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Excellent golden plover in breeding plumage by a member of the Harris family, Nantucket, MA, circa 4th quarter, 19th century. The 9.5" decoy is in strong original paint and retains the original conical bill and tack eyes. As was typical of these decoys, the head and neck were carved as a piece separate from the body. The carving is identified on the bottom in ink as a "Golden plover, Nantucket, Mass, 1880". There is a thin coat of varnish protecting the finish.
Outstanding hollow glass-eyed gadwall drake, circa 3rd quarter, 20th century. Expertly made with carved musculature, primaries, secondaries and a fluted tail, it has incredible feather paint with expert vermiculation and detailed bill carving. The decoy measures 15" in length, just under 7" in width and stands 7" tall at the head which is turned slightly to the left. It is in near-mint original condition with only a tiny paint chip on the right edge of the bill and no repairs. While who made this fine decoy is unknown, there is no questioning either his skills or familiarity with the anatomy of waterfowl. It was most likely made as an entry to one of the major decoy carving contests of its era such as the International Decoy Contest, the U. S. National Decoy Contest or the Canadian National Decoy Makers' Contest. Unfortunately, because of possible bias in judging these decoys, the carvers were not allowed to sign or otherwise mark their works in any manner.
NEW NOTE: This decoy may well have been made by John Zachman of Detroit, MI, circa 1960 - 1970. SOLD
Very nice glass-eyed green-winged teal hen by Leo H. McIntosh, Jr. (1953-2007), Stony Creek Decoys, Woodville, New York, circa 1990. Recognized as one of the best contemporary decoy carvers before his untimely death, Leo apprenticed with Ken Harris for five years before founding Stony Creek Decoys. The decoy is in mint condition other than a tight crack in the neck. With its head turned about 10 degrees to the right, it is in detailed feather paint. Measuring 11 1/2†in length and standing 5 1/4†high at the head, “L. H. McIntosh, Maker, Woodville, N. Y.†is carved in the bottom in a pattern similar to Crowell’s oval brand. SOLD
Beautiful 6 1/2†high screech owl by Ernie Muehlmatt , Salisbury, Maryland, that is mounted on a branch that looks like it came out of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It’s in mint condition other than some tiny white flecks on the back. The owl has carved and raised wings tips and primaries as well as carved ears and beak. Measuring 17†by 9†including the branch it is mounted on and painted in Ernie’s detailed feather finish, it is identified as a screech owl, signed and dated 4/72 on the bottom. Muehlmatt (1927-2016), three-time Ward World Champion (1979, 1981, 1984), began carving in 1967 and was a master of life-size and miniature decorative wood sculpture, becoming one of the most talented, sought after and popular carvers in wildfowl art. His work can be found in the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury, Maryland, and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau, Wisconsin. He is a Member of the Carvers' Hall of Fame and owned and operated Muehlmatt Studios in Salisbury. SOLD
Excellent miniature green-winged teal drake with glass eyes in near-mint orginal condition by David Harrington (1934-1988), Underhill, Vermont. Harrington was a noted decoy historian and talented carver. Known for his beautiful and intricate painting, he carved numerous decoys and over 100 miniatures. This 5" long teal is marked "Green Wing Teal Male, Burlington, VT, 1972" on the bottom. The near-mint paint is quite detailed with a combed back and sides as well as fine feather paint on the wings and tail. It is very well carved with its head turned about 15 degrees to the left along with slightly raised primaries and wing tips.
Miniature flying green-winged teal drake wall plaque by Frank E. Townsend, Bloomfield, New Jersey, circa early 3rd quarter of the 20th century. It is carved roughly one-half in-the-round with one wing, the body and the tail resting flat against the wall while the other wing is angled down and away from the body. Measuring 7" from bill to tail tip and with a wingspan of 9", the teal is in near-mint original condition exhibiting the vibrant colors Frank is known for. “Green Wing Teal†is printed on the back of one of the wings. Townsend set an eye-screw in the back for mounting the plaque on a wall or other surface. SOLD
Miniature flying green-winged teal drake wall plaque by Frank E. Townsend, Bloomfield, New Jersey, circa early 3rd quarter of the 20th century. It is carved roughly one-half in-the-round with one wing, the body and the tail resting flat against the wall while the other wing is angled out and away from the body. The webbed feet are separately carved and attached to the body. Measuring 9 1/2" in width and 9 1/2" height as well, the teal is in mint original condition exhibiting the vibrant colors Frank is known for. “Green Wing Teal†is printed on the back of one of the wings. Townsend set an eye-screw in the back for mounting the plaque on a wall or other surface. SOLD
Price: $1250.00
Miniature cock pheasant by Frank E. Townsend, Bloomfield, New Jersey, circa early 3rd quarter of the 20th century. It measures just over 8†in length from tip of bill to tip of tail and is 5†tall, not including the base. Overall dimensions including the base are 11†in length and 6 1/4†in height. The pheasant is in mint original condition exhibiting the vibrant colors Frank is known for. “Ringneck pheasant, carved & painted by Frank Townsend†is printed on the base. SOLD