Wallace O'Neal II Ruddy Duck Drake

Wallace O'Neal II (1896-1976) Waterlilly, NC, c. 1920 12 in. long

Discussing a closely related example in "Gunnin' Decoys," author Andresen reports, "Wallace O'Neal II didn't make many ruddy ducks, but this one has great form. The upswept tail and flat bottom set it apart from other ruddy decoys carved in the area."

This decoy bears the following inscription on the underside of its wooden base: "Ruddy Duck / Very old and crude specimen. From Currituck Sound, NC." The carving's base displays the museum identification code in red paint. Old working paint with gunning wear and several neck cracks.

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

Literature: Kroghie Andresen, "Gunnin' Birds," Charlotte, NC, 2008, p. 193, closely related ruddy illustrated and discussed.

Provenance

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