Alvirah Wright (NC, 1872-1951), Canvasback

Duck, North Carolina, circa 1910, carved and painted wood, an attractive iron rod ballast recessed into a V-grove in the bottom of the body.

Length 16 in.

Wright's family members estimate that he made and sold from 300 to 500 decoys during his lifetime and sold them commercially for fifty cents each. He was an exceptional carpenter and carved his decoys like he made his boats, with wide sterns and flowing lines. He is widely considered to be one of the top five decoy makers from North Carolina.

Old gunning paint worn to existing surface, working repair to the neck, age checks in the body.