September/October 2011
$8.95
Magnificent
“Cockey family” swans now credited to talented
Baltimore decoy maker
COLLECTOR PROFILE Passionately embracing their collection everyday
GUYETTE, SCHMIDT & DEETER AUCTION Crowell decorative redhead stands above its peers
FRANK & FRANK AUCTION Ward brothers wood duck tops the sales chart
SINCE
1977
T H E F I N E S T I N A M E R I C A N D E C OY S LONG-BILLED CURLEW - Back Bay, Virginia, c. 1900. The body is made from a cypress knee and the separate pine head is doweled into the body. Collected by F. Phillip Williamson in the 1950s. A wonderful primitive Southern shorebird.
FEEDING RED KNOT - Northampton County, Virginia, c. 1875. Wonderful old surface with the sharpest wing-tail carving I’ve ever seen. The undersurface at the end of the tail is extremely concave. A unique example.
HUDSONIAN CURLEW - McCarthy family, Cape May, New Jersey, c. 1905. Excellent posture. Good dry original paint. SLEEPING BROADBILL - Obediah Verity, Seaford, Long Island, New York, c. 1880. An iconic Long Island sculpture. Carved from a solid piece of cedar – the head and body are one piece. The only known example of its type. Pictured Plate 78, “American Bird Decoys,” by Mackey. Probably the rarest of Long Island decoys.
A N T IQ U E A ME R I C A N B I RD D ECOYS ARE OU R ON LY BUSINESS . A LL ASPECTS OF DECOY MARKETING - SALES - CONSIGNMENTS - AUCTION BIDDING - APPRAISALS - EXPERIENCED CONSULTING
DICK McINTYRE / Broker 158 Jasmine Hall Rd. • Seabrook, S.C . 29940
843•466•0250 • E-mail: decoyczar @ hughes.net
January/February 2007 2
Coming Soon - CollectableOldDecoys.com ANTIQUE AMERICAN BIRD DECOYS WITH ATTITUDE
2 Decoy Magazine
DECOY MAGAZINE EDITOR & PUBLISHER Joe Engers
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Allen Linkchorst Donna Tonelli Jim Trimble
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS T. Thompson Bosworth Richard Cowan Shirley Dashner Jon Deeter Charles Frank Dick Gove Gene & Linda Kangas Richard LaFountain Preston Lowe Dick McIntyre Jamie Reason C. John Sullivan Jr. Ronald Swanson Chad Tragakis
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 • Volume 35, Number 5
COLLECTOR PROFILE: GEORGE & MIRIAM VAN WALLEGHEM • 8 Passionately embracing their collection everyday
CHESAPEAKE WILDFOWL EXPO • 15 Antique Decoy Competition winners
SNAPSHOTS • 20
Photos from the Waterfowl Festival
COVER STORY • 24
Al Bell – The rightful maker of the famous “Cockey swan decoys”
COLLECTORS CORNER • 31
Auction Hunters bag “rig” of antique decoy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Henry Fleckenstein Jr. GRAPHIC DESIGN Karen O’Keefe/Captive Designs Senior Designer
Drew Hawkins/In-house Creative Graphic Designer PRINTER Sundance Press
Decoy Magazine (ISSN 1055-0364) (USPS 004192) is published bi-monthly plus an additional issue. Copyright 2011 by Decoy Magazine, 102 Second St., Lewes, DE 19958. All rights reserved. No material may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Subscriptions: In U.S., $40 annually; in Canada, $55 (U.S. funds) annually (air mail); in Europe and Asia, $75 annually (air mail). Samples and back issues, $10.95 each, $12 overseas. All subscriptions must be paid in advance. Periodicals postage paid at Lewes, Delaware and at an additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Decoy Magazine, P.O. Box 787, Lewes, DE 19958, (302) 644-9001; Fax (302) 644-9003. EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING DEADLINES November/December - January 13, 2012 2011 Year In Review - February 10, 2012 January/February - March 9, 2012
Visit Decoy Magazine’s site at:
www.DecoyMag.com
September/October 2011
FRANK & FRANK AUCTION • 40
Rare Ward brothers wood duck tops the charts
GUYETTE, SCHMIDT & DEETER AUCTION• 40 Crowell redhead stands above its peers
DEPARTMENTS
SHOWSTOPS • 16
Busy fall season offered a myriad of choices
CALENDAR • 22
Upcoming shows, auctions and vintage competitions
MUSEUM NEWS • 30
Seabrook’s “counterfeits” on display
REVIEWS • 32
New books on Great Lakes, New Jersey decoys
CLASSIFIEDS • 44
Buy, sell and swap your favorites
ON THE COVER
Since at least 1987 collectors assumed that a group of magnificent swan decoys were carved by the Cockey family of Kent Island, Maryland, even though clues surfaced as early as 1991 that the attribution was incorrect. Thanks to additional research, and a second look at the documentation at the Maryland Historical Society, who had one donated to them in 1964, it’s now been determined they were carved by Al Bell, a Baltimore duck hunter and decoy maker.
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D E C OY R E S TO R AT I O N Exceptional Mason Goose With a common restoration problem -”poor in use repair” 10D nails, glued offset alignment and missing neck filler
Restoring the common and the RARE
Paul Fortin Extensive experience with decoys and carvers from all regions of the U.S. and Canada
SPECIALIZING IN MASON FACTORY DECOYS
P.O.BOX 713 • HANSON, MA 02341 • 781-447-2614
C ELEBRATING A MERICA’S F INEST F OLK A RT
Articles on decoys and decoy makers from the golden age of waterfowling
Features on contemporary decoy carvers, spearfishing decoys and sporting collectibles Complete decoy auction coverage
Classified section for buying, selling and trading
Calendar of upcoming decoy shows and auctions Color photographs of over 100 decoys ❏ 1 Year, 7 Issues ❏ 2 Years, 14 Issues
$40.00 $72.00
❏ Canada, 1 Year ❏ Canada, 2 Years
$55.00 $100.00
❏ Foreign Subscriptions, Per Year $75.00 To Order, send check or money order to:
DECOY MAGAZINE • P.O. Box 787, Lewes, DE 19958 (302) 644-9001 • Fax (302) 644-9003 • E-Mail: decoymag@aol.com
see our website at www.decoymag.com 4
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Still worth the excitement
When we published the first issue of Decoy Magazine in fall of 1979, we debuted at the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland. There was such a level of anticipation and positive energy evident in the building and throughout the town that it was hard not to get swept up in the excitement of it all. There were exhibitors in numerous sites throughout the town, with buses providing transportation between them. The businesses decorated their windows with waterfowl related effects, vendors shucked oysters in the streets, the trees were full of color and geese flew overhead. There were myriads of restaurants and watering holes to choose from and collectors and enthusiasts congregated for lunch, dinner or a nightcap. As this was our introduction to decoy collecting, I’ve always had a soft spot for this show and eagerly await it each year. Now with the two-day Guyette & Schmidt (and now Deeter) auction preceding the event, it makes for nearly a week-long celebration. We left Lewes on Tuesday morning and crossed the peninsula on a beautiful sunny day. We were escorted along the way by the occasional flock of migrating geese, a signal it’s that time of year. We arrived at the Talbot County Community Center, the site of the auction, to set up for three days of the buy, swap and sell that’s held in coordination with the sale. By the time we arrived most of the 60 or so vendors were already set up, and we understand that roughly an equal number were encamped in a parking lot on one side of the building. It all adds to the success of the auction. Quite a bit of business takes place on opening day, often among the vendors and eventually the auction crowd that arrives in time for the 6:00 p.m. preview. There was an excellent turnout for the initial inspection, and many took advantage of the open bar and excellent hors d’oeuvres that the auction house generously provided. For some ambitious folks, it sufficed for dinner. A good crowd turned out for the two day auction and a strong variety of quality birds were available on the exhibitor tables and at the sale. In many ways, the inventory is better
(Continued on page 20)
Decoy Magazine
C
OLLECTOR PROFILE
George and Miriam
Van Walleghem Passionately embracing their collection every day George leaned forward and confided in his friendly soft-spoken voice, “Miriam just loves duck decoys. In fact, she might like them more than I do,” he said. “And she’s grown to enjoy fish decoys even better than I ever thought she would.” Miriam and George have been happily married since 1959, and have joined visions to put together a wonderful collection, blending waterfowl and fish decoys with complementary folk and contemporary art. Mornings often begin with casual observations and discussions: “George did you notice the way the sunlight hits the Schweikart’s wing tips?” Or, “Miriam what do you think about the Quillin pintail coming up at auction compared to our teal?”
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MICHIGAN
Wo o d d u c k h e n b y F e r d H o m m e o f S t o u g h t o n , W i s c o n s i n , c a . 19 4 0 .
Pa i r o f h o l l o w b l u e - w i n g e d t e a l b y N a t e Q u i l l i n o f R o c k w o o d , M i c h i g a n , c a . 18 9 0 .
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Decoy Magazine
Bas s d ec o y wi th a s pe c tac u la r su n bu r st d o r s a l f i n b y H a n s J a n n e r S r.
B lu e b i l l b y Fe rdi na nd B a ch o f D e t r o i t , M i c h i g a n , c a . 19 3 0 . Pr ee n i n g b o b t a i l c a n va s b a c k h e n b y t h e Va n d e n b o s s c h e f a m i l y o f M t . C l e m e n s , M i c h i g a n , c a . 19 2 0 .
T
BY LINDA KANGAS
he collection is integral to their life and home environment. They have totally surrounded themselves with art and passionately embrace it every day. While many people have gotten involved in decoy collecting because of their love of hunting, George and Miriam Van Walleghem’s entry into this avocation in the mid1960s had a somewhat ironic twist. George owned a restaurant in St. Clair Shores, Michigan and wanted to pursue his interest in pheasant hunting. However, he soon realized that this activity took him away from his family and business far too long each time. And George admits to actually hitting only a few pheasants because, “I was a terrible shot.” So he decided duck hunting might be more practical due to the proximity of Lake St. Clair and the ability to pursue this hobby at his leisure and in his spare time. To facilitate his interest, George engaged respected outdoorsman and decoy collector Ed DeNavarre as a guide. As George pursued this new hobby, however, he realized that it was his love of the outdoors that interested him more than the actual hunting. But Ed wasn’t through with George yet, as he then introduced him to duck hunting’s coun-
September/October 2011
Sti c k - u p b lac k d u ck f i e ld d ec o y b y J oh n Ta x o f O s a k i s , M i n n e s o t a , c a . 19 4 0 .
H o ll ow C an ad a g oo se b y Jac k R ee v e s o f L o n g P o i n t , O n t a r i o , c a . 19 3 0 .
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Roc k bas s b y H an s J an n er S r.
F i s h d ec o ys b y J a m e s Ros i n .
D u c k b o a t w i t h m i n i a t u r e de co y s b y Fe rdi na nd B a ch .
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terpart. Then he guided George and Miriam through acquiring the initial pieces that formed the foundation of the Van Walleghems’ decoy collection. “George is a real outdoorsman,” Miriam remarked. “He had sail boats and used to like being out in the worst weather! In the fall he’d tell me, ‘You have to see these ducks, Miriam, you can see thousands rafting in the middle of the lake!’” Miriam loved sailing and was thrilled when together they watched the enchanting throngs of wild ducks and geese flocking noisily in the air then settling onto the welcoming waters. Collecting sculptural interpretations of beautiful avian creatures was a natural development within this couple’s aesthetic perceptions. Their first decoys were two canvasbacks purchased from the rig of famed carver Ferdinand Bach of St. Clair Shores, regarded as one of the region’s exemplary makers. Ed informed them about a sale of decoys from the St. Clair Flats Shooting Company that Barney Crandall and Judge Harry M. Sietz Jr. were holding at the Holiday Inn in Monroe, Michigan. Charmed by the selections, they purchased 15 outstanding Canadian ducks carved in the late 1800s. They were added to a half dozen pieces they had already acquired, but Miriam and George agreed that the Bach cans were “our first real find.” Ed was also responsible for introducing
Decoy Magazine
F i s h d e c o y b y Va n d e n b o s s c h e , t h e f i r s t i m p o r t a n t f i s h d e c o y G e o r g e a n d M i r i a m a c q u i r e d .
them to another very influential collector, Ed Childs. He told them, “No collection would be complete without some low head Nate Quillin redheads and Ed Childs is the only person with any good ones.” Childs did indeed have great examples of the decoys they were seeking, but he wasn’t interested in selling. When Ed passed away, George and Miriam secured two of the rare Quillins from his widow. As their interest evolved in the early 1970s to encompass folk art in general, George and Miriam connected with Michael Hall, an astute and well-regarded artist, collector and Resident Sculptor at The Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. “We first met Michael when he came to our home in Grosse Pointe Woods to look at our collection,” Miriam reminisces. “He really helped us shape our current view of duck
decoys as pieces of art and true sculpture. When we had a chance to see his collection, it gave us an appreciation for just how incredible these pieces could be and motivated us to think about how we could acquire decoys from the same carvers who were in his collection.” George and Miriam also became intrigued with fish decoys after meeting Charlie Hart and Jerry Adams in the early 1980s and
H ol lo w f i s h de co y s wi t h fe a th e r s for f i n s b y C h a r l es K el lm a n of M i ch i g a n .
