Vintage Clark(e) Family Drake Merganser Hollow Duck Decoy Ontario Original Pt
Decoys by this maker were previously attributed to Shannon Crier, but Keith Avanns research and subsequent article in the September-October, 2009 issue of Decoy Magazine partially unravels the mystery of the origination of these unique decoys -- for the most part identifying Jimmy Clark and his family as makers. Relative to this particular decoy, Avann also notes that some hollow and obviously older (decoys), have been previously identified through their brands: W. Avann goes on to observe. The earlier Crier decoys are sufficiently different to raise questions of whether they were Jimmys work. Some have conjectured that they were made earlier in his career, others believe they may have been made by someone else in the family. The bodies have similar top profiles to Jimmys, but the breasts are rounded, as are the crowns of the head. The bills are crudely carved. While they share attributes with the later decoys, the relationship between Jimmy and William Clark is still subject to debate.
So, the maker of this decoy branded W. CLARKE see picture of this brand from the article is still a bit of a mystery. It is certainly appears that this decoy is by same hand. Also see the very similar W. Clarke branded canvasback here from the article as well.
This decoy is all original paint except for some minor touch-up underneath the tail to cover an old chip. It has good original glass eyes. It does have a number of shot marks to the body and head, and some wear to the tip of the bill, and tail from use. There is also wear to the paint around the neck seam and further up the neck no doubt from the anchor line being wrapped around it.
This is great chance to own a wonderful decoy that is part of the mystery behind the Jimmy Clark family decoys. Measures 16-3/4 long; 6-1/4 wide and 7-3/4 tall. Please ask questions or for more pictures. The item "VINTAGE CLARK(E) FAMILY DRAKE MERGANSER HOLLOW DUCK DECOY ONTARIO ORIGINAL PT" is in sale since Sunday, October 16, 2016. This item is in the category "Sporting Goods\Hunting\Vintage Hunting\Duck Decoys".
The seller is "factorybird" and is located in East Jordan, Michigan. This item can be shipped to North, South, or Latin America, to all countries in Europe.