Red-Breasted Merganser Drake
Willie Ross (1878-1954)
Chebeague Island, ME, c. 1910
16 1/2 in. long

This exact decoy was selected for a two-page spread in John Dinan’s Maine chapter of "The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys." The caption reads, “Merganser by Willie Ross. This superb shelldrake illustrates Ross’s ability to create a graceful decoy using simple lines.” This decoy is constructed with an inletted head which retains remnants of its replaceable horsehair crest.
Original paint with light gunning wear, a restored bill, and faint age line in neck.

Provenance: Ronald Swanson Collection
Stephen H. Churchill Collection
Private Collection

Literature: Joe Engers, ed.,"The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys," San Diego, CA, 1990, pp. 30-31, exact decoy illustrated.John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1981, pp. 35 & 40, related example illustrated.Exhibited: Virginia Beach, VA, Mid-Atlantic Wildfowl Festival, 1980

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