Giovanni Nane Cristo Simoncin "signor Hemingway" Wigeon

Giovanni "Nane Cristo" Simoncin (1920-2015) Burano, Italy, c. 1950 14 in. long

A new book on Italian decoys discusses this legendary European carver, "Giovanni Simoncin, known as "Nane Cristo", was certainly the most able and well-known producer of hunting decoys in italy, and among the best in Europe."

This Eurasian wigeon was part of the rig that was found on an island near Venice by Joseph B. French. The Italians who used this decoy guided Earnest Hemingway (1899-1961), who likely shot over it. The underside has painted "Signor Hemingway." Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Joe French Collection William J. Mackey Collection Private Collection, Dallas

Literature: Andrea Turchetto et al., "Italian Hunting Decoys: History and Carvers," Crocetta del Montello, Italy, 2019, front cover and pp. 54-74 related decoys illustrated and discussed.

Joseph B. French, "A Collector Tours Europe,” Decoy Collector’s Guide, July-Sept., 1965, pp. 7-8, rigmates illustrated.

Provenance

Joe French Collection William J. Mackey Collection Private Collection, Dallas