Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, this decoy and another Best ruddy were found in a basket from the oldest home in Kitty Hawk Forest, the decoys were covered by an American flag with 48 stars, the wonderfully oxidized juniper provides great patina.

Length 9.5 in.

James Best was arguably the finest decoy maker to ever come from North Carolina. He was, perhaps the finest sculptural artist who just happened to make decoys. A similar James Best ruddy is in the permanent collection of the Currituck Museum and Education Center in Corolla, North Carolina

Original, two small chips at tail.