Gus Wilson Merganser

Augustus Wilson (1864-1950) South Portland, ME, c. 1890 Carved in Wilson's earliest and best Monhegan Island style, this stately retired gunning decoy exhibits raised-wing carving, scribe-line inletted head, carved eyes and bill separation. The slightly turned head is drawn back and cocked to the right paralleling the upswept tail. Observing the graceful lines of this bold shelldrake, it is clear why Wilson is frequently referred to as Maine's master carver. Paint has been taken down to traces of the original; a few age cracks to the head and minor age lines along back; two very old stabilizing nails to a chip in the tail.

Provenance: Dr. George Ross Starr, Jr. Collection Private Collection, Connecticut, acquired from the above in a trade forty years ago

Literature: George Ross Starr, Jr., M.D., Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway, Tulsa, OK, 1974, dust jacket and plate 15.

Provenance

Dr. George Ross Starr, Jr. Collection Private Collection, Connecticut, acquired from the above in a trade forty years ago