Bluebill Drake, 1952-192.189; 27.FD12-26-B
The radiographs confirm that the decoy is constructed in a manner generally consistent with Holmes’ described working technique(Engers 2000, 82). The head is carved in a single piece. Yellow and black glass eyes are inserted on either side of the head. Cut nails, about 3 cm. in length, and what may be a lead-containing adhesive attach the head to the body as well as the two pieces of wood that make up the body. The adhesive has a broken appearance and especially evident in the anterior-posterior image. The body is constructed from two pieces of wood, with the lower base board measuring about 7/8 inches (2 cm.) in thickness. The head and body are riddled with round x-ray opaque objects, most likely buck shot, indicating that the decoy had indeed been used in the field. The maker's stamp, “B. Holmes”, is located under the front bar of the wood base, is clearly evident in the anterior-posterior view, and easily read once the digital image was flipped.
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- Detail of A-P view radiograph of Bluebill drake decoy by Benjamin Holmes, showing maker's mark
- Right side of Holmes Bluebill drake decoy, c. 1880
- Left side of Bluebill drake by Benjamin Holmes, c. 1880
- Anterior-posterior radiograph view of Benjamin Holmes Bluebill drake decoy, c. 1880
- Lateral view radiograph of Bluebill drake decoy by Benjamin Holmes, c. 1880
- Underside of a Black Duck Decoy by Albert Laing, 1952-192.46