George Boyd Miniature Merganser Pair

George Boyd (1873-1941) Seabrook, NH, c. 1930 1 3/4 by 4 in. long

With their incredibly delicate bills and wonderful patina, this pair ranks among the finest ever offered by the maker. The pair was collected by William V. Tripp III, one of the top miniature decoy collectors, who surveyed dozens of Boyd miniatures before acquiring these fine early examples. The drake is identified in pencil on the bottom. Original paint with light overall craquelure and minimal touch-up to craquelure on the left side of the drake. The hen has minor touch-up to the sides and head, with the bill possibly replaced or reset.

Provenance: William V. Tripp III Collection Private Collection

Literature: Jim Cullen, "Finely Carved and Nicely Painted: The Life, Art and Decoys of George H. Boyd, Seabrook, NH, 1873-1941," Rye, NH, 2009, p. 61, similar miniatures illustrated. Joseph H. Ellis, "Birds in Wood and Paint: American Miniature Bird Carvings and Their Carvers, 1900-1970," Lebanon, NH, 2009, p. 85, fig. 8.3, similar miniature illustrated.

Provenance

William V. Tripp III Collection Private Collection