Malachi Waterfield (NC, 1832-1916), Redhead

Knotts Island, North Carolina, circa 1880, carved and painted wood.

Length 15.5 in.

Malachi was a no-nonsense type of man and has become a folklore legend in the collecting community. He fought off northern soldiers in the Civil War who tried to take his farm. He was born deaf but his extraordinary eyesight made up for hearing challenges and allowed him to become a legendary wing shot. He was a voracious reader and became a self educated businessman. His decoys are rare and extremely collectible.

Old gunning paint worn to wood, age checks on body with missing wood on bottom, chipped tail.