Eli Doughty Early Brant

Eli Doughty (1844-1923) Hog Island, VA, c. 1870 19 in. long

Settled in 1672, Hog Island is one of the larger barrier islands on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Much like its neighbor to the south, Cobb Island, Hog Island was a popular destination and its Broadwater Club played host to the likes of President Grover Cleveland. According to Cameron McIntyre “...A close study and comparison of Eli Doughty decoys and classic [Walter] Bradys reveals some amazing similarities - the body shapes and the head style, including the sharply defined eyebrow ridge, is nearly identical.” This boldly carved brant features a deep and broad body, sharp wing-tip carving, and a stylish turned head. The original oak bill is inserted with a mortise-and-tenon fit. Old gunning paint with wear, an old nail secures a crack in the head.

Provenance: Barbara Anne Wiest (Fleckenstein) Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above

Literature: Cameron McIntyre, “Walter Brady: The grandfather of the Hog Island style of carving,” Decoy Magazine, Lewes, DE, Mar/Apr 2000, pp. 8-9, related examples illustrated.

Provenance

Barbara Anne Wiest (Fleckenstein) Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above