September/October 2011
P e r c h d e c o y s b y B a r t Pe r k i n s .
quickly began finding first-class examples of those for their growing collection. George spoke up, “We didn’t have any fish when we first heard that Charlie had some nice ones. Miriam and I went to his home and were so surprised at the beauty of them! We were amazed how wonderful they were! We fell in love with the Vandenbosshe the first time we saw it. I told Charlie we just wanted to look, and that was the plan, but we ended up buying 20 to 30 fish over the next several years. We were enthralled by the fish.” “There are an awful lot of people who influenced us as collectors,” says George. “Jim Foote (who lived nearby) used to host meetings for local collectors which helped us meet others who were interested and that extended our contacts. We asked Joe Tonelli to represent us at an auction for some shorebirds because we were novices, and he became a good friend. Ron Sharp has been a great friend and advisor as we built our collection over the years and we’ve spent many a show together searching for treasures.” From that first investment of $55 each for the Bach canvasbacks, the Van Walleghems have assembled a folk art collection that is the envy of many. Their pieces are frequently featured in books and articles about folk art and decoy collecting. At the heart of their collection are the ducks borne out of George’s initial foray into duck hunting. They’ve enjoyed traveling to shows, meeting other collectors, buying unique and rare pieces along the way. Miriam says, “I think the ducks are unbelievable! There were a few men out of thousands who were incredible craftsmen. We picked the decoys from the talented ones we loved.
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S n a k e a n d f r o g c a n e b y a t a l e n t e d u n i d e n t i f i e d m a k e r.
We look at them all the time and they get more beautiful to us.” And George insists, “Miriam has kept me going all these years. We just love the art of it.” Yet more than any single piece they’ve ever acquired, George and Miriam sincerely insist, their greatest pleasure is the friends they have made who inspired their continued enthusiasm. Miriam and George each possess an artistic soul. Early on Miriam studied at the Society of Arts & Crafts in Detroit for four to five years. She worked in advertising and then at the Knoll Showroom of Contemporary Furniture in Birmingham where, after marrying, the couple chose all their early furniture. Both were interested in collecting art, but as a young couple starting out they were looking for the right match for their interests and budget. Their personalities seem to have melded quickly and more deeply because of their sensitive and spirited natures. They began collecting Michigan painters, and were especially taken with the work of Sarkis Sarkisian, who had been the Director of the Society of Arts & Crafts while Miriam
A d i s p l a y o f O n t a r i o a n d M i c h i g a n d e c o ys .
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Co p p e r ho r s e we a t h e r v an e b y J . A . J e w e l l & Co .
was a student and was considered the best Michigan painter. “We have acquired nearly half a dozen of Sarkis’ works over the years,” enthused Miriam, “and many landscapes and animal watercolors of Charles Culver, another teacher at the Society.” A treasured “Fawn” by Culver was originally found in a hunting lodge allowing Miriam and George to buy it from a dealer while in Chicago. Con-
temporary sculpture captured them as well. One intriguing figural piece was designed by Al Pepzinski constructed entirely with nails. Al was a fellow student at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit where Miriam took pottery classes in the mid 1960s. “Early on George and I agreed most of the time on pieces we considered buying; but now, we mesh ever so well!” “George has always had an intuitive sense of beauty,” Miriam shared admiringly. She talked of George’s passion for landscaping, designing and refining their outdoor environment with skill and beauty year after year. As a restaurateur George’s The Round Table was a destination, bringing families together for 40 years. He had a loyal staff, many staying with him for over two decades. George created entirely homemade meals, everything made from scratch. “It’s truly amazing,” Miriam thinks back, “that we have been able to acquire this truly incredible collection. For 40 years my dear husband worked seven days a week, closing the restaurant late in the evenings. Our first priority was always our family, our wonderful children Ian, Paul and Anna. Oldest son Ian was the horseman, competing and winning equestrian events. Paul and Anna began tennis lessons around six years of age. For years I chauffeured them to every lesson, practice, and game. They went to college on tennis scholarships. How George and I found the time to find and buy wonderful art, I just don’t know. But we did. I guess we just took every opportunity to spend time together. The children loved everything we brought home, and always felt they had value.” Of course, the family kept paintings and sculpture, ducks, fish and folk art throughout their entire home, and the children grew to have favorites. Of the many pieces that “got away,” one was most painful. They heard that a rare Gus Wilson tiger was coming up for auction in Maine, and when they saw it in person they decided they wanted it. With no long term planning and no thought of how to pay for it, Miriam and George carefully and excitedly bid at $10,000 and followed it up to $20,000 plus. They were definitely going home with this tiger! As the price rose, they took a
Decoy Magazine
De c orati v e te r n pl aqu e b y B e n S ch m idt of C e n t e r l i n e , M i c h i g a n , c a . 19 4 0 .
breath. The bid rose again and the auctioneer said, “Sold!” Without a chance to respond, without hearing any “Going, going, gone!” the tiger was gone. An important Nathan Cobb snaky neck Canada goose, however, was their most heartbreaking loss. They traveled to California attending a decoy show and a Bourne auction while there. It was the only bird they were interested in and they wanted to take it home. Cobb geese were going around $17,00022,000 at the time and George and Miriam were prepared to buy. No way was it going to get away. But the bidding climbed higher and higher through $20,000 into the $30,000s with Dr. Jim McCleery taking it home to Texas. Miriam and George were devastated, and sat in their seats stifled and depressed. They later realized it didn’t matter how much money they had put aside for this bird, it had no chance to go home with them to Michigan. Miriam and George’s discriminating connoisseurship grew from their personal love and lasting friendship and that of their children. And what do the walls hear in the Van Walleghem home? “George, can you believe that black duck! Can you believe that fish!” Each moment’s love and enthusiasm and the passionate embrace of art in their lives, brings smiles to their faces and warmth in their hearts Linda Kangas is co-author of “Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations” and can be contacted at www.GreatLakesDecoys.com.
September/October 2011
First Website Specializing in Vintage Decoys of the Pacific Coast
MICAH BROSNAN 916-742-1612
www.WestCoast-Decoys.com
Captain Olsen • Black Brant
Bill & Barbara Doggart
732.920.0932 mail@sedgeislanddecoys.com CHECK OUT OUR SELECTION OF QUALITY DECOYS ON-LINE AT
W W W . S E D G E I S L A N D D E C O Y S . C O M 13
S
FIFTH ANNUAL
H O W S T O P S
Chesapeake Wildfowl Expo Vintage Hunting & Fishing COLLECTIBLES SHOW
Saturday, January 28, 2012 9am - 4pm • Early Bird’s 8am Admission $6 • Early Bird Admission $15
Level Volunteer Fire Hall 3633 Level Village Road Havre de Grace, Maryland F E AT U R I N G DECOYS EPHEMERA FISHING LURES GUNS AMMUNITION RODS & REELS
SHOT SHELL BOXES SPORTING ART OYSTER CANS GUNPOWDER TINS HUNTING LIC. FISHING LIC.
Food & Drinks Available • Approximatley 100 Tables Proceeds to Benefit
Level Fire Co. & Havre de Grace Decoy Museum For more information contact:
Pat Vincenti (410) 734-6238 Chuck Usilton (410) 378-3528
EAST COAST DECOY COLLECTORS BUY-SELL TRADE
Salisbury, Maryland October 7-8, 2011
The annual Wildfowl Expo at the Ward Museum attracts both collectors and carvers, with the collectors partaking in a two-day buy, swap and sell in the adjoining parking lot and the carvers competing for prizes behind the museum and on Schumaker Pond. Since the entire show is an outdoors event, the weather plays a crucial part in its success, and this year it was perfect. The show kicks off on Friday morning with about 30 vendors setting out their birds in the sun-drenched parking lot. The majority of the exhibitors were from the mid-Atlantic region, and most of them were from the Delmarva Pennisula, so most of the offerings were from the Chesapeake Bay and New Jersey. Three of the auction houses – Frank & Frank, Copley and Guyette and Schmidt – previewed decoys for their upcoming auctions, and a number of contemporary carvers offered their work for sale. Traffic was never overwhelming during the two days in the parking lot, but there was nonetheless a steady turnout that provided opportunities for sales, and a fair handful of decoys changed hands, particularly for those offering more affordable decoys. We were pleased to sign up six new subscribers and sold a good handful of books and back issues. And met a few new collectors just recently attracted to decoys. At the end of the opening day many stay for the Museum’s annual pig roast, held under a tent behind the museum. While
most feasted on pulled pork, coleslaw and baked beans, Lora Bottinelli, the executive director of the museum, announced that the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art had just been accredited by the American Association of Museums, the premier national recognition that a museum can be receive. We join in congratulating them on their accomplishment. On Saturday morning collectors bring in entries for the Antique Decoy Competition, which this year featured canvasbacks in ten separate geographic categories. There are no official judges, as everyone who enters a decoy gets a vote. Only eight of the categories received entrants, with a pair of high head canvasbacks by Charles Nelson Barnard – one of three pairs in the competition – from the collection of John Sullivan Jr. winning the best of show award. We’ve pictured all the winners, which will be on display at the museum through spring 2012. Board member and long-time collector Henry Stansbury gave a seminar on the Baltimore game market on Friday and Saturday afternoon, which unfortunately we were unable to attend. The Museum was open free of charge over the weekend and many took the time to visit their collection. Since the weather was so beautiful, we hung out in the parking lot until mid-afternoon, and made a few additional sales during that time. When we finally packed up the truck to head for home, only Art Raine and Scott Richardson were still open for business, determined to get that last sale. For information on the Chesapeake Wilfowl Expo or the Ward Museum, call (410) 742-4988 or visit www.wardmuseum.org.
Buy, Sell & Swap April 12-14, 2012 In rooms - rain or shine
St. Michaels Motor Inn (Best Western)
St. Michael's, MD 410-745-3333 (Mention Event)
Saturday late afternoon/evening meeting & cookout For more information contact
John Clayton 410-745-2955 John@njdecoys or Jim Trimble 703-768-7264 Potomacduck@cox.net PUBLIC WELCOME · Free Decoy Appraisals 14
M a r y l a n d c o l l e c t o r s ( L - R ) H e n r y S t a n s b u r y , J o h n S u l l i v a n a n d Va n c e S t r a u s b u r g s o a k u p som e sun a t t hi s yea r' s Ch esa pea k e W ildfowl Expo.
Decoy Magazine
Chesapeake Wildlife Expo 2011
AntiqueDecoyCompetitionWinners Best of Show
Best Upper Chesapeake Bay Canvasback Best Illinois River Canvasback Bert Graves drake
BILL DOGGART COLLECTION
Best North Carolina Canvasback Ned Burgess drake
JIM TRIMBLE COLLECTION
PHOTOS COURTESY WARD MUSEUM
Charles Nelson Barnard high head pair C. JOHN SULLIVAN JR COLLECTION
Best Delaware River Canvasback
Best New England Canvasback
Best Crisfield Canvasback
BILL DOGGART COLLECTION
ALAN HAID COLLECTION
VANCE STRAUSBURG COLLECTION
John McLoughlin drake
Ward brothers hen
Best Great Lakes Canvasback
Best Virginia Canvasback
VANCE STRAUSBURG COLLECTION
HENRY STANSBURY COLLECTION
Tom Chambers pair
July/August 2007
Shang Wheeler sleeping hen
Ira Hudson pair
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34th annual Louisiana Wildfowl Festival Mandeville, Louisiana October 8-9, 2011
The Louisiana Wildfowl Festival, held at the Castine Center in Mandeville on the north shore of Lake Ponchartrain and just a short drive across the Causeway from New Orleans, is an event that attracts both carvers and collectors. Sponsored by the Louisiana Wildfowl Carvers and Collectors Guild, its purpose is to promote and preserve Louisiana’s rich decoy carving heritage. Although attendance seemed down on opening day, possibly due to the college football game in nearby Baton Rouge (LSU defeated Florida), several veteran Louisiana collectors showed up to participate in the antique decoy competition. This year the species was pintails, and there were numerous entries, including two different styles of drakes by Mark Whipple, a Mitchell Lafrance hen and drakes by Alfred Hebert and Sidney Foret, among many others. The three judges – Gary Lipham, Jan Junker and Wendell Nunez – awarded this year’s blue
44th annual Upper Shore Decoy Show Charlestown, Maryland October 21-22, 2011
The Upper Shore Decoy Show, sponsored by the The Upper Bay Museum in nearby North East, Maryland and billed as the “longest continuously running decoy show in the United States” was held for the third straight year in a heated tent behind the historic Wellwood Club – now a restaurant - on the shores of the North East River. Having hosted many former presidents and digni-
Pa t V i n c e n t i ( L ) a n d Ve r n o n B r y a n t , t h e w i n n e r s o f t h i s y e a r ' s o l d d e c o y c on t e s t , wh i ch fe a t u r e d t h e B e st W i l l H e v e r i n D e c o y a n d t h e B est C ec i l Co u nt y B l ue bi l l .
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ribbon to Roger Bourgeois, who owned the winning Whipple pintail. Many New Orleans area carvers were present, including Rock Zeringue, Cal Kingsmill and Dr. Walter Mason. In addition to his own carvings – he displayed examples made over four decades - Dr. Mason brought quite a few vintage birds, including a mallard by Pierre Autin that’s pictured in “Louisiana Duck Decoys” by Charles Frank. Now retired, D. Mason still hunts over his own hand crafted decoys. He also displayed a poster sized enlargement of an old photograph of Charles Franks watching Jules E. Frederick chop out a cypress root decoy. Carver and collector Peter Ward had a handful of old decoys for sale as well. Brian Cheramie, the author of “Louisiana Lures and Legends,” dropped by the show on Sunday morning and received many congratulations for putting together the recent Louisiana decoy exhibit at the National Antique Decoy Show this past April in St. Charles, Illinois. Although it’s a relatively small regional show, and primarily a carver’s event, it’s always fun to attend to catch up on the latest Louisiana decoy news. Several local restaurants offer fresh Gulf of Mexico seafood and
traditional New Orleans cuisine. And a visit to that great city is just a short drive across the Causeway. For information about next year’s show visit LWCCG.com. - Bruce Lowell
taries and serving as a launching point to the Susquehanna Flats for many late 19th and early 20th century Cecil County decoy makers and duck hunters, it is a fitting and scenic location for a decoy show. The two-day show kicks off on Friday afternoon with a fundraising auction and wine and cheese reception. Roughly 30 vendors, about a dozen selling antique decoys, set up for the weekend, and a small but enthusiastic crowd turned out for the opening night, taking advantage of the opportunity to have the first pick at the inventory for sale. Not surprisingly, we did well over half our business that evening, with book sales particularly strong. However the auction results were well off previous years, as most of the offerings were local oriented and mostly contemporary, and the remaining audience seemed hesitant to bid. As in year’s past, the show committee printed an informative and entertaining booklet that was given to all exhibitors and attendees during the show. It included an article on Horace Graham, the grandnephew of John B. Graham, the earliest documented carver of Cecil County decoys. Horace worked as a carpenter until he retired in 1955, when he began making decoys in the basement of his home until his death in 1978. A large collection of his work was recently donated to The Upper Bay Museum. The booklet also included an interesting article on Upper Chesapeake Duck Hunting that had been published in an 1856 guidebook of
the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, the forerunner of the Pennsylvania Railroad. We appreciate their efforts. For the first time the show committee staged an old decoy contest, held at noon on Saturday, with $100 cash prizes awarded to the Best Will Heverin Decoy and the Best Cecil County Bluebill. We assisted in the judging. It was surprising that more decoys weren’t entered in the competition, as Heverin was by far the most prolific of the Cecil County carvers, although bluebills in general are harder to come by. Nonetheless we did get to handle a few good old decoys and expect the numbers of entries to increase once more collectors are aware of the contest. We’ve pictured the owners with their winning decoys. Maybe it was a combination of the beautiful sunny weather and a continuing dismal economy, but the turnout for the weekend was overall disappointing. All in all we were pleased with sales, as we sold our share of subscriptions and back issues, more than enough to warrant our return. But the lack of attendance, particularly by Saturday afternoon, did put a damper on the weekend. And that’s a shame, as we really like the location of this show and would like to see it grow. The table fees are more than reasonable and the complimentary reception on Friday and the complimentary breakfast for the exhibitors on Saturday are appreciated. For more information on next year’s show, contact Paul Shertz at (302) 834-8427 or paulshertz@aol.com.
Roger Bou rgeoi s wi t h h is wi nn ing pi nt a il b y M a rk W h i p p l e .
Decoy Magazine
Canadian Decoy & Outdoor Collectibles Show
Niagara Falls, Ontario October 29-30, 2011
The fall foliage was still hanging on to its glory as we headed north through Pennsylvania and Upstate New York to Niagara Falls, Ontario for the annual Canadian Decoy & Outdoor Collectibles Show, our once a year venture north of the border to visit our Canadian friends. Held at the Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel, on Lundy’s Lane deep in the heart of the tourist district, this was the first year at this new location. We drove up on Friday, passing through Buffalo, and stopped to visit Chris Moribella, who lives just ten minutes off the interstate. We’ve known Chris, a long time subscriber and collector, to be a big fan of Canadian decoys, having sold him one or two over the years, but had no idea of the breadth of his collection until our visit. He decided to specialize in Canadian birds as they were easily accessible, being just 15 minutes from the border. And some years ago the exchange rate was very favorable, making his chase even more rewarding. There were at least a dozen Nova Scotia eiders, and probably as many mergansers. There were individual shelves devoted to George Warin, J.R. Wells and the Reeves family. And he certainly had rigs of Ducharme canvasbacks and Prince Edward Island geese. Our favorite was one of those Long Point hissing Canada geese, light as a feather and with a wonderful patina. Then it was off to the border, across the Peace Bridge into Canada. It took a long time to explain to the border agents what a decoy show was all about and why I would be going there. I particularly alarmed them when I mentioned people bringing “birds” to the show – parrots, they asked. Finally they allowed me to proceed and I arrived after dark. The events begin on Saturday with a morning auction by Simpsons auction house. It included decoys, fishing tackle and miscellaneous sporting memorabilia. Most of the items were of Canadian origin. There wasn’t anything in particular that caught my fancy, so I headed off with Jon Deeter, the co-owner of the decoy firm Guyette, Schmidt & Deeter, for a drive down to the falls and along the river. It is truly an awesome sight, and best seen from the Canadian side, which directly faces the falls. We continued on to the charming historic town of Niagara on the Lake, where we stopped and had lunch. It was a wonderful diversion. We arrived back at the hotel at about the end of the auction and just an hour or so before the cocktail party, so decided to wander 18
Ro b i n C r a i g ( L) wo n t h e B e s t K e n A n g e r D e c o y c o mp e ti t i o n w i t h a r e d h e a d a n d Pa u l B r i s c o wo n t h e B e s t C a n v a s b ac k c o mp e t i t i o n wi t h a J o h n M o r r i s d r a k e .
the hotel to check for open rooms. There were about a dozen or so with their doors open, but unfortunately they were spread out on four floors of the building. Next year the show committee is going to find out who wishes to participate in room to room trading and congregate them on one or two floors. Good idea. The cocktail party, always a pleasurable social gathering, doubles as a membership meeting. Jon Deeter generously paid for the drinks. Afterwards most headed for the lounge, where the committee had set aside about 40 seats for a group dinner. It wasn’t as nice as the buffet at the old location – we simply ordered off the menu – but it was a good meal nonetheless. After roaming the halls and congregating in the rooms for a few hours that evening, a small but dedicated group headed to the bar to watch a parade of Halloween ghouls and goblins. We heard it was quite the crowd. There were about 30 dealers for the Sunday show, most Canadian but with a larger turnout from the states than in previous years, likely due to the show moving closer to them. However not one dealer from Quebec set up this year, reportedly because the show moved further from them. We missed their presence and hope they make it next year. Each year the show committee puts up a first class exhibit, and this year there were two. The first was a display of Burlington Bay decoys, which were featured in a recent issue of Decoy Magazine in an article by Pete Munger. He even brought a “screening” boat to include in the display. Roger Young put together an impressive exhibit of canoe models
and sample paddles and gave an informative talk on the subject around noon. There were also two antique decoy competitions, one featuring Canadian canvasbacks and the other Ken Anger decoys. A wonderful canvasback by John Morris of Hamilton from the collection of Paul Brisco took one first place award and an Anger redhead from the collection of Robin Craig took the other. The winners are chosen by popular vote, and we cast ours for a canvasback by Frank Kortrite, also from Robin’s collection, and an Anger bufflehead hen from the collection of Walt Hallbauer. The majority of activity at this show takes place from roughly the opening bell until noon, and there was a good turnout for most of the morning and quite a few birds were seen changing hands. We signed up a few new subscribers and sold quite a few back issues featuring Canadian decoys. Gene and Linda Kangas were busy selling copies of their latest book, “Great Lake Decoy Interpretations” (see our review on page 32). Although most shows have an opening and closing time, they sort of leave it open here – as long as there’s activity going on the dealers will stay in place. By one many had started to prepare for their exit. By two we were packed and ready for that long drive home. As we crossed the Rainbow Bridge, with the falls directly below us, we looked forward to returning next year. For more information on the Canadian Decoy & Outdoor Collectibles Association and next year’s show, visit their website at www.canadiandecoy.com. Decoy Magazine
Make No Mistake!
This is the decoy show to attend in Ohio!
Great Lakes Decoy Association Annual Show in Westlake, Ohio March 22-24, 2012
Thursday-Saturday: room to room Sales Thursday: Vintage Decoy Seminar 8:00 p.m. Corkers Lounge Friday: Guyette and Schmidt Auction 12:00 p.m. Pool Area Saturday: Vintage Decoy Contest 8:00 a.m. Corkers Lounge Sponsored by Martin Hanson Decoys
If you collect decoys, see the list of dealers that have committed to making the switch at this early date. We look forward to seeing you in March and will continue to bring you all the events we have had in the past. Keep watching www.greatlakesdecoyassociation.com for updates or call one of the contacts below. Russ Allen Carol Barnes Frank Barron Andrew Tom Beary Lee Bontrager Greg Braun Paul Brisco Robert Brown Bob Burger Burt Campbell Chris Chamblin Ken Cole John Collier William Cordrey Jeff Cross Dean Dashner
Gary Davis Jon Deeter Dom DiCampli Guy DiPlacido Joe Engers Dave Fannon Dennis Forthofer Steve Fox Joe Gargagliano Greg Golicz Jerry Grantham Alan Haid Gary Hall Walt Hallbauer Marty Hanson Ted Harmon
Jeff Hay Ben Heinemann Jack Hern Calvin Hoeft Tom Humberstone Bob James Ed Johnston Phil Jones Arnie Kahnt Pat Kane Gene & Linda Kangas Dave Kneebone Oliver Lawson Randy Martalock Bill Masengarb Dick McIntyre
Bob Moreland Allen Muhic Dale Nowland Steve O'Brien Lou Petrucco Art Raine Tom Reed Bill Rigsbee Jon Ritchie Keith Salkeld Fritz Scott Cliff Scott Jeff Seregny Tom Shumaker Tim Sieger Pete Siggelko
Collector rooms reserve through the Holiday Inn, Phone: 1-440-871-6000 Dealer Rooms and/or membership information contact one of the following: Ken Cole 810-845-2434, kencole3@aol.com Marty Hanson 952-210-9377, hansondecoys@gmail.com Gene & Linda Kangas 440-352-5321, kangas@creeksideartgallery.com
Ira Skees John Staab Ken Stein Bill Stout George Strunk Conrad Sundeen Mike Suzor Joe Tonelli Joe Van Wie Dick Walters Vaughn Walters Wayne Wildschut Jack Wilkie Tom Winstel Greg Woodland Dan Yundt
SNAPSHOTS of the
2011
S o u th e r n e r s M i k e M i l ho r n ( L ) a n d D ave F a n n o n a t th e b u y , s wa p a n d s e l l o ut si d e t he G uyet t e & Sc h mi d t a uc t i o n.
Pe n n s y l v a n i a f a t h e r a n d s o n t e a m J e f f a n d Derek C ro ss bro u gh t a l o a d of d ec o ys t o th i s ye a r’ s s h o w.
Ve t e r a n D e l a w a r e R i v e r e n t h u s i a s t s , l e f t t o r i g h t , C h a r l i e S e i d e l , Lar r y L amb er t an d B ob W h i te c h e ck e d ou t th e s e le ct i on s at th e G u ye tt e & S ch m i dt a u c ti o n.
PUBLISHERS NOTE
(Continued from page 4)
than at the actual Waterfowl Festival itself as many exhibitors set up here then go home. Quite a number of decoys were seen changing hands. There was also a strong response to the birds in the auction, as the sale grossed roughly $2 million, topped by a decorative standing redhead by Elmer Crowell that sold to a phone bidder for $247,250, nearly double the amount paid for a John Williams swan at $131,500, although both had identical estimates ($172,500). The Southern decoys provided most of the strength in the auction, although there were excellent examples from most regions of the country.
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V i r gi ni a d ea l e r a n d co ll e ct o r Ga r y C a m p b el l a n d h i s w i fe Sh a ro n e x h i b i t e d a g o o d s el e ct i o n o f S o u t h e r n d e c o y s a t t h i s ye a r ’ s s h o w.
M ar y l a n d c a r ve r an d c ol l e c t o r Da n C al l a h an t ai l g a t e d i n t he p ar k in g l ot ou t s i d e th e G u y e t t e a n d S ch m i d t a u c t i o n . J I M T R I MB L E P HOT O
(See our complete auction coverage on page 40.) On Wednesday night John Sullivan, an Upper Chesapeake Bay waterfowl historian and the director of operations at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, gave a talk at a local antique shop on his favorite topic. After telling the audience how he got attracted to collecting and dispersed some stories of the famous gun clubs of the area that he’s researched, he introduced a new bit of information that may identify the actual maker of the racy swan decoys that have been attributed to the Cockey family of Kent Island, Maryland. (One sold at the auction for $20,125.) That led to the cover story that he’s contributed for this issue (see page 24). On Thursday we pack up at the community center and move to the high school to
set up for the three-day Waterfowl Festival. Although it looked like rain most of the day, it never materialized until later that evening. Although it was crisp and breezy for the opening day on Friday, the weather stayed beautiful throughout the weekend. The opening day on Friday is always the busiest part of the weekend. When the doors open at 10 a.m. a crowd surges in and holds steady until mid-afternoon. The exhibitors are about evenly split between those selling old birds and contemporary carvers. All three of the major decoy auction houses – Copley Fine Art Auctions, Decoys Unlimited and Guyette, Schmidt & Deeter – were exhibiting birds for their next sale and taking consignments. Along with a selection of old decoys, we bring plenty of books and magazines and sold quite a good number of back issues fea-
Decoy Magazine
Pa r t i c i p a n t s i n t h i s y e a r ’ s A r t i fa c t s D i s p l a y ( L - R ) : D N R L t . S c o t t R i ch a rd s o n , Ro n n i e N e w c o m b a n d B i l l S t r y k e r.
J I M T R I MB L E P HOT O
Ne w E n g la n d d ea l e rs , le f t t o r i g h t , A la n H a i d , R u ss G o ld b er g e r a n d St e v e O ’B r i e n du r i n g th e b uy , swa p a n d s e ll a t th e G uy et te & S ch m i d t a u ct i on .
