Classic Merganser Pair Decoy, Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1935
15 1/2 in. long
A pair of Hudson mergansers with long bodies, fat cheeks, and thin crests and bills. These masterful works of Virginia folk art show the famous maker at the height of his artistry. Each retains an original poured-lead ballast weight with an embossed "I H." The existence of marked Ira Hudson decoy weights is virtually unknown and it is highly likely that this pair emanated from his personal gunning rig.
Original and working paint with gunning wear. The drake has a small repair to chip at bottom of crest and a replaced bill. The hen has a crack along the underside.
Provenance: Herb Wetanson Collection
Literature: Henry H. Stansbury, "Ira D. Hudson and Family," Lewes, DE, 2002, p. 115, very closely related pair illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 161, pl. 134, related examples illustrated.
Condition: Please email condition report requests to colin@copleyart.com. Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.
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Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1935
15 1/2 in. long
A pair of Hudson mergansers with long bodies, fat cheeks, and thin crests and bills. These masterful works of Virginia folk art show the famous maker at the height of his artistry. Each retains an original poured-lead ballast weight with an embossed "I H." The existence of marked Ira Hudson decoy weights is virtually unknown and it is highly likely that this pair emanated from his personal gunning rig.
Original and working paint with gunning wear. The drake has a small repair to chip at bottom of crest and a replaced bill. The hen has a crack along the underside.
Provenance: Herb Wetanson Collection
Literature: Henry H. Stansbury, "Ira D. Hudson and Family," Lewes, DE, 2002, p. 115, very closely related pair illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 161, pl. 134, related examples illustrated.
Condition: Please email condition report requests to colin@copleyart.com. Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.
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