Ira Hudson The Mackey Hudson Flying Merganser

Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949) Chincoteague, VA, c. 1935 17 1/2 in. long, 22 in. wingspan

A testament of his fondness for this carving, William J. Mackey Jr. hung it alongside a black duck and pintail above a fireplace mantle in his Belford, New Jersey, home.

Referencing this carving in her 1974 book, "American Decoys," Quintina Colio writes, "Ira Hudson, the great decoy maker of Chincoteague, was the most prolific carver from Virginia. Despite his working steadily to fill orders to support his wonderful family, he took time to make these fanciful decorations. His record stands that he always produced a most collectible work of art."

This widely published Hudson example, with its open bill with fish, stylish crest, turning motion, and stylish paint, is among the maker's best flyers. While all of Ira Hudson's children were involved in the family's carving business, his sons Norman and Delbert (1928-1981) were the most involved. Showing the Hudsons' most lively paint, this merganser was likely painted by Delbert.

The bird is marked with the Mackey Collection ink stamp. Excellent original paint with minor wear, the original mandible has been reset. Chip at back side of neck seam, minimal chipping at untouched wing seams.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection William K. du Pont Collection

Literature: Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 95, exact decoy illustrated in reverse. Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, 1973, Sessions I & II, lot 573, exact decoy illustrated. William H. Purnell Jr., “Back East In the Midwest Out West,” Decoy Magazine, September/October 1991, p. 9, exact decoy above mantel. Anne Small, “Masters of Decorative Bird Carving,” Tulsa, OK, 1981, p. 65, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection William K. du Pont Collection