Elisha Burr Decorative Wood Duck Drake

Elisha Burr (1839-1909) Hingham, MA, c. 1900 A life-size wood duck drake with carved raised primaries, eyes, and crest and etched feather detail. This early carving is the most important work by Elisha Burr to ever come on the market. A vintage photo of Russ Burr in his workshop shows a mounted wood duck drake that exhibits many of the same characteristics as this carving. It is presumed that this mounted bird served as the model for his father’s carving. This superb carving is signed "E. Burr" in pencil on the bottom of the base. It was purchased from early Americana dealer Marguerite Riordan, and her original label remains on the bottom of the base. Original paint with minor flaking, mostly to the legs and base. The original bill was reset.

Provenance: Marguerite Riordan Collection Don Snyder Collection Private Collection, Connecticut

Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, " Decoys," Paducah, KY, 1992, p. 78, similar carving illustrated.

Provenance

Marguerite Riordan Collection Don Snyder Collection Private Collection, Connecticut