Ira Hudson The Trimper Rig Turned-head Black Duck

Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949) Chincoteague, VA, 1937 16 in. long

Ira Hudson biographer Henry Stansbury discusses this decoy and its history in his monograph on the maker, noting that the decoy was "obviously a special effort for a deserving customer" and "arguably some of Hudson's finest work." The deserving customer was Dan Trimper, Hudson's boss at a boatyard in Ocean City, Maryland, from 1936 to 1937. Trimper came to the attention of collectors in the 1990s when he sold this decoy along with a straight-head rigmate and several special decoratives and miniature carvings. Trimper's account of Hudson is documented in the Stansbury book.

The special effort exhibited in this decoy is shown in its full body which turns to the right from tip-to tail, raised heart-shaped wings, deep shoulder carving, fluted paddle tail, inlayed weight, and refined feather paint. This is the finest example from this important rig known to exist. Original paint with gunning wear.

Provenance: Dan Trimper Rig, ordered directly from the maker Collectable Old Decoys, South Carolina, acquired 1994 Private Collection, North Carolina Private Collection, New Jersey

Literature: Henry H. Stansbury, "Ira D. Hudson and Family," Lewes, DE, 2002, pp. 152-153, exact decoy discussed, p. 65, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Dan Trimper Rig, ordered directly from the maker Collectable Old Decoys, South Carolina, acquired 1994 Private Collection, North Carolina Private Collection, New Jersey