Gus Wilson Haid Rocking-head White-winged Scoter Hen

Augustus "Gus" Aaron Wilson (1864-1950) South Portland, ME, c. 1900 20 in. long

"This White-winged Scoter has almost everything—bold, fine carving, excellent conformation, and good color pattern, plus a head that bows to each live counterpart. The workmanship on the rocking head is very clever." — William J. Mackey Jr. discussing a related drake in "American Bird Decoys"

A rare white-winged scoter hen with Wilson's innovative rocking-head design to give the bird a more life-like appearance. Most of Wilson's scoter were made as drakes. This sea duck displays a long body with raised wings and refined head carving. Original paint with gunning wear, typical Wilson imperfections to wood, significant wear to tail and underside, and reset neck.

Provenance: Alan Haid Collection Hank Norman Collection

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 90, pl. 71, related decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Alan Haid Collection Hank Norman Collection