Duck, North Carolina, circa 1905, carved and painted wood, Doherty collection stamp.

Length 10.5 in.

Former collection of Jim Doherty.
Former collection of Donal O'Brien.

The Alvirah Wright ruddy duck decoys have the best form of all the species he carved. Family members estimate that he made and sold from 300 to 500 decoys during his lifetime and sold them commercially for fifty cents each. He was an exceptional carpenter and carved his decoys like he made his boats, with wide sterns and flowing lines. Little did he know that his decoys would be highly coveted by collectors on an international level.

Old gunning paint, tight neck crack on left side.