Dave Umbrella Watson Brant

Dave "Umbrella" Watson (1851-1938) Chincoteague, VA, c. 1900 One of approximately a dozen known brant by this Virginia maker. This hollow carving exhibits all of Watson's signature features including a stern brow, carved shoulders, raised wing-tips, distinct tail carving and wet-on-wet feather blending on the sides. Faint feathering can also be seen across the back. Retains original German glass eyes, pad weight and leather rigging. Little is known about "Umbrella" Watson, but it is said that he was originally from Northampton County, Virginia, and he carried an umbrella everywhere he went. He later moved to the island community of Chincoteague, where he became a waterman, market gunner and guide. Original paint with even craquelure; very light gunning wear and seam separation.

Provenance: Private Collection, North Carolina

Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, "Decoys: A North American Survey," Spanish Fork, UT, 1983, p. 23.

Provenance

Private Collection, North Carolina