Charles A. Safford Canada Goose "18"

Charles A. Safford (1877-1957) Newburyport, MA, c. 1920 24 1/2 in. long

A newly discovered Safford goose from his personal gunning rig, this decoy was found alongside the Crowell Davenport Turned-Head Golden Plover in this sale, lot 31. The maker's "C. A. Safford" rig brand is found on the underside, along with a Roman numeral "XVIII" and the back of the bird shows a matching stenciled "18." Original paint with gunning wear, including some tight cracks, some bear wood on endgrain, roughness to bill tip, and a small tail chip. Some darkening to wear and professional repair to crack in left side.

Provenance: Private Collection, Concord, MA

Literature: Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, p. 158, rigmate illustrated. Gwladys Hopkins, "Massachusetts Masterpieces," Lincoln, MA, 2016, pp. 20-22 and 78-79, rigmate illustrated and Safford discussed.

Provenance

Private Collection, Concord, MA