Leigh F. Witherspoon Rare Black Duck

Leigh F. Witherspoon (1889-1971) North Haven, ME, c. 1920 16 1/2 in. long

A sleek and refined decoy with subtle raised wing tip carving. Witherspoon's head attachments were not typical; this one has its head applied to an inlaid base. The surface has a lightly stippled finish.

A lifelong resident of the island of North Haven, Witherspoon learned how to carve decoys from his uncle around the turn of the 20th century. He was also a skilled carpenter, a boatbuilder, and a commercial herring fisherman. Original paint with light gunning wear and small tail chips with some working touch-up.

Provenance: Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys

Literature: Gene Kangas, “Leigh Witherspoon: Independence was in his blood,” Decoy Magazine, Mar/April 2022, p. 27, exact carving illustrated three times.

Provenance

Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys