Harvey Stevens Bluebill Hen

Harvey Stevens (1847-1894) Weedsport, NY, c. 1890 13 1/4 in. long

A rare hen with Harvey's painted stencil on the underside. The presence of this marking is rare and Stevens aficionados may notice the additional rarity of the white paint used, as opposed to the more common black stencil. Only seven bluebill hens by Harvey are known, of which this is among the very best.

Stevens heads were fixed to the body with a single screw and virtually all Stevens heads have some movement as a result. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Literature: Shane A. Newell, "The Essential Guide to Stevens Decoys: Volume One," New York, NY, 2004, front cover, similar teal illustrated, p. 73 related decoy illustrated.