Joel Barber Mallard Drake

Joel D. Barber (1876-1952) Wilton, CT, c. 1948

Designed by Joel Barber in his attempt to create the "perfect" decoy. The inscription on the bottom reads: “Owned by C. Disbrow at the time of death - '54... Joel for many years tried to design the all purpose decoy. This was used for experimental plumage...” The decoy has a laminated cedar body, an inletted mahogany head, and is branded “Barber Decoys.” The bird’s paint was taken down to mostly bare wood in order to repaint plumage to achieve a "perfect" decoy paint pattern. Taken down to original stained wood and gunning wear.

Provenance: Charles W. Disbrow Collection William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection The University Club of Milwaukee Decoy Collection Richard and Lynn Gove Collection

Provenance

Charles W. Disbrow Collection William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection The University Club of Milwaukee Decoy Collection Richard and Lynn Gove Collection