Nicholas Englehart Rare Calling Canada Goose

Nicholas Englehart (b. 1888) Manito, IL, c. 1935 26 1/2 in. long

Englehart was a cabinet maker and he operated a ferry service on the Illinois River called Copperas Creek Ferry. Though not a true "river rat" like many of the regional carvers, Capt. Englehart was known to occasionally hunt ducks and geese. He is believed to have only made bird decoys for his personal use. A few of his field Canada and snow geese have been found, with several ending up in the collections of Bill Mackey, Alan Haid, and Charlie Hunter.

Englhart's bird interpretations are unique among Illinois River decoys; in fact, they relate more closely to the work of Minnesota's John Tax. The serpentine head and neck of this goose, like Englehart's other decoys, are detachable. The bodies were crafted from several blocks of hardwood and two sheets of metal sheathing. This is believed to be the only calling Canada goose from the rig. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Merle Glick Collection Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 117, exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2 - November 13, 2005.

Provenance

Merle Glick Collection Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection