Nathan Cobb, Jr. Bluebill Drake

Nathan F. Cobb Jr. (1825-1905) Cobb Island, VA, c. 1880 A hollow bluebill decoy with an inletted head, carved bill detail, glass eyes, the Cobb's classic raised wing tips, and a bottom board. The bottom displays Nathan Cobb's incised serifed "N", a branded "P" for the Purnell Collection, and rigging. This decoy has never before come to market and is one of the finest Cobb bluebills known. Original and working paint with gunning wear and age lines.

Provenance: William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above in 1966

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., "Southern Decoys of Virginia and the Carolinas," Exton, PA, 1983, pp. 192 and 193, plates 390, 391, 393, and 394, rigmates illustrated. Gene and Linda Kangas, "Decoys," Paducah, KY, 1992, p. 120, plate 179, rigmate illustrated.

Print: William H. Purnell, Jr. and Thelma Peterson, "Cobb Island Decoys, Eastern Shore of Virginia, Nathan F. Cobb, Jr., September 27, 1825 - January 25, 1905," Cape Charles, VA, 1985, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above in 1966