Tom Wilson Wigeon Drake

Tom Wilson (1863-1940) Ipswich, MA, c. 1890 13 1/2 in. long

Early New England widgeon decoys are difficult to find. In 1951, folk art collector Nina Fletcher Little discovered thirteen unused shorebirds, duck, and goose decoys at a hunting camp on Massachusetts’ North Shore. Among the baker’s dozen were at least two wigeon decoys.

As a steadfast hunter and observer of shorebirds and ducks, Wilson’s ability to capture species’ attitudes and nuances was quite astute. This drake shows the telltale stipple and loop feather paint application that Wilson is known for. His carvings are considered among a distinguished group of turn-of-the-century Massachusetts decoys by makers such as Joseph Lincoln, Elmer Crowell, and Henry Keyes Chadwick. In early working Wilson paint with wear over a reset bill.

Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Rob Moir and Jackson Parker, "Massachusetts Waterfowl Decoys," The Magazine Antiques, September 1989, p. 524. "Decoy Magazine," September/October 1989, cover and p. 25, Wilson decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection