Mel Grauch Canada Goose

Mel Grauch Pitman, NJ, c. 1930 25 1/2 in. long

A rare carving by this New Jersey maker. Only a handful in original paint have ever surfaced, with one illustrated in Doherty's book. This example was never rigged and reveals the maker's telltale painted legs on its sides. Clark Madera (1883-1953), who also hailed from Pitman, was known to employ this painted thigh treatment and it is likely that Grauch learned the technique from the accomplished maker.

An early collector's identification label with the maker's name is affixed to the bottom. Excellent original paint, working touch-up to rub on back.

Provenance: Private Collection, Washington State

Literature: James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 159, pl. 333, related example illustrated. Gene and Linda Kangas, "Decoys: A North American Survey," Spanish Fork, UT, 1983, p. 47, pl. 77, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Washington State