MERGANSER, HEN DECOY

DatePossibly 1900-1930

MediumCarved and painted wood (pine), leather crest and tail, leather loops on bottom, nails.

Dimensions5 3/4" X 18" X 5 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1978.702.2

DescriptionBird is painted an overall dark brown; bill is red, except for a dark brown stripe running length of top (a continuation of the body color). Eyes are an oval of mustard yellow, leaving dark center. The leather crest is set into the top of the head, which is one piece of wood. A second piece of wood forms a continuation of the neck, joining head to body. Bird has a white-pointed breast, white wing tips. The leather tail is fan shaped and has incised lines to indicate feather outlines; it is nailed on the body from beneath. There are two leather loops on the bottom, each a simple loop held in place with one nail, presumably for ting rig together in water. In profile, bird has a typical forward thrusting head of a merganser. From above, pronounced bulge in body (about 3/5 back form head) tapers off quickly to tail. Bird's leather crest has been painted the body color.
ProvenanceEstate of Edward S. Geroge - Riverdale, Ct.