A Fine Pair of Bluebill Decoys by Jim Pierce, Havre de Grace, Maryland, circa 1983. Jim Pierce is a Very Well-Known and Highly Regarded Carver from the Upper Bay of the Chesapeake. His work fits well into the Classic Form of Havre de Grace Decoys and he holds an Honored Place in the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. These Bluebill Decoys created in 1983 are representative of the Finest Original Paint found on Upper Bay Decoys. Pierce has used thick paints to create Extremely Fine Feathering throughout both the Hen and the Drake, creating a Multidimensional Texture. A rarely seen addition is the use of three different colors on the head designed to capture the fluorescence of the head feathers in bright light. The Quality of these decoys cannot be fully captured in the photographs. Each is Signed: “Jim Pierce / H d Grace / MD / 1983”. Measurements: 14 ½” in length, 6” in width, and 8 ½” in height, including the stands. A Fine Pair of Havre de Grace Decoys.

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Price $425 plus shipping

A Terrific Pair of Hollow Carved Wood Ducks in the Mason Style by Reggie Birch, Chincoteague, VA / Berlin, Germany. Reggie’s carvings are well-known throughout the decoy world and perhaps he is most noted for his work with “patina,” something that he gained from the study and restoration of old decoys. Birch’s decoys in this Primitive Style are sometimes referred to as “Contemporary Antiques”. In addition, he also has an understanding of the Folk Art element of many historic decoys and incorporates that element into his work. This Understanding is clearly apparent in this Fine Pair of Wood Ducks patterned after the Premier Grade Wood Ducks of the Early 20^th Century Mason Decoy Factory. The Mason Look is especially apparent in the Hollow Body Form, the Distinct Bill Carving, the Glass Eyes, and the Well-Textured Swirl Paint. The Strong Original Paint is Quite Outstanding, as the photographs indicate. Finally, Reggie has Rigged the Decoys, so they are ready for the water or the shelf. They are Signed in a Deeply Carved “R. Birch” on the Bottom. Measurements: 14 ½” in length, 5” in width, and 6” in height, no stand included. A Terrific Pair of Wood Ducks by Reggie Birch.

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SOLD

Goldeneye Hen Decoy by Harold A. “Mucker” Davis (1883 – 1967), Waquoit (Falmouth), Cape Cod, Massachusetts, circa 1930s – 1940s. Davis owned the H. A. Davis Boat Co., at White’s Landing in Waquoit, a village in Falmouth. This Goldeneye is one of Davis’s earlier decoys and is quite nicely carved. It was probably made for his own rig. His later work was marked “H. A. Davis, Cape Cod Decoys, Waquoit, MA” and was undoubtedly made for hunters on Cape Cod. This decoy displays Strong Original Paint with Average Gunning Wear; there is a possible repair under the neck. There is also some writing under the tail which is difficult to discern, though the word “Davis” is apparent. The Decoy measures 15” in length, 5” in width, and 6 ½” in height. Nice example of a Cape Cod Gunning Decoy.

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Price $325 plus shipping

Primitive Merganser Hen Decoy by an Unknown Maker from Islesboro, Maine, circa 1900 – 1920. Islesboro is a small island off the coast of Maine just Northeast of Camden. In the early 20^th century, it served as a typical Maine Island with communities living off the water and the land, and feeling the steady influx of “Summer People”. This Merganser is a Remnant of the Island’s early life. It has a Three-Piece Body Construction with an Inletted Head. In the style of “make do”, the Maker used a grouping of 1” boards to make the body which is dowelled together and undoubted glued. One can envision the work of his draw knife and spoke shave to create the sleek form. The he took another 1” board using the same tools and perhaps a fine rasp to fashion the Inletted Head. Finally, he Primed Decoy, Coated it with Black Paint, and apparently did some Stippling on the Back. Condition displays Minor Gunning Wear, Age from Salt Water, and some Mouse Chew to the Bill. The Decoy measures 14” in length, 6” in width, and 7 ½” in height. A Fascinating Primitive from Coastal Maine.

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Price $895 plus shipping