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CARVED MALLARD DUCKS DECOY
CARVED MALLARD DUCKS DECOY ATTRIBUTED TO BOB BIDDLca. 1970-1990s; folk art crafted decoy carving with painted accents, wire mounted to base that has copper sheet cut grass on driftwood base depicting two small size mallard drakes in flight with fine carved mounted wings, 11 1/2"x 6 1/2"x 11"; Condition: good
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TWO JAMES LAPHAM MINIATURE DUCKS
TWO JAMES LAPHAM MINIATURE DUCKS DENNIS PORT, MASSACHUSETTS, 1909-1987 HEIGHTS 4" AND 4.5”.TWO JAMES LAPHAM MINIATURE DUCKS, Dennis Port, Massachusetts, 1909-1987, A mallard drake and a black duck, both mounted on driftwood bases. Dimensions: Heights 4" and 4.5".
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THREE CARVED AND HAND PAINTED
THREE CARVED AND HAND PAINTED DUCK DECOYS Three carved wooden duck decoys, the first is a sleeping mallard hen by Madison Mitchell, Havre de Grace, Maryland, with no markings, previously in the collection of Dick McIntyre, Port Royal S.C. with rigging hook and part of anchoring line; the second is a mallard drake, from Wildfowler Co, Old Saybrook, Conn; the third is a heavy mallard drake with distinct pressed feather impressions on the back half of the carving, starting at the wing colors and flowing back to the tail, painted with black gloss eyes leaving the remainder of duck in flat paint, sporting distinct nostril holes and a rounded impression on beak tip extending around bill on both sides forming a split look from unknown maker. Approximate dimensions: Mallard sleeping Hen, l.14", w. 7" first mallard drake, wild fowler, l.16" w. 7"; second mallard drake l. 16" w. 7".
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FOUR MINIATURE BIRD CARVINGS
FOUR MINIATURE BIRD CARVINGS EARLY 20TH CENTURY HEIGHTS FROM 2.5” TO 4”.FOUR MINIATURE BIRD CARVINGS, Early 20th Century, A goose stamped "A.M. Ransden Cotuit Mass", and a black duck, mallard drake and willet marked "BDS" on undersides. Dimensions: Heights from 2.5" to 4".
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A. ELMER CROWELL MALLARD DRAKE
A. ELMER CROWELL MALLARD DRAKE DECOY EAST HARWICH, MASSACHUSETTS, 1862-1952 LENGTH 17”.A. ELMER CROWELL MALLARD DRAKE DECOY, East Harwich, Massachusetts, 1862-1952, Circa 1930. Turned head. Lead weights on underside. Most likely used as a doorstop. Unmarked. Dimensions: Length 17".
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FRANK W BENSON MALLARD DRAKE
FRANK W BENSON MALLARD DRAKE ETCHING. Frank W. Benson (American 1861-1951) A-1 trial (artist’s proof) etching with hand applied graphite highlighting, signed in pencil on margin, A-1 Trial, Doll and Richards, Newbury St label on reverse. Plate 5.75” x 7.75”, Overall in black frame17.75” x 21”.
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SLEEPING BLUEBILL PAIRThe Ward
SLEEPING BLUEBILL PAIRThe Ward Brothers
Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976)
Crisfield, MD, 1972
13 in. long
An exceedingly rare life-size pair of bluebill carvings in sleeping postures. The bottom of the carvings bear both brothers' inked signatures along with the inscription "L. T. Ward Bros. - 1972 -."
“The famous decoy contest in 1948,” writes Quintina Colio on the heritage of decoys, “was held in the Grand Central Palace, New York City, sponsored by Schaefer Brewing Company and the winner was the Ward Brothers, from Crisfield, Maryland. Renowned judges included Wm J. Mackey Jr., Lynn Bogue Hunt and Dr. Edgar Burke.” Joel Barber was also a judge. The Wards’ winning decoy was a related balsa-bodied sleeping mallard drake illustrated in Gard and McGrath’s book. Even with this high-profile endorsement, sleepers remained exceedingly rare in the Ward's extensive portfolio.
Original paint with minimal wear, hen has sap bleeds.
Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland (drake)
Private Collection, Florida
Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, "The Ward Brothers' Decoys: A Collector's Guide," Plano, TX, 1989, p. 84, pl. 77, sleeping mallard illustrated.
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MALLARD DRAKECharles Perdew
MALLARD DRAKECharles Perdew (1874-1963)
Henry, IL, c. 1940
15 in. long
A turned-head "green head" with scratch comb paint and feather detail by the maker. It features a "Perdew, Henry, Ill" weight on the bottom.
Excellent original paint with light wear.
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EARLY SLEEPING MALLARD DRAKEStephen
EARLY SLEEPING MALLARD DRAKEStephen Lane (1843-1900) (attr.)
Lacon, IL, c. 1890
13 in. long
A singular early and refined preening drake showcasing the distinct Lacon style in an elegant pose. The uplifted wing tips and dramatic head position distinguish this sleek decoy from other birds from this region.
Lane is one of the earliest recorded Midwestern decoy makers. He was also a talented woodworker who professionally constructed everything from houses to wagons to furniture. Born in Good Luck, New Jersey, his family moved to a farm in Lacon, Illinois, while he was in his teens. The farm was near prime duck hunting habitat and it did not take Lane long to immerse himself in the growing market gunning movement.
Early working paint with moderate gunning wear. Old restoration to left end of tail.
Provenance: Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection
Literature: Stephen O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 25, exact decoy illustrated.
Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2 - November 13, 2005.
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MALLARD DRAKERobert "Bob" McGaw
MALLARD DRAKERobert "Bob" McGaw (1879-1958)
Havre de Grace, MD, c. 1935
15 3/4 in. long
A rare full-size decorative mallard on a beveled-edge base.
Original paint with light wear, some crazed paint on head, and an age line on underside.
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MINIATURE MALLARD DRAKELevi W.
MINIATURE MALLARD DRAKELevi W. Witham (1853-1939)
Lynn, MA, c.1900
2 3/4 in. tall
This lot and the five others by the maker represent an important rediscovery of this accomplished North Shore carver. Other miniatures by Witham had recently been attributed to the younger Tom Wilson (1863-1940) of nearby Ipswich, Massachusetts. This attribution was based on the striking resemblance between the two men's distinct plover carvings.
This miniature decorative was part of an apparent set sold by Sotheby Parke Bernet in their major 1975 "Auction of Americana" sale as "Property of a Private Collector." It was this early catalog that revealed Witham as the maker.
The species is written in pencil on the underside of the base.
Original paint with light wear.
Literature: Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., “Auction of Americana,” New York, NY, November 6, 7, & 8, 1975, lot 236, exact carving illustrated.
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MALLARD DRAKEHenry Holmes
MALLARD DRAKEHenry Holmes (1870-1940)
Bureau, IL, c. 1900
15 1/2 in. long
A rare and refined mallard drake by this early Bureau carver. This decoy features the strong swirl paint for which Holmes is revered, which has developed an appealing craquelure typical of the painter's brush work.
This hollow decoy remains in good condition having never been rigged.
Original paint with even wear.
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MALLARD DRAKERobert "Bob" White (b.
MALLARD DRAKERobert "Bob" White (b. 1939)
Tullytown, PA, c. 1990
16 in. long
This mallard features some of the maker's best carving and paint. It retains his triangular bobwhite-quail lead weight and is signed twice on the bottom.
Original paint with light gunning wear.
Provenance: Michael Boxer Collection
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MALLARD DRAKEKen Harris (1905-1981)
MALLARD DRAKEKen Harris (1905-1981)
Woodville, NY, c. 1975
17 in. long
A decorative decoy with the maker's white paint stamp on the underside reading "Ken Harris, Woodville, NY."
Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Michael Boxer Collection
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MINIATURE MALLARD DRAKEA. Elmer
MINIATURE MALLARD DRAKEA. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1940
5 in. long
Crowell's rectangular stamp is on the bottom.
Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Michael Boxer Collection
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RARE MINIATURE MALLARD DRAKE
RARE MINIATURE MALLARD DRAKE DECOYA. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1930
4 1/2 in. long
A resting drake carving with the maker's inked inscription "AE Crowell Maker East Harwich Mass" under a coat of glue on the bottom.
