Roland Clark Rocking-head Bufflehead Drake

Roland Clark (1874-1957) New York, NY, c. 1920 12 in. long

A rare, if not unique, rocking-head bufflehead by this famed sporting artist and author. A sticker on the bottom indicates that Clark was issued a patent (# 113171958) for his design. This is the finest Clark decoy we have handled. A related black duck is in the collection of the Shelburne Museum in Vermont. In addition to the bobbing action of the head, the bird is distinct with its vertical lamination construction with cork outer edges to make the decoy lighter. Branded "R.C." on the underside. Included with the bird is John Ordeman's monograph on the maker. Original paint with light gunning wear and a small chip to underside of the bill.