John Blair, Sr. The Will-hunter Blair Black Duck Pair

John Blair Sr. (1843-1929) Philadelphia, PA, c. 1870 18 in. long

These rigmates represent the most dynamic Blair pair known to exist. Blair swimmers do occasionally appear, such as Dr. McCleery's swimming mallard pair; however, Blair's preeners are virtually nonexistent. Indeed, in the case of the preening decoy, this may be the only bird of this form known by the maker. Each sleek body is hand-hollowed and retains tight body seams after 150 years. The swimmer features nearly identical form as the famous aforementioned McCleery pair.

The underside of each carving retains the classic chamfered Blair pad weight and rig brands. Each has a "C. WILL" brand and a "J. HUNTER" brand is struck once on the swimmer and multiple times on the preener. Old appealing gunning paint with wear mostly to head and tail edges. The original bill on the swimmer has been reset.

Provenance: C. Will Rig J. Hunter Rig Private Collection, Maryland Matt Geis Collection

Literature: Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, lots 1-2, related mallards illustrated.

Provenance

C. Will Rig J. Hunter Rig Private Collection, Maryland Matt Geis Collection