Arthur B. Vance Early Green-winged Teal Drake

Arthur B. Vance (1818-1889) Philadelphia, PA, c. 1850 12 1/2 in. long

An early Philadelphia decoy by one of the region's premier makers, who has only been identified within the last decade. Speaking to the quality of his work, Vance was for decades attributed to John Blair Sr.

The bottom board of this hollow decoy is branded "C [or G]. W. MORRIS" over the top of what appears to be a "Davids" brand. This appears to be out of the Richard Wistar Davids (1825–1863) rig. After Davids was killed at the Battle of Gettsyburg, the rig was acquired by his uncle Caspar Wistar Morris (1806-1877). Original paint with gunning wear to mostly bare wood, crack in neck, and age line in front of bottom board.

Provenance: R. W. Davids Rig C. W. Morris Rig Private Collection, Maryland

Literature: Pete Lesher, "New Additions to the R. W. Davids Rig," Decoy Magazine, November/December 2016, p. 32, rig discussed and illustrated. Henry C. Chitwood, "Connecticut Decoys," West Chester, PA, 1987, p. 32, rigmates illustrated. “The Wistar Cousins: Davis, Laing & Morris—The Philadelphia Years,” Decoy Magazine, March/April 2021, front cover and pp. 24-31, rigmates illustrated.

Provenance

R. W. Davids Rig C. W. Morris Rig Private Collection, Maryland