Charles Nelson Barnard Exceedingly Rare Hollow Coot

Charles Nelson Barnard (1876-1958) Havre de Grace, MD, c. 1920 11 1/2 in. long

"A grandson can remember hunting over a handful of 'me-hen' or coot decoys made by his grandfather [Charles Nelson Barnard]." - Henry Fleckenstein, "Decoys of the Mid-Atlantic Region"

This Susquehanna Flats carver is best known for his high-head canvasback decoys that were used in sinkbox rigs. He is also recognized as one of the few carvers from the region to make hollow decoys, as is found in this rare coot. This high-head, hollow decoy has two-piece body construction and a reared-back head. Despite its age, this carving has retained its bright yellow eyes and a coot-signature red dot on its forehead. C. John Sullivan notes in his Barnard chapter in "Waterfowling on the Chesapeake, 1819-1936," "No one known to me has yet to uncover one of his coot decoys." This is the only Barnard coot known to have come to market, and collectors agree that it is one of the most important coot decoys from any region. Appears to be in dry, original paint with some early, dark gunning wash and light, even wear.

Provenance: Private Collection, Florida

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "Decoy of the Mid-Atlantic Region," Exton, PA, 1979, p. 229, Barnard coot rig mentioned. C. John Sullivan, "Waterfowling on the Chesapeake, 1819-1936," Baltimore, MD, 2003, p.133, Barnard coot mentioned.

Provenance

Private Collection, Florida