Outstanding and early ruddy duck decoy by Lee Dudley (1860-1942) who was from Knotts Island, Norh Carolina. In Decoys: A North American Survey, Gene Kangas wrote “A visual study of the complete Dudley bird form, whatever the species, reveals an uninterrupted flow from bill tip to tail’s end. The successful manner in which the bill fits into the lower cheeks, the cut of the neck-base, sweeping powerful chest, and smooth, curved body combine into one of the finer sculptural solutions in the decoy world.”
This example, circa 1890, proudly shows the characteristics mentioned by Kangas. The paint appears to be a combination of original and gunning paint from years of use. X-rays suggest the head was replaced many years ago, most likely by Frank Finney. The original ballast weight remains intact. The overall length measures about 11” long. Dudley decoys don’t come available very often. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a true piece of American Folk Art to your collection.
Outstanding and early ruddy duck decoy by Lee Dudley (1860-1942) who was from Knotts Island, Norh Carolina. In Decoys: A North American Survey, Gene Kangas wrote “A visual study of the complete Dudley bird form, whatever the species, reveals an uninterrupted flow from bill tip to tail’s end. The successful manner in which the bill fits into the lower cheeks, the cut of the neck-base, sweeping powerful chest, and smooth, curved body combine into one of the finer sculptural solutions in the decoy world.”
This example, circa 1890, proudly shows the characteristics mentioned by Kangas. The paint appears to be a combination of original and gunning paint from years of use. X-rays suggest the head was replaced many years ago, most likely by Frank Finney. The original ballast weight remains intact. The overall length measures about 11” long. Dudley decoys don’t come available very often. Don’t miss this opportunity to add a true piece of American Folk Art to your collection.
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