Page 19 - May 2020

Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present:

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Hello Dave; was 16 years of age. It is believed that Graham
We met at the Henry Illinois decoy show in February learned his carving skills from his father or possibly
and talked. I collect William Shaw carved Illinois John Holly. Graham was not only an expert decoy
River decoys. I saw this duck decoy (see attached carver, but was a cabinet maker, undertaker, and
pictures) that was a display only and want to know even a Warden in Charlestown Maryland during
more about it. Is it an Illinois River duck decoy? How the Civil War. Graham had a distinct body, head
much could I expect to spend if I saw one for sale? Is it and paddle tail carving style. As years went on and
hollow carved or solid body? Who carved it? It is one Graham became older, the carving style on his bills
of those unforgettable duck decoys I cannot get out of changed from a very roman nose or having a hump
my mind and have to know more about it. in the bill style in the early days became less-to-no
– John M hump with smooth carving at the end of his life. I
have heard some compare his bill style in the 1900s
Hello John and thank you for the questions. to that of a ski slope. The reason for this change in
Even though Henry Illinois is Decoy central for style by Graham has been speculated differently by
the Illinois River style of carving and this is definitely many who have studied Graham’s carvings.
not an Illinois River Decoy, It was still my personal John Graham was the best known of the
favorite at the show. “Charlestown 5,” five early Upper Chesapeake bay
This is a Canvasback duck decoy carved by John carvers that lived only houses away from each other in
Black Graham (1822-1912) of Charlestown, Cecil Charlestown Maryland. These five men were: John
County, Maryland on the upper Chesapeake Bay Graham, Wally Algard, Scott Jackson, William
circa 1870s. This decoy does not have original Heverin and George Washington Barnes. It is known
paint, but old hen Canvasback angel-wing that in times of need, even though these men had
overpaint. I believe the overpaint was done by their own carving business, they would help each
William Heverin of Charlestown Maryland. Will other fill decoy orders.
Heverin actually lived a few houses from John This John Graham carved solid body canvasback
Graham. The angel-wing style of painting was used duck decoy carved circa 1870s with William
by many carvers in Cecil County Maryland Heverin’s hen angel-wing overpaint with all of the
John Graham, along with John “Daddy” Holly marks and neck cracks would expect to be well
from across the river in Harford County Maryland, fought-over. A gunned-over 150 year old decoy was
were among the first known decoy carvers in the valued at $1400/$1500+ 12 years ago. This same
United States. During my study of Upper Chesapeake Bay decoys, I decoy today would fetch an estimated $1000+. The recession of the last
had the privilege of becoming friends with the late decoy historian and decade took much of the steam out of the decoy market for this
author Henry Fleckenstein. Henry told me on one occasion that he particular kind of decoy that is yet to return. One man’s opinion.
believed John Graham actually started carving around 1838 when he Best of luck in your continued search. – David L. Moore, CAA

The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have David Moore is part of the “Ask the Experts” appraising team for
teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn
more about and value your finds. Do you have questions about something you the Asheford Institute of Antiques where he is an Honors graduate
have acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information and a Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques Appraiser.
to editorial@journalofantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Mr. Moore has been buying, researching and selling the rare and
Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To unusual in antiques for over 50 years. David is currently the owner
learn more about becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit of D.L. Moore, CAA, an antiques appraisal business.
www.asheford.com or contact the Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.
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