Samuel R. Hutchings Cross-hatched Goldeneye

Samuel R. Hutchings (1894-1995) Jones Falls, Ontario, Canada, c. 1919 13 in. long

Very rare goldeneye exhibiting detailed crosshatch-feather carving from head to tail and incised, raised wing tips.

Samuel Hutchings lived to see his one-hundredth year, but will be remembered primarily for his decoys attributed to his teenage years, circa 1908-1914. He was a carving prodigy inspired by his grandfather, a master blacksmith who used similar checkered patterns on his ironwork. Original and old working paint with gunning wear, chipped tail, chews marks to bill.

Provenance: Henry Darling Smith Rig, Chaffey’s Falls, Ontario

Literature: Bernie Gates, "Ontario Decoys," Kingston, ON, 1982, p. 148, closely related examples illustrated.

Provenance

Henry Darling Smith Rig, Chaffey’s Falls, Ontario