R. Madison Mitchell Early Swan

R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993) Havre de Grace, MD, c. 1936 28 in. long, 24 in. tall

A classic Upper Bay working swan decoy with an extensive exhibition history. The underside has a fixed weighted wooden keel, which is rare for these decoys. The bird was returned to Mitchell for his signature, which is on the underside.

In the 1990s, this decoy was recorded in exhibitions at two of Maryland's cultural institutions. Old working paint with moderate gunning wear. Two cracks above upper neck seam and age lines in body.

Provenance: Austin M. Taliaferro Collection Michael Boxer Collection

Literature: Maryland Historical Society, "Chesapeake Wildfowl Hunting: Maryland's Finest Decoys," Baltimore, MD, 1991, item # 36, exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: Baltimore, MD, Maryland Historical Society, "Chesapeake Wildfowl Hunting: Maryland's Finest Decoys," September 27, 1991- February 2, 1992. St. Michaels, MD, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 1994-1995.

Provenance

Austin M. Taliaferro Collection Michael Boxer Collection