George Washington O'Neal (1869-1949) was born on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina shortly after the American Civil War ended. He is one of North Carolina’s earliest recognized decoy makers and is arguably the best. During his lifetime, George was a commercial decoy maker and carved decoys for gun clubs and individuals, both on and off the island. In particular, he made decoys for the renowned Hatteras based Gooseville Gun Club. George was known for two signature styles. One he carved in a leaning position, representing the typical posture of a swimming brant or goose. These decoys, particularly the brant, have exceptional form with bodies sloped backward and fanning out into a nice rounded tail. The other style he carved was the classic root head.

The Gooseville Gun Club was formed in 1914 by G. Albert Lyons. The club owners were very well-to-do and bought the finest decoys from the recognized commercial carvers of their time. These carvers include Elmer Crowell, Dave Umbrella Watson, Ira Hudson, Lem Ackerley, and George Washington O'Neal. Hunting from stake blinds became the norm at the club after sinkboxes became outlawed. Ponds were dug next to the marsh to provide a source of freshwater for the waterfowl. The ponds provided excellent shooting for the members. The name Gooseville was appropriate because geese and brant were the main quarry of the members.

This important branded brant decoy by George Washington O'Neal is found in three separate book publications and has been exhibited at the North Carolina Museum of Natural History, Ducks Unlimited National Museum and Heritage Center, and Duke University. We are proud to offer this Important Published Brant from the Gooseville Gun Club, as well as many other decoys, sculptures, and works of art, in our Sporting Art Auction, which opens for live-online bidding on Thursday, November 20 at 10:00 am ET. Pre-bidding is available now.

CONTACT THE DIRECTOR

Robbie Smith
Sporting Art Director
robbie@lelandlittle.com