S o u t h e r n e r s L l o y d Ne w b u r y ( L ) a n d J a c k M a r s h s h a r e a l a u g h d u r i n g t h e b u y , s w a p a n d s e l l a t t h e Ta l b o t C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r.
turing Chesapeake Bay area decoys. One of our favorite parts of the show is the Artifacts Display, which is organized yearly by Kim Newcomb. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see dozens and dozens of quality decoys from private collections. This year’s displays were excellent. Both the Ward Museum and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum provided birds for the exhibit. Baltimore collector Bill Pugh displayed a large selection of decoys from the Cockey family. Sam Dyke, the curator of the Ward Museum, displayed about 20 brant decoys made by six different Chincoteague, Virginia makers. Maryland collector Bob Jester combined forces with Virginia collector Rick Kellum to put together a display of Eastern Shore barrier island decoys, from Ocean City, Mary-
September/October 2011
Lo ng Is la nd e n th u s i a st s , l e f t t o ri gh t, Di ck La F ou n t a i n , Ti m S i e g er a nd R o n M c G r a t h s h a r e a c o n v e r s a t i o n d u r i n g t h e Wa t e r f o w l F e s t i v a l .
land to Cape Charles, Virginia. Eddie Dean of nearby Hoopers Island displayed decoys by Ed Phillips of Cambridge, Maryland. Bill Styrker put together a group of decoratives by the Ward brothers. And that’s just a sampling. One of the more interesting exhibits was put together by the Department of Natural Resources police that included a large light boat cannon and machine gun that was used during the 19th century “oyster wars” on the Chesapeake Bay. It had been mounted on the deck of the steam powered “Lelia” and was used on unwelcomed dredging vessels that sailed into Maryland waters illegally to harvest oysters. Although this show has the best attendance of any we attend, the numbers don’t compare to year’s past. But that’s generally
the case across the board. And Sunday, the last day of a long week, can be a bit quiet. Yet just about everyone we spoke to were pleased with sales throughout the week. We even had our last big sale at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, just 15 minutes before the show officially ended. If you’ve never been to the Waterfowl Festival you need to include it in your plans. There’s plenty to get excited about. By the time you’re reading this we’ll have completed our final show of the season, about two dozen in all. We’re ready for a short break for the holidays, but nonetheless we’ve already made plans well into 2012. We hope to see you there too. In the meantime, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a safe and healthy New Year. 21
C JANUARY 14-15
A L E N D A R FEBRUARY 3-4
28th annual Toms River Art & Decoy Festival to be held at Central High School in Bayville, New Jersey. Contact: Janet Sellitto at (732) 341-9622, ext. 2214 or jsellitto@ocymca.org.
2012 Minnesota Decoy Show sponsored by the Minnesota Decoy Collectors Association and held at the Ramada Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Room to room trading on Wednesday and Thursday. Contact: John Southworth (651) 455-7114 or Larry Thomforde (507) 732-7074 or visit www.mndecoycollectors.com.
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The 2012 Winter Sporting Sale by Copley Fine Art Auctions to be held at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in New York, New York. Contact: Copley’s at (617) 536-0030 or visit www.copleyart.com.
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MARCH 3
10-12
41st annual Long Island Decoy & Sporting Collectibles Show to be held at the Electricians Union Hall in Smithtown, New York. Contact: Tim Sieger at (631) 537-0153 or sieger@hamptons.com.
11-12
43rd annual Wisconsin Decoy and Sporting Collectibles Show to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Room to room trading on Thursday and Friday. Contact: Roger Ludwig at (920) 2330349 or rogfuzz@charter.net.
17th annual East Carolina Wildfowl Art Festival to be held at the Washington Civic Center in Washington, North Carolina. Contact: Dave Gossett at (252) 946-2897 or visit www.eastcarolinawildfowlguild.com.
5th annual Susquehanna Flats Vintage Hunting & Fishing Collectibles Show to be held at the Level Fire Hall in Havre de Grace, Maryland. Contact: Pat Vincenti at (410) 734-6238 or Chuck Usilton at (410) 378-3528.
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44th annual Henry Decoy Show to be held at the Henry-Senachwine High School in Henry, Illinois. Contact: Bruce Bauter at (309) 364-4104 or bbauter@mchsi.com.
2012 California Open Wildlife Art Festival to be held at the Corky McMillin Event Center in San Diego, California. Contact: Del Herbert at (619) 421-1034 or delsdecoys@hotmail.com.
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9th ANNUAL EASTERN SHORE
Call Now To Consign! Space is limited and we will fill up!
February 23rd, 24th & 25 2012 No Advertising Fee! Low Commission Rates! Payment Guaranteed Within (5) Days! Zeb B. Barfield, Inc. Auction Facility 12100 Mears Station RD Hallwood, VA 23359 757-824-4698 • 757-894-2626 zeb@zebsauctions.com
w w w. z e b s a u c t i o n s . c o m 22
Decoy Magazine
16-18
35th annual Ohio Decoy Show sponsored by the Ohio Decoy Collectors and Carvers Association to be held at the Holiday Inn in Westlake, Ohio. Contact: Mark Costilow at (440) 320-3039 or mcostilow@oh.rr.com.
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Great Lakes Decoy Association annual show to be held at the Holiday Inn in Westlake, Ohio. Contact: Ken Cole at (810) 8452434 or kencole3@aol.com.
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20th annual Decoy Show & Sale sponsored by the New Jersey Decoy Collectors Association to be held at the Parkertown Fire Hall in Parkertown, New Jersey. Contact: Rich Pemberton at (609) 652-8752 or Pete Butler at (609) 965-3143
APRIL 13-14
East Coast Decoy Collectors Buy, Sell & Swap meet to be held at the St.Michaels Motor Inn in St. Michaels, Maryland. Contact: John Clayton at (410) 745-2955, john@njdecoys.com or Jim Trimble at (703) 768-7264, potomacduck@cox.net.
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Annual spring auction by Guyette & Schmidt to be held at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois. Contact: Guyette & Schmidt at (410) 745-0485 or visit www.guyetteandschmidt.com
27-28
National Antique Decoy Show sponsored by the Midwest Decoy Collectors Association and held at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois. Room to room trading Monday through Thursday. Contact: Herb Desch at (312) 337-7957 or visit www.midwestdecoy.org.
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42nd annual Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival to be held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. Contact: The Ward Museum at (410) 7424988 or visit www.wardmuseum.org.
SEND US YOUR LISTINGS
Calendar is a free service of Decoy Magazine. Just mail us your information and we’ll take care of the rest. Remember, we’re published bi-monthly, so send us your information as soon as possible. We recommend you contact the shows to confirm these dates. Deadline for the November/December 2011 issue is January 13, 2012.
September/October 2011
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C
OVER STORY
Rare “Cockey family” swan decoys now credited to their rightful maker, duck hunter and decoy carver Al Bell
A
BY C. JOHN SULLIVAN JR.
ttribution, provenance and history are all important to those of us who collect old decoys. My primary focus over the years has been on the history, as the other aspects will follow. During the summer of 1991, while serving on the Sporting Art Committee of the Maryland Historical Society, the question arose as to the maker of the swan decoy in their collection. The curator advised the committee that the swan was attributed to Al Bell of Baltimore. There was some suggestion, later disproved, that Bell was a virtually unknown African American carver from Baltimore City who made a few decoys.
The Historical Society was preparing an exhibit, “Maryland’s Finest Decoys,” and the swan was illustrated on the cover of the exhibition catalog and again inside as Plate 56. Obviously the committee paid little attention to the Society’s curator, as the caption for it read: “Swan, maker unknown, Havre de Grace, circa 1910.” The next time a similar swan appeared was at Richard Oliver and the Ward Museum’s October 12-13, 1996 auction at the Delmarva Conference Center in Delmar, Maryland. Henry Fleckenstein Jr. and I wrote the catalog descriptions for that auction in a warehouse in nearby Salisbury, sitting side by side at a table with the de-
coys resting before us. Henry wrote the swan narrative, basing most of his description on a swan that had been offered at a Julia/Guyette auction in September 1987 that featured the collection of Jim Lewis. Both swans were attributed to the Cockey family of Kent Island in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland. Julia/Guyette attributed their swan to Jim Cockey while Henry credited the other to John Cockey, Jim’s father.
Magnificent swan decoy by Al Bell of Baltimore, Maryland, was sold in the Guyette, Schmidt & Deeter auction on November 9, 2011 as a rare example by John Cockey of Kent Island, Maryland, as they had been attributed by decoy collectors for roughly 25 years. Despite the confusion in attribution, most collectors would agree they are among the finest swan decoys to have floated the Chesapeake Bay.
photos by Leo Heppner and Jeff Pelayo 24
Decoy Magazine
In April 2010 another of these swan decoys, this one painted as a Canada goose, was displayed in Tom Reed’s room at the East Coast Decoy Collectors meet in St. Michaels, Maryland. Henry Fleckenstein took a picture of Henry Stansbury holding the decoy. Decoy dean Clark Reed, Tom’s father, took the decoy home that day, and a day later it traveled back to Harford County with me. Decoy historian Joel Barber noted in his book, “Wild Fowl Decoys,” published in 1934, that many swans changed species following the outlawing of hunting them in 1918. This is one of them. The form, dimensions, neck bracing and the large iron ring in the breast all match up with the other known examples. And just recently, on November 9, 2011, the auction house of Guyette, Schmidt & Deeter, offered another. The description read: “Very rare and important swan decoy, John Cockey, Kent Island, Maryland, 1st quarter 20th century.” On the opposite page was a portion of Jim Trimble’s Decoy Magazine article from the January/February 2000 issue. Part of it read: “As evident by the variety of attribution given, most knowledgeable collectors agree that certain identification of the skillful hand that crafted these beautiful yet functional lures may forever remain a mystery.” The similarity in form between the three swans offered at auction is evident. The Historical Society’s swan seems to have a somewhat fuller body and a head that appears to angle slightly downward. Yet if studied side by side, aligning the heads so that all bill tips are in the same position, the similar carving characteristics quickly become apparent. The blunt tails rise slightly upward to a raised hump approximately one-quarter of the body
length forward. The necks are attached to a raised shelf and metal reinforcement straps that extend from the neck to the body are inletted on each side. The Historical Society swan also differs by the forward cut at the top of the neck and the addition of nearly one inch to the back of the head where it joins the neck. Nonetheless, the form of the head and neck are identical to the others. All known examples have an additional metal strap inletted into the back of the head and extending down the neck, adding strength to this two-piece attachment. The Historical Society swan has a massive iron ballast weight fastened with screws. A large ring
to secure the anchor line remains tightly affixed to its breast, similar to other examples. Just recently I purchased a Canada goose decoy that I’ve sought for the last 15 years. It’s without question carved by the same maker as the swan. The head angles downward in an identical manner as the Historical Society’s swan. This attitude is achieved by raising the back of the neck seat a quarter inch higher than the front. The goose displays the reinforcing metal
Rare Canada goose by Al Bell with a downward angle to the head in an identical manner as the swan decoy in the collection of the Maryland Historical Society. Just like the swans, the goose displays the reinforcing metal straps that support the neck.
September/October 2011
25
Several large bodied canvasbacks in various repaint from the Keen family’s Millers Island gunning rig. With their elongated bills and carved nostrils it was no doubt they were carved by the same hand as the swans.
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straps in exactly the same position as the swan. The goose has two lead ballast weights, one round and the other triangular, both fastened with hand forged nails. From 1987 through 1996 little discussion took place among collectors regarding the obvious contradiction of the Historical Society’s attribution of their swan to Baltimore carver Al Bell with the attribution of the Cockey family for the two swans sold at auction. Maybe Jim Trimble was right and the swans would “forever remain a mystery.” Then in the summer of 2009 I received a call from George B. Keen, who owned a rig of decoys used at the famous Miller’s Island Ducking Club, which was located on an island at the mouth of Back River in the Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore County, Maryland. Taking advantage of this enviable opportunity, arrangements were quickly made to visit his home. It wasn’t until I entered the house that I realized that the Keen family was the donor of the Historical Society’s swan. There resting on top of a china closet in the living room was the swan’s rig mate. Keen graciously allowed me to take his swan down from its high perch. I rested it on the floor and lifted one of the canvasback decoys from the Miller’s Island rig. Holding the duck so that the head would be at the same angle as the swan, there was no question that both were carved by the same hand. I’ve used that method of comparison for years with decoys in my own collection. Years ago when Decoy Magazine published my story on John B. Graham, it illustrated a wonderful pair of his canvasbacks on the cover. When holding one of my mini Graham canvasbacks at the proper distance from the cover, the similarity of profiles is instantly apparent. Along with the history of those swans, and the original documentation of their donation, I left the Keen home that day with the decoy rig they last used at Miller’s Island. It included several blocky large-bodied canvasbacks with great heads and elongated bills with carved nostrils. There was also a box of carved duck decoy heads – black heads (bluebills) and redheads – with carved nostrils that mimic the cuts of the swans, Canada goose and canvasbacks. The history – by discussion with Keen and the documentation he provided – clearly leads to the conclusion that the swans, and his entire rig, were carved by Al Bell of Baltimore. Mr. Keen related that his family originally owned six of the magnificent swans. They were stored under the front porch of the Keen home on Hamilton Avenue, which was literally around the corner from the home of the Bell family. So who was Al Bell? Unfortunately little is known of him. Henry Mann, a friend
Decoy Magazine
whose family shot at Miller’s Island, recalled that Bell lived in the Hamilton section of Baltimore and described him as an early 20th century duck hunter and decoy maker. Mann wrote in 2006 that Bell “carved hundreds of decoys for different groups, such as the Keen’s, Mann’s, Todd’s and Lamberts. There were many other groups that used his decoys. My father and his hunting group had as many as 200-300 decoys carved by Mr. Bell, most blackheads, canvasbacks, redheads plus a few swans.” When he was a child, Mann visited Bell, who presented young Henry with several miniature decoys. When I visited him in 2011, Mann sent me to his china closet to view his miniature collection. They had the same form as the great swans. I picked up one of the diminutive decoys and written on the underside was the name Al Bell. George W. Keen, the father of George B. Keen and the benefactor of the swan, described Al Bell in a 1964 letter to C.A. Porter Hopkins, then assistant to the Director of the Maryland Historical Society. He described Bell as a close friend and hunting companion of his father and uncle. He also recalled that around 1915 Bell presented them with five swan decoys, which he had made with wood from an old barn. A few other facts about Bell can be gleaned by old directories and census records. Albert A. Bell was born in Pennsylvania in approximately 1866 of German parents. By 1915 he was living on Catalpha Avenue in the Hamilton section of Baltimore, right around the corner from the Keene family. That year he was listed Letter written by George W. Keen to C.A. Porter Hopkins identifying the maker of the swan decoy that he had donated earlier that year to the Maryland Historical Society.
Al Bell swan from the Keen family collection, the rig mate to the one donated to the Maryland Historical Society
September/October 2011
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Group of miniature decoys by Al Bell, who carved them in the 1920s as gifts. ROBERT N. HOCKADAY JR. COLLECTION
in the City Directory as a commercial traveler. By 1922 his listed occupation was signalman, consistent with George W. Keen’s recollection that Bell’s career was with the railroad. In addition to driving through the Hamilton neighborhood for almost eight years of my daily commute, I was a frequent visitor throughout my lifetime to the home of my mother’s first cousin on
Catalpha Avenue, just two blocks from Bell’s home. It was a bittersweet discovery. It’s always a great joy to locate and document a little known carver, but this close proximity, though separated by time, causes me to ponder. My good friend Robert Hockaday Jr. has owned four great little miniatures for the past 15 years. Over that time I’ve used my most persuasive arguments to convince
Assortment of redhead and bluebill heads by Al Bell.
28
him that four was an odd number and that he should give up at least one or two to me. My plea has fallen on deaf ears. His response is always the same: “Just tell me who made them.” And my answer was always the same: “I have no idea.” I stayed with Bob this past November during the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland. On the opening day of the show I was able to purchase a full-sized canvasback undoubtedly carved by the same hand as the swan decoys and Bob’s miniatures. Returning to his home that evening I pulled out my new acquisition and compared them to the miniatures. All of the characteristics appear identical. During the weekend my friend Bill Pugh displayed 30 of his Cockey family decoys in the Artifacts Display in the high school. Bill’s family was closely associated with the Cockeys, knowing them as decoy carvers and guides. Along with the decoys, his display featured Cockey family photographs, decoy patterns and other accoutrements. Bill brought with him the January/February 2000 issue of Decoy Magazine containing Jim Trimble’s article on the Cockey family decoys. He had circled the two swan decoys pictured in that article and had written one word in capital letters next to them – “NO.” He pointed to the magazine, then to his Cockey decoys, and said quite emphatically, “Not Cockey.” Before simply accepting this proposition that the swans are not Cockey family Decoy Magazine
decoys, try my method of silhouetting a known Cockey decoy against this swan. Do they share a similar profile or any identifying stylistic characteristics? Draw your own conclusion. Just recently I opened up Henry Fleckenstein Jr.’s book “Decoys of the Mid-Atlantic Region,” which he published in 1979. Among the many documented carvers in the book I read this notation: “(A)nother maker from Baltimore, Maryland was A. Bell who made duck and goose decoys and a few swan. Little is known of this maker at the time of the writing, but maybe someone will come forward with information and a few of his decoys when they read this book.” It took a few years, but at least for Mr. Bell and Mr. Fleckenstein, I have accomplished that. I note with interest that when Joel Barber discovered the great Sam Barnes swan decoy under the grape arbor in the yard of a house on Washington Street in Havre de Grace, it was in the yard of Bennett Keen. The Al Bell swan donated to the Maryland Historical Society in 1964 had been stored under the front porch of George Washington Keen of Baltimore. Bennett and George Keen were not only first cousins, but the source of two fabulous pieces of American folk art. C. John Sullivan Jr., a long time collector of Upper Chesapeake Bay decoys and a contributing writer for Decoy Magazine, is the Director of Operations at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum.
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Author John Sullivan with the swan decoy repainted as a Canada goose that he purchased at the St. Michael’s show in 2010.
September/October 2011
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29
M
USEUM NEWS
Seabrook’s “counterfeits” unveiled to the public
The Tuckerton Seaport Museum, in conjunction with the New Jersey Decoy Collectors Association, has just unveiled a new and extensive exhibit of the waterfowl carvings of Bob Seabrook. Of the over 100 pieces in the exhibit – from fullsized decoys to tiny miniatures – all but a few are shamelessly “counterfeit” examples, replicas of the work of long gone makers, such as Harry V. Shourds and Rowley Horner of New Jersey, Ira Hudson of Virginia and Sam Barnes and the Holly family of Havre de Grace, Maryland. Seabrook’s talent is largely self-taught, with inherited ability from two greatgrandfathers who were wood carvers of ornate architectural designs in mid-19th century Philadelphia. He carves the oldfashioned way, relying only on hand tools and a photographic memory. But it’s his
combination of those sculptural skills with carefully applied paint patterns and an expertly created patina that places his work among the top tier of today’s decoy restorers and replicators. A self-described “collector’s collector,” he’s well-known for his exceptional artifacts exhibit that he displays each March at the New Jersey Decoy Collectors show in Parkertown. He’s also a fan of trains, coins, oyster cans and all manner of related ephemera. This humble and unassuming native of Absecon has been described as a “Bohemian Bayman” with a day job as a biologist for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The exhibit, which will be on display through March 2012, is located in the Hunting Shanty at the Tuckerton Seaport. For info visit www.tuckertonseaport.org.
B o b Se a bro o k c ar v ing a d e c o y h e ad i n h is w o rksh o p.
J Reason Ad to go here from Drew
30
Decoy Magazine
C
OLLECTORS CORNER
Auction Hunters bag “rig” of antique decoys BY MICAH BROSNAN
If you’re like me, when presented with an opportunity way outside of your comfort zone, the first instinct is to find an excuse to pass it by. However, before your brain has an opportunity to advise your mouth, your gut screams, “I’ll do it.” This recently happened when a producer for the popular Spike TV reality show, Auction Hunters, phoned to ask me to be an on-camera expert appraiser for a recently discovered group of antique decoys. Every episode of Auction Hunters begins with the same introduction: “Each year Allen Haff and Ton Jones dig through hundreds of unclaimed storage units hunting for discarded treasure. These are the stories of their most rare and valuable discoveries.” As with many “treasure hunting type” reality shows, Auction Hunters, now in its third season and averaging about 1.5 million viewers per episode, is experiencing a great deal of success. As a decoy collector and dealer in California for over 15 years, I’ll be the first to admit that the Golden State - and the West Coast in general - isn’t exactly the hub of the decoy collecting community. With that said, how could I pass up a chance to reach 1.5 million potential clients? “I’ll do it.” The phone call came during the middle of the summer, and about four weeks later I found myself in Southern California, just outside of Anaheim, standing in the middle of a duck club with four cameras, the two show hosts and about 20 members of a production staff. That we were about 30 minutes from Disneyland seemed appropriate.
G
G
“Continuing the tradition...” 950 LINCOLN RD. MULLICA HILL, NJ 08062 856-478-0553
jodehillman@comcast.net
www.hillmandecoys.com
September/October 2011
M i c a h B r o s n a n ( R ) o f f e r s h i s a p p r a i s a l t o A u c t i o n H u n t e r s ' To n J o n e s ( L ) a n d A l l e n H a f f .
Filming began about 9 a.m. and roughly nine hours later I was heading back to the airport. If you think you’d be nervous being on camera, just give it a couple of hours and you don’t even think about it. Seven hours later you’ll be more than ready to go home. Nine hours of filming resulted in about ten minutes on the screen. They used just the parts that made for interesting TV. Needless to say the rest will remain on the cutting room floor. But all in all, the entire staff, particularly the hosts and producers, was both supportive and helpful. Back to the show…while standing in the marsh I was asked to provide information on the group of decoys found in the storage unit: three pairs of Mason Standard grade decoys (pintails, mallards and bluebills), a pair of Dick Janson pintails, an early Dick Janson
DECOY DUCKS
-N-A N T I QUE ST UFF Buyng and Selling a wide variety of Decoys, Old Sporting Collectibles and Antiques William Rigsbee P.O. Box 43 Cologne, MN 55322 952-412-3751 dukanikl@att.net
pintail, a Dodge redhead and the oddball of the group, a Gus Moak canvasback. As usual, the “expert appraiser,” after providing the information on the items, is given the opportunity to purchase them, and I jumped on it. Some have already found new homes, some sitting on the shelves of readers of this magazine. And a few stayed home with me. So now, having been given a glimpse of the limelight, I’d be a willing participant if anyone needs a host for a new show. Just tell me where to send my resume. However, as months have passed since the episode originally aired – and Hollywood hasn’t called – I better just stick to selling decoys. M i ca h B ro s n an i s a d e co y e n t h u s i a s t f r o m Ro s e v il le , C a li fo r n ia . I f y o u ’d li k e t o v ie w the f ull episode, there’s a link on his
w e bs i t e a t w w w. w es t co a st - d ec o ys. c o m .
Decoys|Folk Art|Collectibles|Antiques
www.rainestavern.com Art Raine • 443.614.6015 PO Box 3282, Salisbury, MD 21802
31
OOK REVIEWS
B
A mixture of visually stunning images and extensive research BY GENE & LINDA KANGAS
REVIEWED BY DIANNA A. JOHNSON
“Great Lake Decoy Interpretations,” the authors’ fourth book on duck and fish decoys, is a remarkable mixture that provides extensive historical background and biographies along with visually stunning images of decoys, many presented in unique and novel ways. It begins with the cover – or rather the covers, as there are five to choose from; all display a view of the decoy through the eye of the artists, both the carver and the photographer. Thus an extreme close-up of a decoy’s eye on the inside cover, an eye-to-eye level, seems entirely appropriate. This powerful image, heightened through the technique of close inspection of detail, is followed throughout the book with striking photos of nearly 1000 fish and fowl decoys, expertly captured by the photographer, Gene Kangas. Carvings representing eight major regions surrounding the Great Lakes, encompassing both sides of the border, are often shown in groups, sometimes as many as ten or more in a single “flock,” not in straight-line/best-side-forward view but at mixed angles intermingled with close-ups that help reiterate the form, attitude, texture, paint or pose characteristics of the carver. The photographs are powerful enough to convey a message without words – even without captions, which were omitted so as not to detract from their impact. To look at the images, it’s as though each maker is presenting an argument for his own unique interpretation of the salient features of the species. For example, images of three geese – just the necks and heads – gracefully captured by John Tax contrasts with the composite of wacky, stretched-out-every-which-way necks of Harry Ackerman’s gaggle of six geese. The high-necked elegance of the Kankakee carver’s pintails (Herman Trinosky?) is shown through repetition of eight slightly overlapping images. The 32
powerful sculpture of tucked-head ducks by Mandt or Ferd Homme is particularly apparent in back, side and angled views of nine different examples. Gus Moak’s portrayal of aggressive posture in his canvasbacks with protruding heads, accentuated in four different perspectives, differs fundamentally from the calm stoic effect of Chauncey Wheeler’s brant, their pleasing shape reflected in a series of five almost identical examples. The importance of paint on Mason factory decoys is highlighted in an extreme close-up of black and white swirl paint shown against a fuchsia back-
ground. Frank Buchner’s decoys are all about fanciful folk art carving on a duck’s back, illustrated in a high magnification picture with no visual clue of the duck itself. The birds are vivid in color and detail while the backgrounds remain muted, some with a ghostly image of the carver peering out from behind his decoys. This was the result of a two print process, requiring the designer to painstakingly create individual masks around each of the decoys, allowing a second high gloss coating of just the birds, resulting in a new standard for producing decoy images as art. This photographic achievement is sup-
ported with equally painstaking research of the background and history of decoy making in the region, provided in a style of writing that emphasizes the art of decoy carving through comparisons to Impressionistic paintings by Monet and simplicity-driven sculpture by Brancusi, as well as discussions of artistic merit (good, better and best). To help the reader understand the conditions under which decoys were produced at the turn of the last century, the authors include an entertaining review, through both text and photographs, of the wealth, power and prestige of early sport hunters who had the leisure time and money to pursue their waterfowling interests. In their determination to obtain the best tools for their pastime, they created demand while elevating the knowledge base of both the decoys and those who made them. In addition, each Great Lakes region is introduced through an accounting of the details of time and place as well as local factors that influenced the decoy trade. This is followed with highly detailed reviews of each of the major carvers and their personal lives, including insights into why these men chose to execute their carvings with such unique and distinctive styles. Although wildfowl decoys are the dominant subject of this book, the authors also included separate chapters on fish decoys, patents and folk art of the region, with equally stunning though more traditionally arranged images and extensive historical background. While you’ll be dazzled by the images of the decoys, this is more than just a pretty picture book. It is also an important reference source with an impressive compilation of historical fact replete with artistic interpretation. It represents a major achievement by this author/photographer team who continues to shape our impressions and appreciation of decoys as art. “ G re a t L ak e D e c o y I n t e r p r et a t i o n s , ” b y Gene and Li nda Kangas, 336 p a ge s , C o nco rd , OH , $ 5 0.
