John Blair, Sr. Mallard

Rare mallard. Hollow carved with tack eyes and raised neck seat. “C. Sprickles” branded on the underside. Measures 17” long. Original paint with minor flaking and wear, mostly on head and edge of tail; like most Blair decoys the dark green paint on underside was added after the decoy was rigged; excellent structurally. Literature notes retained in scrape artifacts.

Provenance

Provenance: Part of a group of 11 Blair decoys purchased by Bob White from Cass Bains, caretaker for the Biddle family. Bob sold it to Lloyd Johnson, who in turn sold it to Bill Mackey. Bill Mackey lent it to Adele Earnest for use in her book, Art of the Decoy. Bob White traded it back from Bill Mackey for a dozen Bob White decoys from his personal rig. Bob White collection. Bruce Williams collection. Jim and Diane Cook collection.