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

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

Length 15.5 in.

McGaw began carving decoys while working for the Pennsylvania Railroad, initially crafting them by hand for personal use and for other hunters. McGaw was a pioneer in mechanizing decoy production in Havre de Grace, being the first to use a lathe for shaping decoy bodies. He later sold this machine to fellow carver Madison Mitchell; the lathe is now exhibited at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum.

Original paint, working repair to neck.