Original paint with light wear and minimal touch-up to a hairline neck crack.
Provenance: Michael Boxer Collection
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THREE-QUARTER-SIZE MALLARD
THREE-QUARTER-SIZE MALLARD DRAKEA. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1950
13 in. long
This turned-head drake, finished with the maker's signature rasp marks on the breast, retains the Crowell rectangular stamp on the underside.
Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Michael Boxer Collection
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MALLARD DRAKEA. Elmer Crowell
MALLARD DRAKEA. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1930
17 1/4 in. long
When this decoy was made, mallards were not as prevalent along the Atlantic Flyway, as is evidenced by their scarce representation as decoys along the East Coast. This turned-head drake with a pronounced breast and carved tail detail is a refined example of a rare species for Crowell. The underside bears the maker's rectangular stamp.
Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Michael Boxer Collection
Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co., "Public Auction," Hyannis, MA, August, 4, 1970, lot 210, exact bird illustrated.
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ROLAND H. CLARK (1874-1957)Two
ROLAND H. CLARK (1874-1957)Two Derrydale Prints
each hand-colored aquatint, 20 by 15 1/2 in.
"The Scout - Mallard Drake," 1938
edition of 250
"Down Wind - Pintail Drake"
signed "Roland Clark" lower right
edition 70 of 250
each published and copyrighted by The Derrydale Press, New York
Provenance: Private Collection, Wisconsin
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EXCEPTIONAL MALLARD DRAKEChauncey
EXCEPTIONAL MALLARD DRAKEChauncey "Chance" Wheeler (1888-1945)
Alexandria Bay, NY, c. 1920
17 3/4 in. long
This highly refined mallard is understood by many to be not only the finest Chauncey Wheeler decoy, but also the best from the entire region. Beyond the region, it stands among the most important mallard drakes by any maker. Like some of A. Elmer Crowell’s best carvings, it was rigged for use as a decoy, yet it shows the refinement and effort the maker exhibited in his best decorative works. The gouged detail is reminiscent of the flourishes seen in the most highly prized works of the Caines Brothers from South Carolina. A view from above this Wheeler carving shows the coveted “Heart Pattern” of the wings and back. The paint is deftly applied with combed, stippled, and wet-on-wet techniques on display.
While the mallard is an ubiquitous species in North America today, wild native mallards, and subsequently their decoys, were scarce in the East during Wheeler’s era. This decoy is the finest of its kind; illustrating its rarity, only one other example is remotely comparable. The other bird is illustrated and discussed in the 2002 monograph on “Chance” in a dedicated chapter titled “New Found Species and Style.” This lot was widely unknown until its public offering in 2012, when it set the record for any Wheeler decoy or decorative. Since then it has been toured and illustrated broadly. The underside retains Kirson Collection markings and a Ward Museum exhibition label.
Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Robert Billingsly
Private Collection, New York
Donald Kirson Collection
Literature: “The Year in Review 2012,” Decoy Magazine, 2012, front cover, exact decoy illustrated.
“48th annual Decoy & Wildlife Art Show,” Decoy Magazine, 2012, July/August 2016, p. 19, exact decoy illustrated.
“Decoy Magazine,” March/April 2019, p. 19, exact decoy illustrated.
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MALLARD DRAKETule Lake Decoy Co.
MALLARD DRAKETule Lake Decoy Co.
Sacramento, CA, c. 1925
15 in. long
Operated by Hugh Woodward (1889-1948), Tule Lake was the most renowned decoy factory on the Pacific Coast. Woodward put his previous building skills to use as he fabricated decoys out of redwood in three grades: solid, semi-hollow, and hollow. This mallard drake bears the company’s "Tule Lake Semi-Hollow" ink stamp on the underside.
Original paint with gunning wear and touch-up to neck.
Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection
Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 355, related carvings illustrated.
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MALLARD DRAKESan Francisco, CA,
MALLARD DRAKESan Francisco, CA, c. 1940
15 in. long
This gouge-carved decoy relates to the work of John Tornberg (1902-1971) and may very well be the carver's later work. Tornberg lived in the Marina district of San Francisco and carved some of the San Francisco Bay region’s most collectible decoys. He used a chip-carving technique which gave his decoys a life-like appearance. This carving also exhibits raised wing tips similar to that seen on his shoveler hen illustrated on page 199 of the Pacific Coast book.
Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: August Sebastiani Collection
Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above
Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 199, related carving illustrated.
Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 369, related carvings illustrated.
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MALLARD DRAKEArt Jensen Hayward,
MALLARD DRAKEArt Jensen
Hayward, CA, c. 1952
14 in. long
A distinctly Jensen mallard with a turned head, raised wings, and a pleasing carved wing and feather design in its balsa body. This drake is illustrated in both of the region's volumes.
Original paint with even gunning wear, including a ding in right side of breast.
Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the maker
Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 232, exact decoy illustrated.
Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 275, exact decoy illustrated.
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MALLARD DRAKEMason Decoy Factory
MALLARD DRAKEMason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1915
16 in. long
A standard-grade decoy with painted eyes.
Original paint with light gunning wear, some age lines, and minor neck filler loss.
Provenance: Estate of A. Michael Prus
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VINTAGE CORK OVERSIZED MALLARD
VINTAGE CORK OVERSIZED MALLARD DRAKE DECOY.Vintage Cork Body Oversized Mallard Drake Decoy. Natural painted features. 8-1/2"h. x 25"l. Condition: : Good with some losses, breaks and wear.
Condition:
Condition: : Good with some losses, breaks and wear.
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THREE PIECES OF MINIATURE CAST
THREE PIECES OF MINIATURE CAST IRON.Three Pieces of Miniature Cast Iron Paperweights or Party Favors. Hubley Pekinese dog place card holder, 2"l and Mallard drake and hen paperweights, 3-1/2"l. Very good.
Condition:
Very good.
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W.L. GABLE MALLARD DRAKE
W.L. GABLE MALLARD DRAKE MINIATURE DECOY.Signed W.L. Gable (William L. Gable, Lancaster, PA) Mallard Drake Miniature Decoy. Dated 8/13/83. 11"l. Very good.
Condition:
Very good.
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MALLARD DRAKE HN2572 - ROYAL
MALLARD DRAKE HN2572 - ROYAL DOULTON FIGURINEDrake resting; brown, green, blue, yellow, white, and black glaze. Royal Doulton backstamp.
Issued: 1941-1946
Dimensions: 2.75"L x 1"W x 1.25"H
Manufacturer: Royal Doulton
Country of Origin: England
Condition:
Age related wear.
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HAYS DUCK DECOY & CARVED DUCKS
HAYS DUCK DECOY & CARVED DUCKS PAIRIncludes one a Mallard Drake by the Hays Decoy Factory, marked to bottom and having glass eyes and correct paint (repaired neck), together with a pair of small standing ducks on a driftwood base and signed Ray. The Mallard Drake measures approximately 6-1/2" tall and 14-3/4" long.
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A BOEHM SCULPTURE, "MALLARD DRAKE,"
A BOEHM SCULPTURE, "MALLARD DRAKE," UNITED STATES,A BOEHM SCULPTURE, "Mallard Drake," UNITED STATES, hand painted bisque porcelain, number 40174, verso maker's mark. Height: 6.25" Width: 2.50" Depth: 5.50"
Condition:
Some dust debris and mild paint spray, but overall in good to very good condition. Simpson Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."
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A. ELMER CROWELL MINIATURE CARVED
A. ELMER CROWELL MINIATURE CARVED MALLARD DRAKEA. Elmer Crowell (1862-1951) Miniature Carved Mallard Drake, incised upon the base with maker's rectangular stamp on the underside "A.E. Crowell Maker, East Harwich, Mass."
Height 4.25 in. Width 3.75 in.
Condition:
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Please contact the gallery for further details prior to bidding. Any condition statement given as a courtesy should not be treated as fact.
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FOUR DUCK DECOYS TO INCLUDE EARLY
FOUR DUCK DECOYS TO INCLUDE EARLY BLACK DUCK PROBABLY N...Four Duck Decoys to include early black duck probably New Jersey; Wildfowler Pintail Drake Old Saybrook Factory nicely mellowed with original paint; Mallard Drake having cork body wear to left tail area with original paint; Early Mason Black Duck missing eye, repainted, rare form, original rigging largest in length 17 1/2 inches.
