:A rare original carved and painted preening black duck decoy
feathered the nest of its consignors when it sold for $195,500 at
Klinger & Co.'s Antique Collectors Auction on May 14.
The rare painted and carved black duck decoy with turned head and
raised wing is attributed to Gus Wilson (1864-1950), Portland,
Maine, a keen observer of nature, as well as boatbuilder,
fisherman and lighthouse keeper.
"[The decoy] came out of a local old-time Cape estate," said
auction company owner Keith Klinger. "A classic case in which it
was found laying on the floor of the barn where it had been for
years. The family's father had passed away, and the kids didn't
know what to do with the stuff. They called us in to look at it.
I'm sure I could have bought the decoy for $1,000, but I told
them, 'No, this should go to auction.' It was the right thing to
do."
According to Creekside Art Gallery, which profiles Wilson on its
website, Wilson was a prolific carver who produced an estimated
5,000 decoys for sale to local Maine hunters and sports. He made
black ducks in great numbers and in many variations - in calling,
sleeping, feeding and preening positions, and with one and two
raised wings.
Prices reported include the 15 percent buyer's premium.
A complete report of the sale will appear in a future issue.
-WD
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