Ben Fulcher (NC, 1883-1953), Goose

Ocracoke, North Carolina, circa 1910, carved and painted wood, incised BH on bottom.

Length 20.25 in.

From the Personal Collection of Mr. Kroghie Andresen, Charlotte, North Carolina.

From the Personal Collection of Mr. Kroghie Andresen, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Former collection of Tom Pollard.

In his early years, Fulcher sailed merchant ships, earning good money for the time. After returning to Ocracoke following his merchant shipping days, he became an accomplished decoy carver, waterman, and hunting guide. Around 1910, Bill Gaskill hired him to assist in guiding the numerous waterfowl clients at the Beacon Island hunting operation. While most of Fulcher's surviving decoys are brant, duck decoys by him are quite rare.

Original with gunning wear, multiple tight age checks on back with a moderate check on the left front.

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