Henley Sorby Canvasback Drake

Henley Sorby (1883-1954) Gores Landing, Ontario, Canada, c. 1920 16 in. long

Sorby descended from a wealthy English family and his decoys appear to follow his own sleek pattern. He is said to have devised a pulley system to hoist his furniture in the air to convert his living space into a work space. A "WY" is impressed in the underside. Original paint with even gunning wear, ding above left side of tail, and paint drip removed on other side. Head loose at neck seam.

Provenance: The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl

Literature: Patricia Fleming and Thomas Carpenter, eds., "Traditions in Wood: A History of Wildfowl Decoys in Canada," Altona, ON, 1987, p. 23, related hen illustrated.

Provenance

The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl