Mussel-In-Mouth Rocking-Head Black Duck
Augustus "Gus" Aaron Wilson (1864-1950)
South Portland, ME, c. 1930
20 1/2 in. long

Known for creating decoys with dynamic forms, this swimming, feeding, rocking-head black duck successfully ties three distinct Wilson features all into one decoy. Wilson may be the only carver to have represented a puddle duck with shellfish. Wilson's interpretation reminds us of the rugged Maine coast and the special reverence that hunters and mariners hold for the wily back duck. This decoy was never rigged and hails from the Haid Collection.
Excellent original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: Montsell Pierce Collection
Alan and Elaine Haid Collection
Private Collection
Private Collection, New York

Literature: John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1990, p. 25, related decoy illustrated.

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.

20.5 in