Alma Fitchett Robin Snipe

Alma Fitchett Smith Island and Townsend, VA, c. 1875 10 1/2 in. long

A rare and early robin snipe with a bright red breast, incised eye detail, and the maker's conjoined "AF" incised signature on the underside. Original paint with heavy even gunning wear and a replaced bill.

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "Southern Decoys of Virginia and The Carolinas," Exton, PA, 1983, pl. II, pp. 167-8, related decoys and signatures illustrated.