Ira Hudson Turned-head Bluebill

Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949) Chincoteague, VA, c. 1920 11 1/2 in. long

This full-bodied decoy exhibits one of Virginia's most dramatically turned heads, cranked ninety degrees to the left. This head position is exceedingly rare in his decoys and is more commonly seen in Ira's elaborate standing decorative waterfowl. The body is finished with deep shoulder separation and a spread fluted tail. Old gunning paint with gunning wear, including some crazing and tight cracks around nails in neck.

Literature: Henry H. Stansbury, "Ira D. Hudson and Family," Lewes, DE, 2002, back dust-jacket cover, turned-head decorative illustrated.