Addie Nichol Hollow Bluebill Pair

James Adam "Addie" Nichol (1864-1929) Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada, c. 1890 13 in. long

A fine hollow bluebill pair with an extensive carved and painted feather detail, and raised primaries. On their inlaid bottom boards, the drake displays an incised "XXXV" and the hen bears an incised "XXXIV." These are among the family and region's finest forms; indeed, a closely related pair was selected for the cover of the "Nichol Decoys" book. Excellent second coat of Nichol paint with minimal gunning wear.

Provenance: Herb Wetanson Collection

Literature: Bernie Gates et al. "Nichol Decoys: The Smiths Falls School of Carving," Kingston, ON, 2009, front cover and pp. 96-109, related examples illustrated. Gene and Linda Kangas, "Decoys: A North American Survey," Spanish Fork, UT, 1983, p. 145, pl. 244, rigmate hen illustrated.

Provenance

Herb Wetanson Collection