Edward Ned Burgess Pintail Hen

Edward "Ned" Burgess (1868-1958) Waterlily, Churches Island, NC, 1945 18 1/2 in. long

An outstanding North Carolina pintail, this important decoy is featured in Kroghie Andresen’s treatise, "Gunnin’ Birds." A renowned North Carolina decoy carver, Burgess carved long, slender bodies with heads that were typically upright and reared back. The maker would often put a nail up through the bottom of the decoy’s neck to hold the head in place should cracking occur. Another signature of Burgess’ work is the rasp marks he intentionally left on the carvings to help dull the paint. Hen displays carved bill detail, an extended tail, and a lead pad weight. Original paint with even gunning wear, including a small knot hole on top of head.

Provenance: Mark Wright Rig Arnold Daniels, by descent from the above Kroghie Andresen, acquired from the above Private Collection, North Carolina, acquired from the above

Literature: Kroghie Andresen, "Gunnin' Birds," Charlotte, NC, 2008, pp. 142, 165, exact decoy illustrated three times.

Provenance

Mark Wright Rig Arnold Daniels, by descent from the above Kroghie Andresen, acquired from the above Private Collection, North Carolina, acquired from the above