John English The Mackey English Mallard

John English (1848-1915) Florence, NJ, c. 1880 16 in. long

John English was “the innovator of the Delaware River decoy,” yet his existence alluded collectors for years and information about his life is just now being discovered. English’s importance as the father of the Delaware River school of carving is documented by virtually every authority from the region. Robert “Bob” White, describes English as “the ultimate Delaware River carver.” Author Kenneth L. Gosner notes, “The work of John English set a standard against which other Delaware River makers have been measured and compared ever since. Indeed, for many collectors, the English style is the Delaware River style.”

This decoy retains its original English paint which is rarely found. This hollow carving, with its clean lines, thin tail, sharp wing tips, and incised feather detail, is the epitome of the region's archetype. This is believed to be the finest John English mallard known to exist.

The weight has been marked with a "BP" for the Bob and Pauline White Collection. Original paint with even gunning wear and tight age line in left side of neck.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Collection Private Collection, Texas, acquired from the above Bob White, Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Kenneth L. Gosner, "Working Decoys of the Jersey Coast and Delaware Valley," Cranbury, NJ, 1985, pp. 89-91. Allen Linkchorst, “John English,” Decoy Magazine, March/April 2000, front cover and p. 9, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Collection Private Collection, Texas, acquired from the above Bob White, Collection, acquired from the above