I have decided to part with what have to be the two best and rarest calls in my collection. I got both of these directly from Neil about 25 years ago. I concede they are not cheap, nor should they be, and I am reluctant to sell them at any price. But here they are. The first is a Butternut call inscribed by Neil:"This old Butternut Boat Paddle made as a test of the wood from Ontario Canada Oct. 1988 For my own use. Neil D. Cost."
The second is one of only four Walnut paddle calls that I'm aware of having ever been made by Neil. A collector friend of mine has two of those. I don't know where the other is located. This call is inscribed" This old Walnut Paddle Call is the fourth one I have made. Started 5-89 Finished 1-92. For both Spring and Fall. Neil D. Cost"
Neil traded me these two calls for a new turkey gun that he fancied. Neither is inscribed to an individual. At the time I think he was selling paddle calls for about $200 if you could get one from him, but he told me he had turned down an offer of 5 times that amount for the walnut call.
OK, here are the prices and I make no apology. I will frankly be a bit relieved if I keep them. I am only offering them now as we are looking at a new home and the sale would help a bit. Even at that, I'd prefer only to sell one and keep the other, but they are both for sale. The Butternut "For my own use" call is $3,000 and the Walnut is $6,000.
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional photos.
Thank you for looking.
