Albert Laing Early Tucked-head Goldeneye Drake

Albert Davids Laing (1811-1886) Stratford, CT, c. 1850 14 in. long

“...no name is held in higher esteem than Albert Laing.” -Henry Chitwood

Albert Laing was raised and began waterfowling in New York City during the early 19th century, placing him as one of the earliest known decoy makers. He spent time on the Chesapeake Bay and Delaware River before settling in Connecticut where his decoys would set the template for the region's style. There is no evidence that Laing ever sold decoys commercially, and it is believed that at the time of his death the one hundred eleven decoys from his gunning rig constituted the majority of his entire output. Laing’s early yet refined carvings are coveted today and few opportunities arise for collectors to own them. According to Chitwood, Laing’s entire hunting rig was sold upon his death in 1886 for $45 (about 40 cents each).

Well ahead of his time, Laing’s innovative carving style incorporated several design insights into his craft including positioning the seam line of his hollow carved decoys above the waterline to prevent water from seeping into the hollow body. His decoys are carved with a full proud breast. Perhaps his greatest contribution was adding a lifelike quality to his decoys utilizing a variety of head positions.

Many of the birds from Laing’s gunning rig were later acquired by fellow famous Stratford carver Charles E. "Shang" Wheeler (1872-1949). This decoy was hunted by Wheeler until the 1940s. Thomas Marshall found the Laing decoy to be of significant historical value and decided to retire it from gunning. In old working repaint with gunning wear.

Provenance: Albert D. Laing Rig Charles E. "Shang" Wheeler Rig Thomas C. Marshall, acquired from the above c. 1945 Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Henry C. Chitwood, "Connecticut Decoys," West Chester, PA, 1987, p. 29, related decoy illustrated. Peter Johnson and Alf Wannenburgh, “The World of Shooting,” Lausanne, Switzerland, 1987, pp. 259-261, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Albert D. Laing Rig Charles E. "Shang" Wheeler Rig Thomas C. Marshall, acquired from the above c. 1945 Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above