Decoy Magazine
September/October 2011
33
OOK REVIEWS
B
Coastal New Jersey book focuses on the classics BY JAMES R. DOHERTY REVIEWED BY DECOY MAGAZINE
As one of the premier collectors of New Jersey decoys – from both the coast and the Delaware River – Jim Doherty’s new book was long anticipated by avid collectors. From the beginning of this project his intent was to include coastal decoys only, leaving the river birds for another day. In his introduction he narrows his focus even further, stating that Harry V. Shourds, Nathan Rowley Horner, Lloyd Parker and Harry M. Shourds were “New Jersey’s four best decoy makers,” and devotes over half the number of pages in the book in highlighting their work. The author also deferred on the history of the makers and state’s waterfowling traditions, instead referring readers to earlier books that have handled that perspective. What he accomplished was producing a very thorough picture book of some of New Jersey finest coastal decoys – and a bit more, as we’ll get to later. According to the author, the book includes an original paint example of every species made by each of these four makers, with the exception of Parker whose decoys exist in more limited numbers. In most cases a page is dedicated to each decoy, with profiles of both sides and often a top view or close-up of the head. Included in Harry V.’s chapter is a rare standing herring gull decorative that had remained in the Shourds family, only the third documented gull by his hand. Two separate chapters in the book are devoted to a pictorial survey of New Jer-
34
sey decoys and shorebirds, arranged in order from north along the coast south to Cape May. Readers could suspect a bias, as the ducks, geese and brant were given much more space – and much bigger photos - than that allotted for the shorebirds. This was also true in the Shourds chapter, as one page featuring black-bellied plovers included a dozen examples. As these are some of the finest examples known, we would have added some pages (easy for us to say) and enlarged their stature on the pages. Noting that collectors have difficulty
differentiating between a Harry V. and a Harry M. decoy, the author included a “Comparative Study,” showing examples by each maker side by side. While it’s helpful, we think it could have been expanded upon. Likely the most important chapter to expanding the knowledge base – and
eliminating some misleading attributions - is entitled “Myths and Mysteries,” which attempts to separate the decoys of Horner and Chris Sprague, whose carvings often emulated those of his former mentor. Many collectors are aware of these misattributions, yet since those mistakes were repeated so often in books and magazines it’s good to have the author’s opinions in print. To further build his case for identifying the differences between these two makers, he includes a transcript of a taped 1964 interview of Sprague by Charles J. Westen that bolsters his conclusions. There is a little history tucked in a couple sections in the back, including some background on the Irwin family, who owned a rig of Shourds decoys that included at least five swimming black ducks, and short pieces on a half dozen makers using research provided by John Clayton, a fellow New Jersey collector. We don’t know why these couldn’t have been expanded to cover every maker included in the book. Obviously that wasn’t the author’s intent. Within these limitations, this is without doubt the finest compilation of top quality New Jersey gunning decoys – all pictured in full color – assembled in one book. For this reason alone, we’d highly recommend it to anyone interested in New Jersey decoys and as a valued reference for the shelf. As the author’s passion also encompasses decoys from the neighboring Delaware River, it’ll be curious to see whether he follows up on that region as well. “C la ssi c New J e rs e ys D e co ys ” b y Ja m es R. Do he rt y, pu bli she d b y Fou r Co lo r Pri nt G rou p, Lo u isvil le, Ke nt u c k y , 21 6 p a g e s , $ 5 5 . Decoy Magazine
IN
EMORIAM
M
Joe Anderlik
Po p u l a r c a r v e r a n d p e r s o n a l i t y
As this year’s migration of feathered friends pass over Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin and Arlington Heights, Illinois, they won’t realize that one of their greatest fans, Joe Anderlik, will not be there to greet them, as he passed away on August 1, 2011. Best known at decoy shows for his red pajamas, bare feet and a familiar glass of scotch in his hand, this talented carver would “hold court” late into the night, spinning stories to the delight of all who were present. Joe’s early life included hunting, fishing, trapping and falconry. During the Depression he hunted crows along the Illinois River, often collecting the princely sum of $8.00 bounty for his day’s effort, money that his family desperately needed at a time when a job was hard to come by. When World War II broke out, Joe answered his country’s call by enlisting in the Navy. He ultimately was assigned as a gunner aboard a Douglas SDB Dauntless dive bomber. His squadron was assigned to the USS Franklin CV-13, known to her crew as Big Ben. The Franklin was involved in some of the biggest naval battles in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which helped turn the tide of the war. Along with making bombing runs, Joe provided cover fire, shooting down two enemy aircraft. For his heroic efforts, he was awarded two air medals. Joe flew 125 combat missions while assigned to the Franklin and his squadron provided assistance in the invasion of Iwo Jima. On one occasion his dive bomber was forced to ditch into the ocean, where he was picked up by a friendly sub and returned to action. On March 19, 1945 the Franklin was hit by two 550 pound bombs, one penetrating the main deck and causing fires below and the other causing an explosion that ignited the ammunition and rocket storage magazines. Joe and his shipmates valiantly fought to save the Franklin, and although the crippled carrier took on a 13 degree list, the fires were brought under control and Big Ben limped back to port. The casualties included 724 killed in action and 265 wounded. With the end of the war just weeks away, Joe never returned to action. Upon returning home, he earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at Northwestern University and got married. He
September/October 2011
Wisconsin Decoy and Sporting Collectibles Show 43RD ANNUAL
The original Wisconsin collector’s show
Room to Room Trading on Wed.,Thurs. & Fri.
Saturday, March 10, 2012 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn 1355 W. 20th Ave. Oshkosh, Wisconsin
920-966-1300 for reservations
and his wife Margie raised six daughters and a son. He worked for Consolidated Paper Company for most of his professional career. Although he had no formal training in carving or painting, Joe began making decoys in the early 1960s and quickly became renowned for his skills in both areas. Over the many years of his carving career he made many loons, one of his favorite species, and they were sculpted in a variety of animated poses and colorfully decorated. As to his talents, Joe always said, “God guides my hand.” Joe was a man who enjoyed life and spent it spreading good cheer to all he met. He particularly enjoyed helping young aspiring carvers learn the art of decoy carving. He loved children, often giving his creations as gifts to the “little ones” drawn to him by his ready smile and warm personality. The pouch he wore around his waist had numerous pockets, each holding a glass, which he readily passed to friends and filled with a little libation. It is an honor and privilege to have known him. He was a wonderful friend who will be greatly missed. Whenever we departed after a decoy show, he always told us to “remember the yellow brick road.” We thank him for his service to our country and to the joy he spread around. May you forever, “Little Buddy,” rest in peace. - John Wagner, John Freimuth and Curt Froyen
For table information call: Roger Ludwig (920) 233-0349 rogfuzz@charter.net
Mitchell Fulcher Master Decoy Carver
Published by the Carolina Decoy Collectors Association
Compiled and edited by Kroghie Andresen and Jack Dudley A detailed pictorial survey of North Carolina's most artistic and talented decoy maker 166 pages, profusely illustrated
$40 plus $5.00 s/h Make checks payable to CDCA and mail to:
Jessie Sorrell 605 Devonholl Lane,Cary, NC 27518 (919) 427-8918 • jsorrell@nc.rr.com 35
A
U C T I O N
N E W S
Rare Ward brothers wood duck tops the charts at Frank & Frank Sporting Collectibles auction
A
By Decoy Magazine Photos courtesy Frank & Frank
RARE WOOD DUCK by the Ward brothers of Crisfield, Maryland sold for $86,250, nearly double the low estimate, at Frank & Frank’s fall “Decoys, Art and Sporting Collectibles” auction on Friday, September 23 at the Parkertown Fire House in Parkertown, New Jersey, just a day before the big twoday Tuckerton decoy show. By far the top lot in the auction, it was purchased by a tenacious bidder in the audience who did battle with a determined bidder on the phone. The majority of the top lots at most Frank & Frank auctions are comprised of decoys and decoratives from New Jersey
R a r e w o o d d u c k b y t h e Wa r d b r o t h e r s o f C r i s f i e l d , M a r y l a n d ( e s t . $ 4 6 , 0 0 0 / 6 9 , 0 0 0 ) s ol d t o a b i dd er i n th e a u d i e nc e for $ 8 6 ,2 5 0 , b y fa r th e t op l ot i n th e a u c ti o n .
and the Delaware River as well as contemporaries from outside the region, and they accounted for 21 of the top 27 lots in this sale. An extremely rare curlew by Taylor Johnson of Point Pleasant, formerly in the
collection of Dr. James McCleery, was the top coastal bird in the sale, selling to the phone at its low estimate $18,400. A hollow black duck by Harry M. Shourds of Ocean City also went to the phone, sell-
R a r e H u d s o n i a n c u r l e w b y Ta y l o r J o h n s o n o f P t . P l e a s a n t , N e w J e r s e y ( e s t . $ 18 , 4 0 0 / 2 0 , 7 0 0 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e b i d d e r f o r $ 18 , 4 0 0 .
H ol l o w - c a r v e d b l a c k d u ck b y H a r r y M . S h o u r d s o f O c e a n C i t y, N e w J e r s e y ( e s t . $ 2 87 5 / 4 0 2 5 ) so l d t o a ph o ne bi d d er fo r $2 990 .
36
W i l l e t b y t h e M a s o n d e c o y fa c t o r y o f D e t r o i t ( e s t . $ 13 8 0 / 17 2 5 ) b r o u g h t $ 2 0 31.
Decoy Magazine
B l ue- w ing ed t ea l b y L l o y d J o hn so n ( e s t . $ 2 87 5 / 4 0 2 5 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e b i d d e r f or $ 2 3 0 0 .
Pa i r o f h o l l o w - c a r v e d w o o d d u c k s b y t h e W il d fo w l er D ec o y Co mpa ny o f Pt . Pl ea sa nt , N e w J e r s e y ( e s t . $ 17 2 5 / 2 3 0 0 ) b r o u g h t $ 14 3 8 .
L e s s e r ye l l o w l e gs b y Ll o yd J o h n s o n o f B a yh e ad , N e w J e r s e y ( e s t . $ 4 6 0 0 / 57 5 0 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e b i d d e r fo r $ 3 4 5 0 .
ing within estimate for $2990. There were two lots by early Jersey collector and carver Lloyd Johnson of Bay Head: a yellowlegs at $3450 and a hollow blue-winged teal at $2300, both short of estimate. There were also two lots by Hurley Conklin of Manhawkin: hollow mallard pair at $1265 and group of seven peeps at $805, both over estimate. A pair of hollow wood ducks by the Wildfowler factory in Point Pleasant fell just short at $1438. A hollow mallard by Harry Fennimore of Bordentown was the only vintage Delaware River decoy on the list, making estimate at $805. There were five lots by Bob White of Tullytown, Pennsylvania, topped by an early hollow black duck that sold to a phone bidder at its high estimate $2875. Pairs of ruddy ducks, goldeneyes and cin-
Pa i r o f h o l l o w - c a r v e d p i n t a i l s b y J o d e H i l l m a n o f M u l l i c a H i l l , N e w J e r s e y ( e s t . $ 9 2 0 / 13 8 0 ) bro u g h t $ 8 0 5 .
H o l l o w -c a r ve d b l ac k d u c k b y B o b W hi t e o f Tu l l y t o w n , Pe n n s y l v a n i a ( e s t . $ 17 2 5 / 2 87 5 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e b i d d e r fo r $ 2 87 5 .
September/October 2011
S wan b y M ad is on M itc h el l of H av re d e G rac e, M a r y la n d ( e st. $ 4 6 0/ 6 9 0 ) so ld t o a p h o n e b i d d e r f o r $ 12 6 5 .
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B r o w n t r o u t f i s h p l a g u e b y F r a n k F i n n e y o f V i r g i n i a ( e s t . $ 17 2 5 / 2 87 5 ) s o l d t o a n a b s e n t e e b i d o f $ 1610 .
Rank
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 12. 14. 14. 16. 16. 18. 19. 20. 20. 22. #23. #23. #23.
Top 25 lots at the Frank & Frank Auction Tuckerton, New Jersey, September 23, 2011
Description (catalog no.)
Ward Bros. (MD) wood duck (348) Taylor Johnson (NJ) curlew (331) Lloyd Johnson (NJ) lesser yellowlegs, dec. (309) Harry M. Shourds (NJ) HC black duck (327) Bob White (PA) HC black duck (219) Lloyd Johnson (NJ) BW teal, dec. (308) Lee Dudley (NC) canvasback, reheaded (337) Mason factory (MI) willet (31) By Decoy Magazine Bob White (PA) HC ruddy duck pair (216) Photos courtesy Eldred’s Frank Finney (VA) brown trout plaque (170) Wildfowler (NJ) HC wood duck pair (10) Bob White (PA) HC goldeneye pair (215) Bob White (PA) HC cinnamon teal pair (217) Madison Mitchell (MD) swan (286) Hurley Conklin (NJ) HC mallard pair (154) Frank Finney (VA) sleeping pintail (169) Ray Schalk (FL) 10 mini Mason replicas (43) Bill Joeckel (NY) wood duck (178) Ray Schalk (FL) 9 mini Mason replicas (41) Bob White (PA) mini swan (218) Lloyd Tyler (MD) ½-sized standing pintail (346) Ray Schalk (FL) 8 mini Mason replicas (44) 5 lots tied for 23rd place 5 lots tied for 23rd place 5 lots tied for 23rd place TOTALS
#Jode Hillman (NJ) HC pintail pair (90) #Harry Fennimore (NJ) HC mallard (209) #Lloyd Tyler (MD) ½-sized standing pintail (347) #Hurley Conklin (NJ) group of 7 peeps (147) #Bob Moreland (VA) Canada goose (87) Key:
HC- hollow-carved
Av. Est.
Price
$57,500 19,550 5,175 3,450 2,300 3,450 2,875 1,553 1,898 2,300 2,013 1,553 2,300 575 575 1,150 1,553 1,380 1,553 1,150 748 1,553 845 845 845
$86,250 18,400 3.450 2,990 2,875 2,300 2,300 2,013 1,955 1,725 1,438 1,380 1,380 1,265 1,265 1,035 1,035 978 932 920 920 828 805 805 805
$118,689
$140,049
1,150 863 748 460 1,006
BW – blue-winged
The top 25 lots (6.5% of the 386 sold) accounted for $140,049 (68% of the $205,821 gross) and was 18% over their average estimate. 38
namon teal made $1725, $1380 and $1380, with the last missing estimate. A neat looking miniature high head swan made its low estimate $920. A pair of hollow pintails by Jode Hillman of Mullica Hill just missed estimate at $805. From outside the region, a canvasback with a restored head by Lee Dudley of Knotts Island, North Carolina sold to an absentee bid of $2300. A tack eye model willet by the Mason decoy factory of Detroit topped estimate at $2013. A swan by Madison Mitchell of Havre de Grace, Maryland sold to the phone over estimate for $1265. There were two ½-sized standing pintails by Lloyd Tyler of Crisfield, Maryland; the first had a longer sprig tail and made its high estimate at $920 and the other just missed at $805. There were two carvings by folk artist Frank Finney of Cape Charles, Virginia on the list: a brown trout fish plague that sold to an absentee bidder at its low estimate $1725 and a sleeping pintail that sold to the phone within estimate at $1035. Ray Schalk of Clermont, Florida is well-known for his miniature replicas of Mason factory decoys, and of four groups offered here three made the top 25 list at $1035 (group of 10), $932 (group of 9) and $828 (group of 8), all falling short of estimate. A decorative wood duck by Bill Joeckel of Islip, Long Island, New York brought $978 and a Canada goose by Bob Moreland of Harrisonburg, Virginia made $805, each missing estimate. Frank & Frank’s auctions are largely unaffected by buy-ins, and that was the case at this auction as well, as just 13 lots with a low estimate of $14,605 failed to sell. This was also their highest grossing auction in four years, thanks largely to the Ward wood duck, which alone accounted for nearly 42% of the totals. In summary, of 399 lots offered 13 failed to sell, leaving 386 lots that sold for $205,821 for an average of $533 per lot and were 14.7% over low estimate after deducting the low estimate of the unsold lots. The top 25 lots (6.5% of the total sold) accounted for $140,049 (68% of the gross) and were 18% over their total average estimate. All prices include a 15% buyer’s premium. Bill Barron was the auctioneer.
