Joe Savko - Rare Bufflehead Drake
| Lot number | 26 |
|---|---|
| Estimate | 2,500.00 - 4,500.00 USD |
| Auction | Fall Feature Decoy & Sporting Art Auction 2026 |
| Date | September 26, 2026 at 10:52 pm ET |
| Auction house | American Sporting Auctions |
| Location | Syracuse, New York |
Description
Joe Savko (1880-1940)
Trenton, NJ c.1900
12" long
A truly excellent example of American waterfowl folk art carving. Savko is credited with creating some of the most eye catching buffleheads from the period. He was friends and hunting partners with, John Dawson (1889-1959), of Duck Island, NJ who is noted for his own unique interpretation of waterfowl in carving.
The decoy has a nicely aged and worn original surface and construction. Hollow carved with cut carved eyes and bill details. Relief carved primary feathering on the lower back with fluted tail feathers. Black Bob White collection ink stamp on the bottom with 'ELLIS' carved along side the weight.Condition: Original paint that has darkened with age; minor wear; bill has been blunted slightly; wear to the wood on edges of tail; small dents.Provenance:
Private New York Collection
Bob White Collection
Literature: "Floating Sculpture," Harrison Huster and Doug Knight, p. 103, exact decoy pictured.