230. Red breasted merganser drake, Long Island, New York, last quarter 19th century. Hollow body, two piece decoy with centerline seam. Made with square nails. Relief wing carving, upturned tail, graceful neck, chip carved comb and painted eyes. Body and head in good original detailed paint showing little wear for its age; bill professionally partially restored; tight crack in neck.
Provenance: Found with an old squaw body by the same maker. Stamped on bottom “M2.” Formerly in the collection of Bud Ward.
Literature: “Decoys,” Linda and Gene Kangas, 1991, p. 209 & p. 169 color, exact decoy. (10,000 - 14,000)
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230 Detail
230 Detail
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