A Rustic Rendition of Miniature Canada Geese by R. Gustave Jansson (1889 – 1970), Cummaquid, Massachusetts, circa Late 1950s. Jansson and his wife Ruth immigrated to the U.S. from Sweden. Interestingly, Gustave descended from Laplanders and was adopted by a Swedish family. The 1950 Census indicates that Gustave and Ruth resided in Quincy, Mass., with Gustave working as an Electrical Engineer. Sometime after that they moved to Cape Cod where Gustave became known for his bird carvings. This pair of Miniature Canada Geese are an Early Carving and have something of a Rustic Look to them. Carved in Different Positions with Varying Head Styles and Raised Primaries, Jansson presents a Realist View of Geese in the Field. The Bills are Elaborately Carved and have Little Bead Eyes. The Original Paint is Quite Strong and provides a Painterly Style that offers the Realistic and Rustic Look. One Bird is Standing with a Turned Head; whereas, the other is Resting and has its Head Down as if in a Feeding Position. Both are Mounted on a Driftwood Base and the bottom is Branded “R. J. Jansson / Cape (Cod)”. The final word of his brand found no place on the wood. Showing Some Aging Condition. The Geese each measure 6 ½” in length (total length is 10”); 2” in width, and a total 5 ½” in height. A Wonderfully Dynamic Presentation of Miniature Geese by R. Gustave Jansson. (DX1785)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for further information. Price $425 plus shipping

Nicely Carved Miniature Northern Bobwhite Male by Stan Sparre (1923 – 2011), Cape Cod, Massachusetts, circa 1980s. Sparre was noted for his miniatures in particular, which have had a large collector following over the years. The quality and diversity of his carvings was examined in an early issue of Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine. Sparre had a fine eye for wildlife and birds in particular. His carving is Exceptional for the Degree of Detail Incorporated into each work. This Bobwhite displays highly Detailed Feather Carving which creates a Truly Multidimensional Form. Sparre has even Detailed the Tail Feathers. When first encountering the bird, the Form of the Head and the Bold Color Pattern immediately identifies the species. Yet, noting the Darker Colors used throughout, one has the sense that Sparre was painting the bird as evening fell. While the Painting is Fully Developed and Quite Refined, it has a quiet look that emphasizes form rather than color. The Bobwhite measures 5” in length, 2” in width, and 4 ¼” in height. The Driftwood Log the Bird sits on is 5 ½” in length. The Driftwood is Signed on the end: “Stan Sparre / Cape Cod”.A Great Little Game Bird by Stan Sparre.

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Miniature Standing Red Head Drake on a Driftwood Base by James Lapham (1909 – 1987), Dennisport, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, circa 1960s. Lapham’s carvings spanned a period from the 1940s until the 1970s, with his carvings frequently categorized into three distinct styles. Interestingly, the early influence of Elmer and Cleon Crowell, who Lapham knew from his time working with the railroad, is clearly apparent in his work, especially in the composition of his later work. His earliest work offered Classic Miniatures, evolving from quite Realistic miniatures on Driftwood to larger, more stylized, Decorative carvings with a Crowell-style Base. Interestingly, Lapham had a tendency to vary his base style over time, perhaps depending upon his mood or an available piece of driftwood. This Miniature, though it has Lapham’s early Split Tail Carving Style and is placed on driftwood, has Lapham’s Oval Brand from the 1960s over his Written Identification. It displays Strong Original Paint with a Good Deal of Feathering. There are minor signs of Age and Shelf Wear. The Drake is set on the Base at an angle, looking downward. It measures 5 ¼” in length, 1 5/8” in width (base is 4”), and 4” in height. An Interesting Carving for a Miniature Collector.

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Miniature Sentinel Goose by James Lapham (1909 – 1987), Dennisport, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, circa 1960s. Lapham’s carvings spanned a period from the 1940s until the 1970s, with his carvings frequently categorized into three distinct styles. His earliest work generally corresponding to the 1940s – 1950s is considered to be among his finest work. Joe Ellis, in his book Birds in Wood and Paint, suggests the early work “had their own character and were sublimely carved and distinctively painted”. In examining a wide range of Lapham Miniatures, we’ve found that his work may be more nuanced. Individual items were more likely to vary depending upon Lapham’s circumstances. In addition, later pieces also reflect more Crowell influence and larger carvings were apparently easier to work with later in life. This “Sentinel Goose” Position is a stance for the guardian of the flock, keeping an eye out for danger. Lapham presents a Full Standing, Large Body Goose with a Straight Neck and a Horizontally-Faced Head, the alert position of the sentry. As a larger-body miniature, this bird was probably carved in the mid-1960s, but the raised-wing, split-tail carving is very reminiscent of Lapham’s early work. The Base is Crowell-type and Lapham does an Excellent job with Detailed Bill Carving and the webbed feet of the Standing Goose. The Miniature also displays Excellent Original Paint with Wonderfully Detailed Feathering. There appears to be a minor splash of water on one side of the upper breast during the painting. Measurements: 9” in length, 2 5/8” in width, and nearly 8” in height. The Signed Base: “Canada Goose / James Lapham / Dennisport / Mass”.

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Price $425 plus shipping