The catalog record
Arthur Poland New Harbor, ME, c. 1915 18 1/2 in. long
An exceptionally well-conceived decoy. Subtle carving nuances include raised and incised bill carving, a double-length inletted head, a hollow body, an inset tail, and an inlayed bottom board. This singular decoy is the only one of its kind known to exist.
The lightly glazed green paint on the head is expertly applied and the simple, clean black lines of the head accentuate the gracefully carved body.
Few eider decoys are as charming as this content, speepy-eyed drake.
Original paint with even gunning wear and minor chips to bill tip.
Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection
Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, "Decoys: A North American Survey," Spanish Fork, UT, 1983, p. 108, pl. 179, exact decoy illustrated.
Provenance
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection
Comparable sales
No other Arthur Poland Eiders in the data yet.
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Arthur Poland sales