Charles Hart Canada Goose Stick-up

Charles Hart (1862-1960) Gloucester, MA, c. 1890 This exceedingly rare goose is one of only two known to exist; both were originally collected by Dr. George Ross Starr in the mid 1950’s. In Starr’s “Decoys of The Atlantic Flyway” he illustrates this coveted bird and refers to this decoy as part of the “beach team” that would supplement a conventional gunning rig. This bold stick-up goose has great folk art appeal, boasting an exceptionally rotund body that tapers to a pinched breast. The body shows Hart’s best subtle feather paint. This bird still bears its original Starr Collection label and its original "577" lot number tag from Bourne's 1986 auction of the Starr Collection. Original paint with early in-use touch-up with white paint and light gunning wear.

Provenance: Dr. Warren Babson rig George Ross Starr, Jr. M.D., Collection (acquired in 1954 or 1955 from the above in a trade.) Private Collection, Midwest

Literature: George Ross Starr, Jr., M.D. "Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway," New York, NY, 1974, pp. 102, 177-179, Figure 44, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. Warren Babson rig George Ross Starr, Jr. M.D., Collection (acquired in 1954 or 1955 from the above in a trade.) Private Collection, Midwest