Folksy Merganser

Attributed to Eastern Shore Virginia, circa 1940s, carved and painted wood, the keel of balsa.

Length 15.75 in.

As decoys, these mergansers were particularly useful for attracting a variety of ducks, including mallards and black ducks, because their presence in the water signaled a healthy, active environment, often attracting other waterfowl in search of food. Their distinct appearance and positioning in the water helped create more realistic and effective hunting setups.

Original paint flaking in areas.

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