Vintage Folk Art fish sculpture ice fishing spearing lure carved painted signed4

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Vintage Folk Art fish sculpture ice fishing spearing lure carved painted signed4:
$150.00

A FANTASTIC vintage hand carved and painted Folk Art catfish by artist Joseph Vargo of Upper Saddle River, NJ. It measures 14 1/8” long by 3 3/4” high. It has glass eyes and body all hand carved painted wood and soft leather tail. Feelers are made of toothpicks! The fins are delicate. The top smaller fin has been reglued; as careful as I may try to pack, one may possibly fall off. They can be reattached with crazy glue. The underside is has an inset metal weight hand inscribed “J. Vargo, Catfish 1986” in the style of a classic fishing lure, or ice fishing lure. This wonderful piece of art work was purchased at the gentleman’s estate sale. Mr. Vargo carved many fish, some in the form of ice-fishing lures equipped with weighted bases, as well as fantastic whirligigs and whimsical figures. Joseph Vargo died at 92 years of age on Oct. 18, 2014. He was a distinguished military veteran and was Captain of the U.S. Air Force serving during WWII. Captain Vargo was a pilot of the twin engine P-38 Photo Reconnaissance Squadron and flew 92 missions in WWII China-Burma-India Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations. Captain Vargo was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal with Leaf Clusters and Meritorious Service Campaign Ribbons. According to his obituary and by the appearance of his home, the war hero had a large loving family and led a very full and content life. It’s an honor to offer this item created by the man this country owes so much to. It’s very fortunate to be able to include the history of the artist. Included in the photos is a WWII era image of the handsome artist behind the work.Winning buyer pays Priority Mail shipping. PLEASE do not send payment until total is sent to you. All sales to U.S. address only. Contact must be made within 3 days of sale\'s end. Payment must be received within 10 days or risk voiding sale. PayPal is the only method of payment now accepted. Seller is not responsible for sending to an unconfirmed PAYPAL address. Items are shipped out approx three days after payment is received. NJ residents please add 7% tax or provide valid tax I.D. #. Please ask any pertinent questions before offerding, all items are sold as is. Thank you for offerding and good luck.