James Holly Rare Blue-winged Teal

James T. Holly (1855-1935) Havre de Grace, MD, c. 1880 12 in. long

This early slightly swimming teal is among the Holly family's and Upper Bay's finest teal forms. Several related decoys have found their way to top collections, including those of James Doherty and Alan Haid. The bird's refined form has some collectors even attributing this form to James's highly esteemed father, John "Daddy" Holly (1818-1992).

The plumage is expertly applied with bright speculums and scratch feathering on the back. Original paint with even gunning wear, over-paint successfully removed from underside and speculums. Tight crack along lower right side.

Provenance: Private Collection

Literature: R. H. Richardson, “Chesapeake Bay Decoys,” Cambridge, MD, 1991, p. 67, closely related example illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection