Samuel Hockings Sr. Pintail Drake

Samuel Hockings Sr. (1868-1950) Peru, IL, c. 1900 16 1/2 in. long

In addition to being a coal miner and a policeman, Hockings was also a woodworker and a craftsman. With a large family of ten people, Sam hunted to feed his family and carved decoys to help with that endeavor. This rare and early decoy is hollow and fitted with an inset tail. Original paint with some old working paint including the white, with moderate gunning wear. Two reddish drips on left side.

Provenance: Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Literature: Stephen O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 52, exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2 - November 13, 2005.

Provenance

Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection