Van Buren Griggs (NC, 1880-1963), Black Duck

Corolla, North Carolina, circa 1900, carved and painted wood, branded 4 MAN.

Length 17 in.

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

Former collection of Philip Harvey.

Griggs was a well known market hunter. He was born in Corolla and later married Laura Lee Ballance from Bells Island in 1904. He was known as the best shot on Currituck Sounds. Around 1900, Van and his brother Russell were credited with picking up 892 ducks in a single day.
They always market hunted together and each had a pick up man to maneuver the skiff to pick up the dead ducks which composed of four men, thus the 4MAN brand.

Old gunning paint worn to bare wood in places.