Henry Updyke Rare Tucked-head Gadwall

Henry Updyke Tullytown, PA, c. 1920 13 in. long

This possibly one-of-a-kind gadwall has a stamped "Bob White Collection" designation on the underside. It also has an painted “H. Updyke, Tullytown, PA” and brass plaques that read “Updyke, Tullytown" and "F. Sidebotham Fkd. Philla."

Updyke was a skilled maker in the John English School of carving who made decoys for his own rig. The rarity of early gadwall by any maker cannot be overstated. Original paint with even gunning wear, touch-up to filled bill tip.

Provenance: Bob White Collection Bruce Williams Collection Private Collection

Literature: H. Harrison Huster and Doug Knight, "Floating Sculptures: The Decoys of the Delaware River," Spanish Fork, UT, 1982, p. 106, exact decoy illustrated (incorrectly listed as "John Updike" rather than Henry Updyke. "H. Updyke" is painted by the maker on the bottom.)

Exhibited: Oceanville, New Jersey, "Delaware River Decoys: The Bob White Collection," The Noyes Museum, January - April 1988.

Provenance

Bob White Collection Bruce Williams Collection Private Collection