Bob McGaw (MD, 1879-1958), Bluebill Hen

Havre de Grace, Maryland, circa 1920s, carved and painted wood.

Length 13.75 in.

Former collection of Roy Willis.

A carpenter and fisherman by trade, McGaw crafted functional yet artistic waterfowl decoys, primarily canvasbacks, black ducks, and geese, for hunters in the Chesapeake Bay region. Known for their durability, clean lines, and realistic paint, his decoys became highly sought after. McGaw's work influenced future carvers and is now celebrated as folk art, with pieces featured in collections like the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum.

Old gunning paint, age check on bottom.

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