William Humphrey Rare Early Canvasback Pair

William Humphrey (1823-1880s) Toronto, Ontario, Canada, c. 1880 17 in. long

A pair of very early Toronto decoys with hollow bodies and weighted metal keels. Humphrey is among the earliest known makers. It is believed that his decoys helped provide food for this parents' Highland Creek Inn. Each has the Roger Young collection mark on the underside. Drake is in original paint with even gunning wear, worn area on right flank, and one-half of the bill has been replaced. Hen has been successfully taken down to mostly original paint. Both have neck cracks.

Provenance: Roger Young Collection The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl

Literature: Patricia Fleming, ed., "Traditions in Wood," Toronto, Ontario, 1987, p. 126, Humphrey shorebirds illustrated.

Provenance

Roger Young Collection The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl