
JUST PURCHASED 13 TOM MARTINDALE DECOYS OUT OF A GARAGE WHERE THEY HAVE SAT FOR OVER 40 YEARS.MANIBOUGHT THEM FROM SAID HE USED TO HUNT OVER THEM BUT NOT FOR THE LAST 26 YEARS OR SO.
GOT THEM FOR $30.00 EACH.BOUGHT 34 BIRDS IN TOTAL.HE TOLD ME THE GOOD BIRDS ARE IN THE HOUSE.THAT WILL HAVE TO BE ANOTHER DAY
DEREK
Hello. I just picked up a few TM decoys and I’m wondering if there is a way to date them? They are initialled and signed by Tom. I’m also looking for some pics of Tom and a bio to print off and set beside the decoys.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi Trevor, Ask the Old Guy is no longer featured in the paper. Good luck with your search!
I have 3 dozen working Canvassbacks from Tom Martindale that were built in approx. 1983. These decoys have been used once . Looking to see what they would be worth.
Sorry, we don’t have Ask The Old Guy anymore – that was from 2017!!