Condition:
All lots are sold "AS IS" The condition of lots can vary widely and are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. *No credit card payments will be accepted for silver, gold, or jewelry from buyers that have not purchased from our gallery in the past.
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VERY RARE HUCKS CAINES ATTRIBUTED
VERY RARE HUCKS CAINES ATTRIBUTED MALLARD DRAKEGeorgetown, South Carolina, circa 1900, attributed to Hucks Caines, oversized, flat bottom style with weighted base, tack eyes, relief carved head, sticker on base, 8-1/2 x 17-3/4 x 7 in.
Note: The Caines Brothers (Joseph J. "Hucks" Caines (1876-1944), Edmund A. "Ball" Caines (1851-1914), R. Randolph "Sawney" Caines (1860-1938), Moultrie J. L. "Pluty" Caines (1870-1912), and Robert J. "Bob" Caines (1879-1923)) grew up on land at Hobcaw Barony in the South Carolina Low Country. In addition to being hunting guides for landowner Bernard Baruch, they were commercial fishermen and market gunners before the enactment of the first federal game laws in 1918. Caines family decoys are some of the most sought after of South Carolina makers and very few are known to have survived.
Condition:
working second coat of paint, separation at neck as made, surface dirt and accretions, chips and losses to paint particularly at speculum, wear commensurate with age and use, please note xray images depicting birdshot and internal supports at neck, weight attachment
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VERY RARE CAINES BROTHERS MALLARD
VERY RARE CAINES BROTHERS MALLARD DRAKEGeorgetown, South Carolina, circa 1900, possibly by Hucks Caines, oversized with raised, heart shaped wings indicative of the Caines' shop, finely carved head, tack eyes, 7-3/4 x 17-1/2 x 7 in.
Note: The Caines Brothers (Joseph J. "Hucks" Caines (1876-1944), Edmund A. "Ball" Caines (1851-1914), R. Randolph "Sawney" Caines (1860-1938), Moultrie J. L. "Pluty" Caines (1870-1912), and Robert J. "Bob" Caines (1879-1923)) grew up on land at Hobcaw Barony in the South Carolina Low Country. In addition to being hunting guides for landowner Bernard Baruch, they were commercial fishermen and market gunners before the enactment of the first federal game laws in 1918. Caines family decoys are some of the most sought after of South Carolina makers and very few are known to have survived.
Condition:
fine bill carving detail, strong paint with craquelure and flaking, end of bill possibly restored, break and repair at neck with losses, surface dirt, scuffs, dents and paint chips mainly to right wing and under tail, please note xray images depicting birdshot and internal supports at neck
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4 PC DECOY COLLECTION: 1) Charles
4 PC DECOY COLLECTION: 1) Charles Birdsall Decoy Buffalo head with weight. Impressed C.R.B. at underside. Inset glass eyes. Approx. 5.25'' h x 10'' l x 5.25'' w. 2) Herter's Canadian Goose Decoy with Balsa Body. Inset glass eyes, Approx. 8.5'' h x 21'' l x 7.5'' w. 3) Mallard Drake Decoy Bill Keim. Weight included. Inset glass eyes. Approx. 4.25'' h x 9.75'' l x 4.25'' w., signed under the decoy and under the bill. 4) Antique Duck Decoy Bill Mackey Collection. Weight at underside. Approx. 5.25'' h x 15'' l x 5.25'' w.
CONDITION: 1) Wear to paint commensurate with age & use; 2) Prior repair to the neck, wear of paint consistent with age and use; 3) Wear to paint commensurate with age & use; 4) Age cracks and wear to paint commensurate with age & use.
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2 PC. MARK A. DAISEY CARVED DECOYS:
2 PC. MARK A. DAISEY CARVED DECOYS: Two carved & painted Duck Decoys with inset glass eyes, by Mark A. Daisey of Chincateague, Virginia. Comprising; 1- Mallard Drake, & 1- Canvas Back Drake. Both signed in pen at the underside. One with ''Mark'' carved at the underside. Largest Approx. 7'' h x 16.75'' l x 7.25'' w.
CONDITION: Wear to paint consistent with age and use.