Charles Hart Black Duck

Charles Hart (1862-1960) Gloucester, MA, c. 1920 17 1/2 in. long

Often overshadowed by Elmer Crowell and Joseph Lincoln, Hart ranks among Massachusetts' most important makers, and this black duck is one of the carver's finer efforts. The bold bird displays carved detail and highly defined raised wings and primaries. The body was hollowed out to one-half-inch thickness and no bottom board was applied, leaving it open. This unusual construction was designed to create a suction on calm gunning waters. Original paint with even gunning wear and age lines.

Provenance: Donald M. Greenwood Collection Private Collection, Midwest

Literature: George Ross Starr Jr. M.D., "Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway," New York, NY, 1974, p. 178, fig. 88, related examples illustrated.

Provenance

Donald M. Greenwood Collection Private Collection, Midwest