Edmund G. Gardiner Gardiner High-head Canvasback

Edmund G. Gardiner (1844-1923) Norwalk, OH, c. 1860 16 1/2 in. long

In “Ohio Decoys,” Jeff and Joyce Hay refer to this exact carving and the unique rigging system it features: "The only early member of Winous Point who made his own decoys was apparently Edmund G. Gardiner (1844-1923) of Norwalk, Ohio. He was the son of founding member John Gardiner. His grandson, Charles B. Gardiner, gave Vic Bracher a tour of the family’s historic home and workshop where he explained that his grandfather made his own decoys... Most [including this lot] feature a very unique anchor line that is 'pulled through a hole in the body behind the head to withdraw the weight into a recess drilled into the breasts; then the line is held in a “V" groove in the tail after it has been wrapped around the neck and/or body.' The underside is branded "E G Gardiner." Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Gardiner Rig, Winous Point Shooting Club Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection

Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys,” St. Charles, IL, April 2015, p. 9, exact decoy illustrated and described.

Provenance

Gardiner Rig, Winous Point Shooting Club Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection