CHARLES W. WATERFIELD Red Breasted Merganser Decoy

This solid pine decoy was carved and painted by Charles (Charlie) W. Waterfield (1882-1973). The red-breasted merganser drake has a dry, crusty surface, having been used but not abused. It has a lead weight on the bottom and a simple nail at the front of its breast, to provide a sturdy attachment point for the anchor line that keeps the decoy in place in the water. The use of this nail is typical on Waterfield's decoys, along with the stamped mark on the bottom "CWW."

The duck has an open beak, red glass eyes and a split crest. It's in very good shape, with no damage and some wear to the paint that is minimal, given that it was hunted over. The decoy measures 14 inches long, 5 inches across the breast and 6 1/2 inches tall to the top of its beak. It weighs 1 1/2 pounds and displays handsomely on or off a decoy stand.

𖤐 Stand is not included...sorry.

𖤐𖤐 Charlie Waterfield was born on the barren peninsula of Wash Woods, Virginia, where he and his second wife Etta raised six children, including their sons Curtis Charles (Buck) Waterfield, who was a noted decoy carver along with his son Wayne, and Romie Waterfield, who was also a well-known decoy carver. Charlie was a waterman, hunting guide, hunt club caretaker and a decoy carver who did not sell his decoys but made them for his own use. He was featured in articles discussing collectors' items, such as the "Collector's Shelf" series by the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum in Viriginia Beach.

© FolkandFine.com

PYH 57570