James Best (NC, 1866-1933), Important Redhead

Lot Details & Additional Photographs

Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, circa 1910, carved and painted wood.

Length 16 in. x 9.75 x 7.5

By descent of the Scarborough family, Duck, North Carolina.

James Best was one of the finest sculpture artists from North Carolina and he just happened to make decoys. This redhead has the form and grace that is unequaled by other carvers from North Carolina.
James Best was born and raised in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. After attending school in Kitty Hawk, James joined the Life-Saving Service on December 1, 1887. He served until his retirement in 1922. After his exemplary career, James became active in civil and charitable activities.
It is not known how many decoys James Best carved, nor did the family keep many of his decoys. He was not an avid hunter so it is believed that not many were made. He was noted as an extremely talented cobbler and carpenter. The decoy collector community now regards him as the finest decoy carver to ever come from North Carolina.

Old gunning paint, neck crack tightened by Russ Allen, roughness to the tail, tight age checks in the body.