Nathan Cobb, Jr. The Surace Cobb Black Duck

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

Frank Surace was one of the earliest decoy collectors from Long Island and one of the Long Island Decoy Collectors Association's founding members in 1971. A review of Surace’s collection reveals that by no means did he limit himself to the region. Indeed, he, along with his friends William Mackey and Milt Weiler, traveled together with a briefcase full of cash on decoy-picking road trips. This black duck was very likely sourced from the same rig as the record-setting Mackey-O’Brien black duck.

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 ducks known to have survived the island's storm-wrecked history, along with the Mackey-O’Brien example. 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’s incised and serifed "N" for his rig designation. It is rare that decoy carvers are noted for their signatures; however, in a passionate account of the Cobbs, Mackey writes that "the skill and artistry with which the initials are carved indicate the dedication and talent that Nathan Cobb lavished on his work." Exceptional original paint with even gunning wear. Minor cracks to breast and back left flank.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection

Literature: Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry, "Wings of Wonder: The Remarkable Story of the Cobb Family and the Priceless Decoys They Created on Their Island Paradise," Columbia, SC, 2020, p. 156, exact decoy illustrated. Russell A. Fink, “Catalog of American Bird Decoys,” Lorton, VA, 1976, lot 118, exact decoy illustrated. William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 152, Cobb discussed. Copley Fine Art Auctions, “The Donal C O’Brien Jr. Collection of Important American Sporting Art and Decoys, Session I-II,” Hingham, MA, July 19, 2018, lot 38, Mackey-O'Brien rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection