Ira Hudson Bluebill Drake Decoy, C. 1890 Chincoteague, VA
Very early Ira Hudson bluebill decoy. It is in all original paint, although much of the grey has worn very thin. The black is thin, old and HARD, mainly from the lead in paint. This decoy came from my father's collection.
There are SO many similar features. The head pattern is very similar to that of the redheads, the foolball body shape.
The tail on the redhead is exactly the same as the tail on this bluebill, except the redheads tail is longer. Same flat on top and tapered upwards to the tip from the body... Most solid body Hudson's were carved from discarded telephone/telegraph pole lumber. If you are a collector of Hudson decoys, you know that there is almost ALWAYS a split in the bottom of the body. The ballast weight is original with one nail being slightly loose.
After seeing the photo's of the redheads, I agree with my father's attribution... Photo's do not do this bird justice. This is one fantastic, not messed with example of a century old Mid-Atlantic decoy. Any other reason, or choice will significantly slow down the return process. The item "Ira Hudson Bluebill Drake Decoy, C.1890 Chincoteague, VA" is in sale since Thursday, May 19, 2016. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Vintage Hunting\Duck Decoys". The seller is "oldbaytradingcompany" and is located in Mount Airy, Maryland.
This item can be shipped to United States.