Turkey Box Call Appraisal

Handmade Black Cherry Turkey Box Call

This is a handcrafted turkey box call, expertly fashioned from high-grade black cherry wood. The instrument features a classic two-piece construction consisting of a hollowed-out rectangular sound box and a pivoting lid or paddle. The black cherry wood displays a characteristic warm, reddish-brown hue with a fine, straight grain pattern and a smooth, satin finish that highlights the natural beauty of the timber. The lid is attached at one end with a single brass screw, which serves as the pivot point, allowing the underside of the paddle to be rubbed against the thin edges of the side walls to produce authentic turkey vocalizations. The paddle is ergonomically shaped with a tapered handle for comfortable manipulation. The craftsmanship appears meticulous, with clean lines and uniform wall thickness, which is essential for acoustic resonance. No visible maker's marks are identifiable in the image, suggesting it may be a custom piece by a skilled artisan. The condition is excellent, showing minimal signs of field use, with no significant scratches, cracks, or warping. The wood surface retains its luster, with only a light patina consistent with careful handling. The simplicity of the design focuses on tonal quality over ornate decoration, representative of contemporary functional folk art in hunting gear.