Nicholas Englehart The Mackey-englehart Snow Goose

Nicholas Englehart (b. 1888) Manito, IL, c. 1920 27 1/2 in. long

Englehart operated a ferry service on the Illinois River called Copperas Creek Ferry. Though not a true "river rat" like many of the regional carvers, Capt. Englehart was known to occasionally hunt ducks and geese. He is believed to have only made bird decoys for his personal use. A few of his field Canada and snow geese have been found, with several ending up in the collections of Mackey, Haid, Figge, and a Virginia gentleman.

Englehart's bird interpretations are unique among Illinois River decoys; in fact, they relate more closely to the work of Minnesota's John Tax. The serpentine head and neck of this goose, like Englehart's others, are detachable. The bodies were crafted from several blocks of wood and two sheets of metal sheathing. This bird also retains its removable iron legs for use as a stick-up. Original paint with even gunning wear, a collector's label along lower right edge .

Provenance: William J. Mackey Collection Private Collection, Virginia Private Collection, Midwest

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, 1973, Session IV, lot 200, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Collection Private Collection, Virginia Private Collection, Midwest