Samuel Smith Toothaker Merganser Pair

Samuel Smith Toothaker (1903-1974) Brunswick, ME, c. 1930 17 1/2 in. long

Along with fellow Maine carver Aaron Augustus Wilson (1864-1950), Toothaker made stylish, animated gunning decoys, though his birds are far more rare. Displaying the maker's best form, this merganser pair displays inletted heads, sleek lines, and a sawtooth crest on the drake. Original paint with gunning wear. Both have tight cracks in breasts and some chips and original imperfections to wood. Hen's bill is reset.

Provenance: Frank and Vickie Schmidt Collection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection

Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas and Donald Kirson, ed., "Bonfire of Swans," Concord, OH, 2012, p. 81, exact drake and similar hen illustrated. Paul A. Johnsgard, "The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form," Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 80, fig. 80, exact drake illustrated.

Provenance

Frank and Vickie Schmidt Collection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection