John Tax Feeding Snow Goose

John Tax (1894-1967) Osakis, MN, c. 1917 Arguably the finest John Tax decoy known to exist, this laminated and hollow carved feeding snow goose epitomizes the American bird decoy as folk art. Excellent original gunning surface, possibly original paint or an early second coat by the maker. Carved eyes, rubs to bill edges. Measures 27 inches from bill tip to tail and 7 inches wide, retains the original leather carrying strap for transport to the field.

Provenance: John Lindgren Collection; Julie Hall Collection

Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, Decoys: A North American Survey, Spanish Fork, UT, 1983, plate 483, 484, pp. 302- 303. Alan Haid, Decoys of the Mississippi Flyway, Exton, PA, 1981, p. 66. Sotherby's and Guyette & Schmidt, Inc., American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, Jan. 22-23, 2000, Lots 107-108, p. 58. John Lindgren and Cliff Traff, The Last of the Prairie Carvers: Decoys by John Tax, 1970, cover, plate 33 and 37, exact bird illustrated.

Provenance

John Lindgren Collection; Julie Hall Collection