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306 Preening Black Duck Stratford, CT, c. 1860 The form of this bird is similar to the work of Albert D. Laing (1811-1886), a pioneer of the Stratford School of decoy carving. An exceptionally hollow decoy displaying subtle bill carving and a uniquely formed neck and head pattern, seen in the earliest Stratford, Connecticut decoys. The two-piece body has a carved shoulder groove designed to accommodate the neck and flows to a gently curved tail. Original paint with some working touch-up and light gunning wear. literature:
Richard A. Bourne, Jr. Waterfowl Decoys and Related Items, Hyannis, MA, June, 1998, p. 88, lot 522, exact decoy illustrated. $6,000 - $9,000
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