Upper Chesapeake Bay, c. 1870
15 1/2 in. long

A large canvasback decoy with a slight ridge down the tail. The underside for tail bears an incised "H" and the body has a second head by James T. Holly (1855-1935). The underside of the base bears an inscription which reads "Canvasback - Male / From Chesapeake Bay, Md. Said to have been used in rig shot over by President Grover Cleveland." The Upper Chesapeake's "Cleveland Rig" is named for famed waterfowling enthusiast, and 22nd president of the United States, Grover Cleveland (1837-1908). The carving also bears a red-paint "A51-95" museum identification code on its right side.
As found in old paint.

Provenance: Walter L. Bush Collection
Collection of a New York City Museum, acquired from the above in 1953

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