Wo o d d u c k b y B i l l J o e c k e l o f I s l i p , N e w Yo r k ( e s t . $ 115 0 / 1610 ) s o l d t o a n a b s e n t e e b i d of $978.
Decoy Magazine
A
U C T I O N
N E W S
Crowell redhead stands above its peers in sale dominated by mid-Atlantic decoys
A
By Decoy Magazine
F u l l - s iz e d s t a n d in g r e d he ad b y A . E . C r o we l l o f E a s t H a r w i c h, M a s s a c h u s e t t s ( e s t . $ 15 9 , 0 0 0 / 181, 0 0 0 ) s o l d t o a b a t t l e o f p h o n e b i d d e r s f o r $ 241, 5 0 0 , t h e t o p l o t i n t h e a u c t i o n .
photos courtesy of Guyette, Schmidt & Deeter
MAGNIFICENT FULL-SIZED standing redhead, possibly the only known example by A.E. Crowell of East Harwich, Massachusetts, sold for $241,500 to a battle of phone bidders at Guyette, Schmidt & Deeter’s annual fall auction, held on November 9-10, 2011 at the Talbot County Community Center in Easton, Maryland. Selling well over estimate, it was by far the top lot in an auction otherwise dominated by decoys from the Mid-Atlantic States. A rare swan by John Williams of Cedar Island, Virginia, with the same pre-sale estimate as the redhead, sold below estimate to a phone bidder for $131,500, yet it still set an auction price record for its maker. A ruddy duck hen by Ned Burgess of Churches Island, North Carolina sold after the auction below estimate at $14,375. Moving north to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, there were three lots by Ira Hudson of Chincoteague that made the top 25 list, topped by an oversized hollowcarved special order black duck with a slightly turned head and fluted tail that sold to a phone bidder just short of estimate at $54,625. Two three piece hollow-
carved decoys, a brant and a black duck, made $15,525 and 14,950, each short of estimate. A balsa yellowlegs sold to the phone for $11,500. A decorative Canada goose by his Maryland neighbors, the Ward brothers of Crisfield made the top 25, selling to a phone bidder at its low estimate $23,000. Other dec-
oratives of note include a preening wigeon at $14,375, a preening pintail at $13,800 and a pair of canvasbacks at $12,650. Two lots of their early gunning decoys, a pair of “knot head” canvasbacks and a turned head bluebill, brought $11,500 and $10,638. A rare wigeon by their Crisfield neighbor, Lloyd Sterling, sold to a Tennessee collector below estimate at $13,800. Moving up the Bay, a swan by John Cockey of Kent Island, Maryland sold for
R a r e h ol l o w - c a r v e d a n d w e l l - p a i n t e d b l a c k d u ck b y I ra H u d s o n o f C h i n c o t e a g u e , V i r g i n i a ( e s t . $ 57 , 5 0 0 / 6 9 , 0 0 0 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e b i d d e r for $54,6 25.
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L a t e 19 t h c e n t u r y b l u e b i l l b y C a p t a i n B e n D y e o f Pe r r y v i l l e , M a r y l a n d ( e s t . $ 6 9 0 0 / 9 2 0 0 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e b i d d e r f o r $ 16 ,10 0 , a n a u c t i o n p r i c e r e c o r d f o r i t s m a k e r.
Decoy Magazine
E xc e pt i o n a l r e d k n ot ( e st . $ 2 0 , 7 0 0 / 2 5 , 3 0 0 ) a n d b l a c k - b e l l i e d p l o v e r i n t ra n s i t i o n a l p l u m a g e ( e st . $ 2 3 , 0 0 0 / 2 8 , 7 5 0 ) s o l d s e p a ra t e l y t o a M a r y l a n d c o l l e c t o r f o r $ 2 0 , 7 0 0 a n d $ 21, 27 5 .
D e c o r a t i v e C a n a d a g o o s e b y t h e Wa r d b r o t h e r s o f C r i s f i e l d , M a r y l a n d ( e st . $ 2 3 , 0 0 0 / 27 , 6 0 0 ) sold to a phone bidder for $23 ,000 .
$20,125, exactly as estimated. (See our cover story on page 24 for new research on the origins of this swan.) A very rare bluebill by Capt. Ben Dye of Havre de Grace, in nearly mint condition, sold for double the estimate to a phone bidder for $16,100. A full-sized standing swan with open wings, reportedly first seen in Dorchester County at the entrance to a plantation, brought $15,525. A rare hollow-carved goldeneye by Amos Wheaton of South Seaville, New Jersey was the top lot from the Garden State, selling to a phone bidder well over estimate at $41,400, an auction price record for its maker. There were two hollow-carved lots by Harry M. Shourds of Ocean City: a merganser hen over estimate at $26,450 and a pair of redheads under estimate at $19,550. There were two shorebirds by his father, Harry V. Shourds of Tuckerton, that made the list, and both sold to the same Maryland collector: black-bellied plover in transitional plumage at $21,275 and a robin snipe at $20,700, the first at low estimate and the other just short. A pair of hollow-carved red-breasted mergansers found in Pleasantville and attributed by some to Daniel Lake Leeds brought $10,350. A hollowcarved mallard by Bill Quinn of Yardley, Pennsylvania was the top Delaware River decoy, selling to a phone bidder for $10,350, double its low estimate. The auction house must have been surprised when a pair of early Long Island dowitchers – catalogued as golden plover – sold to a phone bidder for $23,000, eight times the low estimate. A rare longbilled curlew by Thomas Gelston of Quogue, Long Island, found in a house in Dorchester County, Maryland, sold below
Ho llo w - car ve d m erga ns er he n b y Ha rr y M . S ho u rd s of Oc ea n C it y, New Jer se y ( e s t . $ 2 0 , 12 5 / 2 5 , 8 7 5 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e bi dder for $26 ,45 0.
R are sw a n b y J oh n C o c k ey o f K ent I sl a nd , M a r y l a n d ( e s t . $ 17 , 2 5 0 / 2 3 , 0 0 0 ) b r o u g h t $ 2 0 ,1 2 5 .
Rare h o llo w -ca r ved go lde ne ye b y Am o s Wh e a t o n o f So u th Se a vi l l e , N e w J e r s e y ( e s t . $ 17 , 2 5 0 / 2 3 , 0 0 0 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e b i d d e r f o r $ 41 , 4 0 0 , an a u c ti o n p r ic e r e c or d f o r it s m ak e r.
R a re s wa n b y J o h n W i l l i am s of C e d a r I s l an d , V i r g i n i a ( e s t . $ 1 5 9 , 0 0 0 / 181 , 0 0 0 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e b i d d e r f o r $ 131 , 5 0 0 , a n a u c t i o n p r i c e r e c o r d f o r i t s m a k e r.
September/October 2011
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Top 25 lots at the Guyette, Schmidt & Deeter auction Easton, Maryland, November 9-10, 2011 Rank
1. *2. 3. *4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 9. 9. 12. 13. 14. 14. 16. 17. 17. *19. 20. 20. 20. 20. 24. 25.
Description (catalog no.)
Av. Est.
A.E. Crowell (MA) standing redhead (128) $170,000 John Williams (VA) swan (479) 170,000 Ira Hudson (VA) HC black duck (482) 63,250 Amos Wheaton (NJ) HC goldeneye (49) 20,125 Joe Lincoln (MA) set of 14 miniatures (420) 69,000 Phineas Reeves (ONT) HC Canada goose (235) 34,500 Mason factory (MI) Premier Canada goose (259) 25,300 Harry Shourds (NJ) HC merganser hen (58) 23,000 ByM.Decoy Magazine Robert Elliston (IL) HC BW teal hen (460) 29,900 Photos Eldred’s Ward Bros.courtesy (MD) Canada goose, dec. (391) 25,300 Two Long Island shorebirds (84) 3,450 Harry V. Shourds (NJ) BB plover (607B) 25,875 Harry V. Shourds (NJ) robin snipe (607A) 23,000 John Cockey (MD) swan (110) 20,125 Harry M. Shourds (NJ) HC redhead pair (50) 25,875 Thomas Gelston (NY) long-billed curlew (608) 28,750 Mason factory (MI) Premier black duck (4) 8,625 Frederick, Joefrau, Lafrance (LA) preening mallard hen (185)8,625 Capt. Ben Dye (MD) bluebill (109) 8,050 Oscar Peterson (MI) rock bass fish plaque (202) 20,700 Swan with out-stretched wings (553) 34,500 J.R. Wells (ONT) HC canvasback (234) 18,400 Ira Hudson (VA) HC brant (481) 20,700 Ira Hudson (VA) HC black duck (488) 21,125 Mason factory (MI) Challenge GW teal hen (8) 2,875 TOTALS
Key:
HC – hollow-carved BW – blue-winged
BB – black-bellied dec. – decorative
$ $901,050
Price
$241,500 131,500 54,625 41,400 37,375 32,775 27,600 26,450 23,000 23,000 23,000 21,275 20,700 20,125 20,125 19,550 17,250 17,250 16,100 15,525 15,525 15,525 15,525 14,950 14,663 $906,313
GW – green-winged * - auction price record for this maker
The top 25 lots (3.9% of the 636 sold) accounted for $906,313 (44.4% of the $2,040,080 gross) and were .6% above their total average estimate.
estimate to a southern dealer for $19,550. A hollow-carved Canada goose by Phineas Reeves of Long Point, Ontario was the top Great Lakes area decoy in the auction, selling to a phone bidder within estimate at $32,775. A hollow-carved canvasback by J.R. Wells of Toronto fell just short at $15,525. A Premier Canada goose by the Mason decoy company of Detroit was the top factory decoy in the auction, selling for its high estimate $27,600. A Premier black duck also made the top 25 list, selling to a phone bidder at double its average estimate at $17,250. The surprise was likely a Challenge green-winged teal hen that sold for $14,663, over five times its average estimate. Two lots of note include a pair of Challenge mergansers below estimate at $12,650 and a Premier blue-winged teal hen within estimate at $10,925. An exceptional hollow-carved bluewinged teal hen by Robert Elliston of Bureau was the top Illinois River decoy in the auction, selling to a phone bidder short of estimate at $23,000. A hollow-carved green-winged teal by Charles Perdew of Henry made estimate at 12,075. An early group of 14 miniatures by Joe Lincoln of Accord, Massachusetts, made in 1894 as a wedding gift for a friend and hunting companion, sold as a group for $36,800, well short of estimate. Also from New England, a canvas-covered Canada goose by George Boyd of Seabrook, New Hampshire, missed estimate at $12,650. Two additional Crowell decoratives, a flying miniature flying black duck and a Canada goose weathervane, brought $11,500 and $10,350. There was a choice group of West Coast decoys from the collection of Bert Preston, topped by a hollow-carved canvasback by Charles Bergman of Astoria,
Ve r y r a r e l o n g - b i l l e d c u r l e w b y T h o m a s G e l s t o n o f Q u o g u e , L o n g I s l a n d , N e w Yo r k ( e s t. $ 2 3 , 0 0 0 / 34 , 5 0 0 ) s o l d t o a S o u th e r n d e a l e r f o r $ 19 , 5 5 0 .
R o c k b a s s f i s h p l a q u e b y O s c a r Pe t e r s o n o f C a d i l l a c , M i c h i g a n ( e s t . $ 18 , 4 0 0 / 2 3 , 0 0 0 ) b r o u g h t $ 1 5 , 5 2 5 .
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Decoy Magazine
Gree n-wi ng ed t ea l hen b y C ha rle s Bergm an o f A s t o r i a , O r e g o n ( e s t . $ 11 , 5 0 0 / 16 , 1 0 0 ) brought $80 50. H ol l o w - c a rv ed b l ue- w in ged t ea l h en b y Rober t Ellist on of Bu rea u, Illi noi s (est . $ 27 , 6 0 0 / 3 2 , 2 0 0 ) s o l d f or $ 2 3 , 0 0 0 .
P r e e n in g m a l l a rd h e n b y N e w O r l e a n s c ar v i n g t e a m o f G e o r g e F re d e r i ck s , C h a r l e s J o e f r a u a n d M i tc h e l l L a f ra n c e ( e s t . $ 6 9 0 0 / 10 , 3 5 0 ) s o l d t o a p h o n e b i d d e r f o r $ 17 , 2 5 0 .
L a t e 19 t h c e n t u r y h o l l o w - c a r v e d C a n a d a g o o s e b y P h i n e a s R e e v e s o f L o n g Po i n t , O n t a r i o ( e st . $ 3 2 , 2 0 0 / 3 6 , 8 0 0 ) b r o u g h t $ 3 2 , 77 5 .
P r e m i e r g ra d e C a n a d a g o o s e b y t h e M a s o n d e c o y f a c t o r y ( e s t . $ 2 3 , 0 0 0 / 2 7 , 6 0 0 ) b r o u g h t $ 27 , 6 0 0 .
