John Austin (NC, 1891-1981), Published Redhead

Corolla, North Carolina, circa 1920, carved and painted wood, published on page 255 of Gunnin' Birds by Kroghie Andresen.
Length 16 in.
Austin was born in Hatteras but moved to Corolla as an infant and spent his life there. He spent his childhood days in Corolla Village and became a market hunter at an early age. He sold waterfowl to buyers aboard the steamship Comet. He served our country in World War I and upon his return he became a commercial fisherman and hunting guide. He became the postmaster of Corolla in 1935. Austin made several styles of redheads during his lifetime. This redhead has a very clever neck repair.
Former collection of Kroghie Andresen.

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Original paint, working repair to neck with exposed nails.