11 ¾”h., x 24”l, nineteenth century working decoy of a life size Canadian Goose, originally paint ; c. 1870-1900, restored head, expertly crafted about 30 years ago by renown Jersey carver Russ Allan , otherwise all original. The goose was thought to have been made by one of the men on Cobb Island, or a talented carver in the vicinity. Probably Influenced by Harry Shrouds of Tuckerton NJ who had for instance sold hundreds of decoys to the Cobb family in Virginia; this goose has one of the most natural poses that I’ve ever seen in comparison to Geese decoys in general, or even the work of Nathan Cobb jr .; outstanding form & presence, extremely decorative piece of 19th c folk art ex. Templeton collection, ex. Jim Doherty collection.

Original 19th century body and neck, some minor paint loss or chipping in spots. Original head was lost at the turn or the century and re-headed as a working decoy. Within the last 30 years the head was restored to look like the original, a new head carved by New Jersey decoy carver Russ Allan, considered by most to be his finest work.