William "Bill" Bowden (NC, 1904-1987), Redhead

Sea Gull, North Carolina, circa 1930s, carved and painted wood, glass eyes.

Length 13.25 in.

The decoy positively identified as a Bill Bowden by his son Ernie Bowden.

Bowden is best known for his distinctive "gorilla head" bluebill decoys, which are highly collectible due to their unique design and craftsmanship and have been featured in publications such as Gunnin' Birds by Kroghie Andresen.

Old gunning paint, working repair to neck, tight age checks on bottom with stable lifted wood at grain.