PA Folk Art Swan Decoy – Signed Geo Dohner 1976

Price: 350.50

Sold by Buttonwillow Country Antiques

Beautiful, non-working Eastern Pennsylvania “stick-neck” (Tundra) swan decoy is an exemplary piece of American folk art, hand-carved and signed by George Dohner in 1976. Removable wreath also included. During the 1970s resurgence of American folk art and Bicentennial celebrations, local Pennsylvania woodworkers and hunters frequently tried their hand at carving decorative waterfowl. Notably, a prominent, multi-generational business named Dohner Memorials was established in Pennsylvania by brothers John and George Dohner. While best known for their master stone monumental work, the family line carried the name "George Dohner" down through generations in Eastern PA. It was common for stone artisans to also adapt using later woodworking skills. Neck and body were carved separately and joined from the underside using a countersunk Flathead screw. Tight cosmetic hairline cracks are visible where the neck meets the body. Rather than using taxidermy glass eyes, Dohner hand-turned and recessed organic wooden eyes, lending a primitive appearance. Possesses stable, tight joints and minor honorable surface wear. Overall height including the head is 10 1/2" tall, beak to tail 20 1/2" long.