Bill Joeckel Black Backed Gull

William "Bill" Joeckel (1921-2010) Islip Terrace, Long Island, NY 22.25" long

Large and rare hollow carved decorative decoy inspired from a fishing outting with other world class carvers when Bob Kerr accidentally hooked into a Black Backed Gull. Never passing up an opportunity for a live subject, they briefly held down the Gull to trace its head and jot some notes before safely releasing it, making a pattern that Joeckel would later use to make this exact decoy.

Lightly relief carved wings and feather tips. The head is turned slightly to the right and has nicely carved bill and facial details. The black on the back was thinly painted so Bill could etch hundreds of strike marks to create the appearance of feathers. Bears the Bill Joeckel Decoys brand on the underside. Condition: Excellent and original