Nathan Cobb, Jr. Black Duck

Nathan F. Cobb, Jr. (1825-1905) Cobb Island, VA, c. 1880 15 1/2 in. long

In "American Bird Decoys," William J. Mackey, Jr. proclaims that "[the Cobbs] were determined to produce the best decoys possible, and their work excellently served the needs of both the nineteenth-century hunter and the modern collector.”

This hollow black duck with an inletted head is one of the finest Cobb Island ducks known. In addition to Cobb's standard eye-groove carving and classic tail cut, this bold model features a well-proportioned and full body, and a pronounced breast that rises upward under the bill.

The underside bears Nathan Cobb, Jr.'s incised, and reversed, "N" and the Mackey Collection ink stamp. It is rare that decoy carvers are regarded for their signatures; however, in his passionate account of the Cobbs, Mackey notes that "the skill and artistry with which the initials are carved indicate the dedication and talent that Nathan Cobb lavished on his work."

In 1893, low-lying Cobb Island was washed over and largely wrecked by the sea. This was the first of several catastrophic storms that contributed to the rarity of Cobb decoys. Excellent original paint with gunning wear, including rub on back, age line in top of head, and touch-up at left base of bill and two points of inlay seam.

Provenance: Nathan F. Cobb, Jr. Rig William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 152.

Provenance

Nathan F. Cobb, Jr. Rig William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection