Ammi Hamilton from Atlantic, North Carolina carved this curlew in the 1930s, carved and painted wood, wire bill, published on page 79 of Shorebird Decoys of North Carolina by Kroghie Andresen and Philip Harvey.
Harry Hamilton from Sea Level, North Carolina carved this red knot decoy in the 1920s, carved and painted wood, nail bill.

Length 24 in.

From the Personal Collection of Mr. Kroghie Andresen, Charlotte, North Carolina

Red Knot formerly in the collection of Somers Headley.
Curlew formerly in the collection of Julian Hamilton, Sr. and Julian Hamilton, Jr.

Ammi Hamilton made some of the most significant curlew decoys to come from North Carolina. He was friends with Julian Hamilton, Sr. who inherited his stand of birds when he died. Harry Hamilton grew up in Sea Level, North Carolina, but joined the Coast Guard at the age of nineteen and was first assigned to the Caffey`s Inlet station. There he spent time with Manie Haywood, the Tillets, and learned the art of making canvas over wire decoys.

Original with light gunning wear.