Rare and Important Ohio Gadwall Decoy

Ohio, c. 1870
13 in. long

An early and exceptional Gadwall decoy. Very few decoys of this species exist, enabling this Ohio decoy to transcend the region as a national masterwork. This well-carved hollow bird features a ridge down the top of its tail, elegant fluting under the tail, and subtle shoulder carving behind the head. These telling treatments are the signature traits seen in the exemplary workmanship by Ohio's unnamed, but premier carver. A drake mallard by the same maker graces the cover of Jeff and Joyce Hays' volume on the region. The nice dry original paint showcases stippling on the head, feathering on the breast, and a deep rust red on the wings identifying the species. This marks the first time that this top-of-the-line Ohio decoy has ever been offered publicly for sale.
Excellent original paint with minimal gunning wear and minor flaking.

Provenance: William A. Powell Collection, acquired by descent from his great-great grandfather through the family's hunting rig
Private Collection, Long Island, acquired from the above

Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, "Ohio Decoys," St. Charles, IL, 2015, front cover and p. 5, related mallard 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.