James Bud Tully Bluebill Drake

James "Bud" Tully (1918-1973) Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, c. 1950 13 in. long

"Supple necks, careful rasp work and deeply textured wings mark James 'Bud' Tully's decoys as superior artistic carvings. They are sought after by collectors across the country and catch the eye of anyone viewing an assortment of the finest lures... Although he did not make a great number of lures, the carving he turned out -- including a few smooth-bodied birds -- are considered to be an essential part of any comprehensive collection of Canadian decoys." - Patricia Fleming and Thomas Carpenter, "Traditions in Wood: A History of Wildfowl Decoys in Canada"

A rare and exceptional decoy with a high degree of detail and refinement and a wonderfully textured surface. Tully was among Canada's most distinguished decoy makers and a pair of related bluebills was chosen for the front dust-jacket of "Traditions in Wood: A History of Wildfowl Decoys in Canada." The underside bears the maker's incised signature, hollow cavities, and a swing weight. Original paint with light wear.

Provenance: The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl

Literature: Patricia Fleming and Thomas Carpenter, eds., "Traditions in Wood: A History of Wildfowl Decoys in Canada," Altona, ON, 1987, front dust-jacket cover and p. 94, closely related carvings illustrated.

Provenance

The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl