Portsmouth Island, North Carolina, circa 1900, carved and painted wood.

Length 22 in.

Former collection of Roy Willis

Portsmouth Island was the main trading hub in North Carolina before a hurricane in 1933 brought a knock out blow. Some of the finest decoys were made on this island from 1880 to 1920, but few of these early carvers are known.

Original paint worn to bare wood in places, working repair to neck with some glue visible, vertical age check in front and back of the neck.