H982 Pair of early Canvasback decoys in original paint by renowned decoy carver R. Madison Mitchell, signed and dated 1953. Carved in the traditional Havre de Grace, MD style. Decoys are in good condition and retain their original weights on the bottoms. R Madison Mitchell was born and grew up in Oakington, MD near the Swan River, south of Havre de Grace. The man who would become the undisputed dean of decoy-carvers began carving as a hobby in 1924 when business was slow at the funeral home he owned and operated. Mitchell made an art out of carving decoy waterfowl and played a large role in making it the decoy capital of the world. Mr. Mitchell's decoys are showcased in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, but most of his work is immortalized in the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum.
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