Lot 947: Billy Ellis Black Duck

Black duck decoy by Billy Ellis (Whitby-Oshawa, Ontario) with original paint and swiveling head. Billy Ellis fished and made gunning decoys at his shack on Story’s Marsh, south of Whitby Island. His carving career began in the 1920s and continued through the 1940s. This decoy, with its solid black finish, dates from the second period of his work. 7 1/2 in. H x 18 1/2 in. L.

CONDITION: Minor wear to the paint, primarily affecting the head and tail.