{"product_id":"important-pair-of-early-working-merganser-decoys-circa-1910-1930","title":"Important Pair of Early Working Merganser Decoys Circa 1910–1930.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA truly exceptional pair of early hand-carved working merganser decoys possessing the bold sculptural presence and untouched surface that define the very best in American sporting folk art. Carved with beautifully exaggerated form, the birds feature elongated wedge-shaped bodies, gracefully raised necks, broad rounded heads, and paddle-form bills, all executed with a striking simplicity that borders on modern sculpture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCreated purely as functional hunting tools, the pair has developed a magnificent aged surface through decades of actual field use. Layers of original paint now display rich craquelure, oxidation, abrasion, gunner’s wear, and soft edge erosion impossible to imitate. The heavily worn undersides retain original rigging hardware and old painted identification marks, further reinforcing their authentic working history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat elevates these beyond ordinary decoys is the remarkable folk art character of the carving itself. The expressive head forms, subtle asymmetry, visible hand-tool shaping, and reduction of detail to pure silhouette give the birds an almost abstract quality, transforming utilitarian objects into powerful sculptural forms. Every angle reveals the hand of the maker — strong, confident, and unconcerned with refinement beyond what was necessary for life on the water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe untouched dry surface, primitive carved eyes, shrinkage around the applied heads, and beautifully weathered paint combine to create a pair with extraordinary visual warmth and presence. Displayed together, they possess the kind of honest, soulful character collectors spend decades searching for.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn outstanding and highly decorative pair of authentic early 20th century hunting decoys, equally desirable to collectors of American folk art, sporting sculpture, and early decoys.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folkism Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45173285552237,"sku":null,"price":475.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/1957\/4381\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-05-05at11.32.58AM.jpg?v=1777995252","url":"https:\/\/folkismantiques.com\/products\/important-pair-of-early-working-merganser-decoys-circa-1910-1930","provider":"Folkism Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}