Oregon over estimate at $8625. Three other Bergmans of note include a pair of mallards at $9775, a green-winged teal hen at $8050 and a rare bluebill at $5750. A pair of canvasbacks by Dick Janson of Napa, California sold to a Midwest collector at its high estimate $7475. A rare rock bass fish model by Oscar Peterson of Cadillac, Michigan was the best of a small group of fish plagues, falling short of estimate at 15,525. In many ways this was Guyette, Schmidt & Deeter’s best auction of the
September/October 2011
year, despite having 95 lots with a low estimate of $459,310 that failed to sell. While it was the highest total of any of their three major sales of 2011, the majority of their high profile lots were sold. They had a diverse offering of quality decoys from many different regions and 33 of the lots sold for $10,000 or more, also a high for the year. And their gross sales were the highest for their fall auction since 2007, the year before the Great Recession officially began. In summary, of 731 lots offered, 95
failed to sell, leaving 636 lots that sold for $2,040,080 for an average of $3208 per lot and were .3% below their total low estimate after deducting the low estimate of the unsold lots. The top 25 lots (3.9% of the total sold) accounted for $906,313 (44.4% of the gross) and were .6% above their total average estimate. All prices include a 14% buyer’s premium on the first $100,000 and 10% thereafter. Jim Julia served as auctioneer. 43
Ohio Decoys Wanted: Blair school, “Ohio” Dodge and decoys from Winous Point and Ottawa Hunting clubs. Interested in historic hunting memorabilia from Ohio (Peters & Austin). Jeff Hay, (269) 323-2020, jeffjoycehay@charter.net.
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January 13, 2012
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Wanted: Susquehanna Flats style canvasback from Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin with a “Hoard” brand. Contact Jim Stewart at (410) 442-2471 or drsjbstewart@aol.com.
Wanted: Songbird carvings by Bob Brown. Will pay top dollar. Contact Sandra McDaniel at (315) 447-8138. Wanted: Decoys by Realistic Decoy Co. of Kewaunee, Wisconsin, 1930s to 1940s. Looking for O/P canvasback, bluebill or mallard decoys. Will consider repaints depending on condition. Contact Curt Marsolek at (918) 314-4600, (918) 787-7972 or cjmar57@gmail.com.
Wanted: New Jersey decoys and shorebirds for my collection. I will pay top dollar for examples in original condition. Also interested in any NJ waterfowl related historical documents and photos. Contact: John Clayton at (410) 745-2955 (h), (732) 674-7024 (c) or john@njdecoys.com. Wanted: Early 1940s and 1950s decoys by Ed Snyder of Rio Vista, California. Contact Mike Cole at (530) 682-8217.
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Call Me First: I will pay good prices for good original paint Mason and Wildfowler decoys. Vaughn Walters, Grand River Decoys, (660) 707-1389, www.grandriverdecoys.com.
Wanted: Jim Schmiedlin gunning and decorative decoys, any condition. Contact: Bill Abbate, PO Box 2306, New York, NY 10021, (917) 975-7565. Wanted: Absolute top prices paid for quality Wheeler, Denny, Coombs and Ken Harris decoys. Please call Eric Pitman at (315) 382-3218.
Top Dollar Paid for antique decoys in original condition from all regions. Photographs welcome and confidentiality guaranteed. Contact: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr., 268 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, (617) 536-0536, info@americansportingart.com. Visit our website at www.americansportingart.com.
Wanted: Wildfowler decoys, all factories, in good to excellent condition, also any information pertaining to Wildfowler decoys or their manufacturers. Contact Dick LaFountain at (631) 725-2034.
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Decoys Wanted: Paying top dollar for classic old decoys in excellent original condition. Individual decoys or entire collections. Quiet and discreet. Classic Decoys, Alan G. Haid, 21 Outlook Dr., Darien, CT 06820, (203) 655-5188, clasdecoys@aol.com.
Wanted: I will pay the highest cash prices for excellent examples of Southern decoysMaryland, Virginia and the Carolinas. Dick McIntyre, Collectable Old Decoys, 158 Jasmine Hall Rd., Seabrook, SC 29940, (843) 466-0250, decoyczar@hughes.net.
Wanted: Wisconsin decoys in original paint. Especially interested in Moaks, Resops, Streys, Wakefields, Milwaukee Museum & Stoughton school carvers and Evans Factory. Herb Desch, 6 East Scott St. #3, Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 337-7957, hcdesch@rcn.com.
Wanted: Decoys in original paint by top makers. For purchase or consignment. Paying top dollar, or consign to us without cost to you. All transactions held in strict confidence. Write or call: Russ Goldberger, PO Box 60, Rye, NH 03870, (603) 433-1770, decoys@RJGAntiques.com. Visit our large website at www.RJGAntiques.com.
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For Sale: In the 1860s my great grandfather Adolph tramped all over Dixie from Vicksburg to Savannah. Betcha he seen ivory-billed woodpeckers! You can too. St. Charles 2012. The Decoy Poet.
For Sale: Hunting property, 22 acres plus, in Mt. Sterling, NC. Old tobacco farm site. Rick fence on three sides, 3 springs, electric service available, beautiful dogwood and rosebud trees. Bear, deer and turkey hunting. Flat Branch Creek originates on property. Five miles off interstate I-40. $15,000 per acre. Call (225) 921-8585. Miniatures: Pair of shovelers and Canada goose by Russ Burr, Canada goose by Bob McGaw, pair of red-breasted mergansers by Doug Jester, mallard by Frank Adams and mallard pair by Tom Fitzpatrick. Call (302) 645-7571 or decoymag@aol.com. For Sale: Illinois, River, Wisconsin, Ward Bros., Masons and other decoys. Visit www.jbsdecoys.com to view selection.
Located Off I-80 in Kearney, Nebraska – Decoys, prints, shot boxes. Nebraska decoys, fibers, Masons. Contact Larry Peterson – cell (308) 233-2950, evenings (308) 234-2662, evenings, petoshar@charter.net. Calendar/Poster Collectors: Original pads and calendar sheets from Winchester, Remington, UMC, DuPont, Austin and many others. 100% original – no reproductions. Call with the company and dates and I’ll see if I have it. Joe Tonelli, PO Box 130, Spring Valley, IL 61362, (815) 664-4580 or tonelli47@hotmail.com.
PWM Shorebird Decoys: Specializing in the sale and purchase of shorebird decoys. Visit our Web site at www.pwmshorebirds.com. Contact: Bill Masengarb at (540) 721-0265 or pwmljm@aol.com.
Have you seen our new website? Multiple images of every decoy. Larger thumbnails. Steamlined menus. More content. A clear discussion of why you should consider working with us. Still offering over 150 quality decoys in original paint with full money-back guarantee. Updated daily. The best decoy website is now better than ever: www.RJGAntiques.com. For Sale: Charlie “Speed” Joiner decoys, limited quantities. Call Dave Walker at (410) 939-4310.
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Decoy & Carving Books, also hunting story books. SASE. Hunting Rig Books, 124 County Rd. CB, Neenah, WI 54956. For more information call (920) 725-4350 or (920) 725-4421 or visit our website at www.huntingrigbooks.com.
Quality Handmade Decoy Bags for those special ducks in your life. Various styles ranging from dealer bags to deluxe bags ensuring maximum protection for your auction purchases and quality birds. Call Beverly at (732) 741-4033 or email birdwing.studios@verizon.net.
Southern Decoys: The finest selection of Southern decoys anywhere. Call for selection. Dick McIntyre, Collectable Old Decoys, 158 Jasmine Hall Rd., Seabrook, SC 29940, (843) 4660250, decoyczar@hughes.net. Shorebirds, Shorebirds, Shorebirds: Antique shorebird decoys. Offering all the different species and makers from every Atlantic coastal gunning region. Schiller Martin, 2657 North East 26th Terrace, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306, summer (336) 385-6879, winter (954) 566-1286.
Attention Subscribers: Decoy Magazine offers a comprehensive index for all its issues, listed by maker and topic, from 1979 to 2011. Send $5.95 to PO Box 787, Lewes, DE 19958, (302) 644-9001. E-Mail Decoy List: Old working decoys for sale, primarily Chesapeake Bay & Chincoteague. Old gunners include Holly, Jackson, Heverin, Boyd, Lockard, Barnes, Currier, McGaw, Mitchell, Gibson & Cockey. Later birds include Bryan, McKinney, Litzenberg & Pierce. Also Hancock, Hudson, Jester, Reed & Birch, plus others from elsewhere. Contact Jim Trimble at (703) 768-7264 or potomacduck@cox.net.
For Sale: Crowell pintail, wigeon, black and BBP; Shourds brant and goldeneye hen; Ward black and can hen; Chambers redhead; Buchanan blue-winged teal hen; Nichol American merganser; Perdew mallard; Graves cans and mallards; Boyd BBP and Lincoln GP. Masons – Premier can, mallards, blacks and Chesapeake Bay can; Challenge black, brant, mallard, goldeneye, coot and merganser; Glasseye can hen and wigeon hen; Glasseye willet, dove and yellowlegs; and Tackeye black-bellied plover, willet and split-tail dowitcher. Contemporary – McNair whimbrel and yellowlegs; and Hanson bluebills. Minis - nice selection by Crowell; Ward pintail pair and mallard; Harris wood duck; and McNair willet and whimbrel. Alan G. Haid, PO Box 1211, Darien, CT 06820, (203) 655-5188 or clasdecoys@aol.com. Visit us on the Web at www.decoymag.com/haid.
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Decoy Magazine is offering quality binders – a perfect way to store your back issues. Each binder holds a year’s worth of magazines. Send $9.95 per binder plus $5.00 shipping (add $3.00 for each additional binder) or $69.95 for 6 binders (includes shipping) to: Decoy Magazine, PO Box 787, Lewes, DE 19958, (302) 644-9001. Visa/MC accepted.
For the Book Collector: Fleckenstein’s Decoy Books – “Decoys of the Mid-Atlantic Region,” “Shorebird Decoys,” “Factory Decoys,” “New Jersey Decoys” and “Southern Decoys,” – are available in special bound limited editions with original watercolor decoy painting tipped in. Inscribed, signed and numbered in very limited quantities. Email for photo of sample. Henry Fleckenstein Jr., PO Box 577, Cambridge, MD 21613, (410) 221-0076, hafleckjr@fastol.com.
For Sale: Great selection of antique and contemporary decoys and shorebirds, as well as sporting collectibles, at www.huntingclassics.com. Phil Jones, (937) 339-2853.
JamieReasonDecoys.com LongIslandDecoyForum.com SERVICES
Appraisals, Auction Representation, Private Brokerage, Collections Management: Contact Stephen B. O’Brien, Jr., 268 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116, (617) 536-0536, Email: info@americansportingart.com. Website: www.americansportingart.com.
Canadian Decoys: Buy, Sell, Trade, Appraise, Identify, Auction Consignments and Representation. Collection evaluation, refinement and/or disposition. Paul Brisco, 49 Bromleigh Ave., London, Ontario, N6G 1V1, Canada, (519) 641-4790, Email: rpb@sympatico.ca.
Buyer, Seller, Consultant, Auction Representation: Over 30 years experience dealing in top-quality original paint decoys. Strict confidence. Write or call: Russ Goldberger, PO Box 60, Rye, NH 03870, (603) 433-1770. Visit the largest decoy website: www.RJGAntiques.com. Inquiries: decoys@RJGAntiques.com.
Professional Decoy Restoration: Providing a complete range of restoration services for collectors and dealers. Extensive experience with decoys and carvers from all regions of the USA and Canada. Masons a specialty. Paul Fortin, PO Box 713, Hanson, MA 02341. (781) 447-2614, duckdoctor2002@yahoo.com.
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PUBLICATIONS
“Minnesota Duck Decoys – yesterday’s and today’s folk artists” by Doug Lodermeier. Author has a small quantity of books still available at $85 plus $5 S/H. Order yours now before they are gone! Call (612) 922-9674 or visit www.dougandpaul.com for order form and more information. Credit cards accepted.
“Gunnin’ Birds” by Kroghie Andresen, featuring the decoys of over 200 carvers from Back Bay, VA and Currituck and Dare County, NC, from the author’s collection. 400 pages with over 1300 illustrations. $70 plus $7 S/H. Andresen Advisory LLC, 810 Museum Dr., Charlotte, NC 28207, (704) 517-1941, www.Gunnin’Birds.com. Decoy Magazine: Limited supply of sold out issues available for $20 each plus shipping. Call or email for selection, (302) 644-9001, decoymag@aol.com.
For Sale: “The McCleery Auction,” edited by Gard & Shaw, a comprehensive overview of the most important event in decoys history, 226 pages, $150 plus $10 S/H. Ron Gard, 37667 Forest Lane, Suite 124, #1155, Dallas, TX 75244, (214) 357-6159, lakeemmatx@mac.com.
Attention Subscribers: All of our classifieds are listed at no additional charge on our website at www.decoymag.com. Send us your classified today. Prepay for one year for a 10% discount, (302) 644-9001, decoymag@aol.com. Visa/MC accepted. Bound Volumes: Decoy Magazine is offering limited edition bound volumes: 1995/1996, 1997/1998, 1999/2000, 2001/2002, 2003/2004, 2005/2006 and 2007/2008 (14 issues in each). The 2009/2010 issues are presently in for binding. These handsome professionally bound volumes ($195 each plus $10.95 shipping) look like encyclopedias on the shelf. Buy the whole set for $1295. The 1995/1996, 1997/1998 and 1999/2000 editions are available in very limited quantities, so don’t miss this opportunity to get them all. Decoy Magazine, PO Box 787, Lewes, DE 19958, (302) 644-9001, Visa/MC accepted.
44TH ANNUAL
HENRY DECOY SHOW Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 8 am – 2 pm
HENRY-SENACHWINE HIGH SCHOOL State Route 29, Henry, Illinois For info: Bruce Bauter (309) 364-4104 or bbauter@mchsi.com
Decoy Magazine