Exceedingly rare Hutchings cross-hatched hooded merganser pair c. 1910 original
Are you looking for a stand-out pair of decoys around which to build your collection? Here is an extremely rare opportunity.
There are only 12 (six pairs) currently-known cross-hatched hooded mergansers of this vintage attributed to Sam Hutchings of Jones Falls, Ontario (although some argue they may actually have been carved by his father-in-law, Freeman Jackson, about 20 years earlier). There are also about 24 (twelve pairs) of currently-known cross-hatched goldeneye decoys by the same hand. Thus, very few ever become available.
Curiously enough, they seem to have been made in pairs, with an equal number of hens and drakes being found in two small rigs. (In all, there were a dozen cross-hatched decoys in that rig - 4 hoodies and 8 whistlers; all now in different collections). This hen and drake have been together for a hundred years.Each has had a small bill repair, and each has had some later-added acrylic over-paint carefully removed by knife to reveal the old original surface, which is wonderfully mellow and in truly outstanding condition. It should be added that there are slight variations amongst the known Hutchings decoys, with some birds being cross-hatched all over, while others are cross-hatched in the black areas with the main white areas remaining smooth, except for fluting on the underside of the tails. This pair are of that latter style (smooth white), which in my opinion is much more distinctive and pleasing. I also believe it came earlier, and was more difficult to do. If you're not completely happy and satisfied, you won't own them and don't pay a thing.
The asking price is based upon the actual comparable sale of a similar cross-hatched hen (mistakenly described as a drake) at the most recent G&D vintage decoy sale, 4/28/17, in St. A combined photo showing that decoy immediately beneath my pair is posted here by way of comparison (last photo). I feel the asking price is fair; however, you are welcome to make an offer.
I do intend to sell them. Be advised that these wonderful birds are listed elsewhere and could be subject to prior sale.
More than happy to answer questions, provide more info or additional photos. Further background is available on'collectivator' and my personal site: antiquemodelcanoes. The item "Exceedingly rare Hutchings cross-hatched hooded merganser pair c.
1910 original" is in sale since Friday, May 12, 2017. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Vintage Hunting\Duck Decoys". The seller is "roger-y" and is located in Leesburg, Florida. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Duck Type: Merganser
- Material: White Cedar