Lothrop Holmes Goldeneye Drake

Lothrop Holmes (1824-1899) Kingston, MA, c. 1880 An exceedingly rare decoy from the personal rig of one of New England’s most respected decoy carvers. Only two examples of this species by Holmes have ever surfaced. This solid-bodied decoy exhibits a gently sloped breast, a finely sculpted body and tail, and a well-patterned head with glass shoe button eyes. The bottom of the decoy displays the seldom seen “L.T. Holmes” brand applied twice, designating his personal rig. A “TWD” brand for the later rig of T. W. Douglas, also from Kingston, Massachusetts, and a “Q” brand for the Quandy collection also appear on the bottom. A mixture of original paint, in-use repaint, and professional touch-up showing nice even craquelure, with lower third of bill replaced.

Provenance: Lothrop T. Holmes Rig T. W. Douglas Rig Quandy Collection Private Collection, New York

Literature: George Ross Starr, Jr. M.D., "Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway," New York, NY, 1974, p. 173, figure 87, only other known Holmes goldeneye drake illustrated.

Provenance

Lothrop T. Holmes Rig T. W. Douglas Rig Quandy Collection Private Collection, New York