I don't much collect decoys, which represent a whole different world of expertise, but I found this such a striking and perfectly stark object that I could not resist it. I really love the long neck and dramatic angle of that root head terminating in white painted beak, and then the wonderful rich dark charcoal black of the carved body with rounded belly. On the underside is a metal plate which allows it to stay upright on the water (and it does indeed float), and there is an iron hook near the front, which would have allowed it to be joined in of a line of other decoys floating along in a group.

I am not certain the age of this piece but know it has been held in a folk art collection for at least the past 25 years. It is in very good condition and I believe was indeed used, as there is some rusting to the iron loop and some staining to the black paint on the understand rear. The plate, which I believe is lead, is attached with copper nails. Approx 7 3/4" long x 7 7/8" tall x 4 3/4" wide.