The Gray-Rig Preening Goose
Massachusetts, c. 1890
18 in. long
Less than a dozen T. Gray rig decoys are known to have surfaced in any condition. Of these, a number are in repainted or heavily distressed condition, and this is the only preener in original paint.
This exact decoy has been published on the covers of at least three volumes, two on the covers of "Decoy Magazine," including the 2002 Year In Review edition, and one on the cover of Guyette & Schmidt, Inc.'s "North American Decoys At Auction" catalog, July 25 & 26, 2002. This decoy realized the second-highest price for any decoy at auction in 2002, setting a world record for the rig and maker. Additionally, three rigmates are published in David Tieger's monumental "Spiritually Moving."
"Decoy Magazine" published an in-depth article on the T. Gray rig in which it was noted, "Although no maker's name was available, the intriguing sculptural attributes of the decoys were readily apparent." The authors go on to compare the works to the famous Osgood rig held at the Shelburne Museum, the dovetailed geese, and Elmer Crowell's Harry V. Long geese. They write that it is "...the vigorous sculptural vocabulary evident from decoy to decoy that elevates them to the relatively rare status of 'great rig'...Collectively they comprise the illusion of energetic activity."
The authors conclude that "the particulars of T. Gray and his rig of migrant Canada geese, for now, remain an enigma...Based upon regional stylistic norms, conceptual precedents and various decoy collector experiences, Massachusetts is the most logical location of inception."
With its rare pose, excellent condition, and strong provenance, this decoy ranks at the very top of this "great rig."
Original paint with even gunning wear and darkening around nails.
Provenance: T. Gray Rig
Gordon and Virginia Hayes Collection, acquired 1959, Georgetown, D.C.
Hope and George Wick Collection
Private Collection, California
Ronald J. Gard Collection
Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, "T. Gray's Migrant Goose Decoys," Decoy Magazine, July/August 2011, front cover, pp. 24-29, exact decoy illustrated.
Jackson Parker, "The Year in Review: The Decoy at Auction 2002," Decoy Magazine, 2002, front cover, p. 9, exact decoy illustrated.
Guyette and Schmidt, Inc., "North American Decoys at Auction," July 2002, front cover, lot 138, exact decoy illustrated.
Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC, "The Sporting Sale 2015," Plymouth, MA, July 25, 2015, lot 195, exact decoy illustrated.
Condition
Please refer to the description; if you have questions, email colin@copleyart.com.