Taylor Johnson Oversize American Merganser Drake

J. Taylor Johnson (1853-1929) Point Pleasant, NJ, c. 1890 21 in. long

There is not a bad line on this grand American Merganser decoy. It bears a penciled inscription on underside of the wooden base which reads, "American Merganser Drake made & used by the Cavalier Family, Wading River, N.J. Made 1870-1880." The underside of the bird is also inscribed with a species identification and "Updike Collection." Original paint with gunning wear including some flaking, checks along lower left side, small chip to top left corner of special bill joint.

Provenance: John Updike Collection Walter L. Bush Collection Collection of a New York City Museum, acquired from the above in 1953

Literature: Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 19, rigmate illustrated. Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, 1973, Sessions I & II, lot 457, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

John Updike Collection Walter L. Bush Collection Collection of a New York City Museum, acquired from the above in 1953