Corolla, North Carolina, circa 1920, carved and painted wood.

Length 16 in.

John Austin was born in Hatteras but moved to Corolla as an infant and spent his life there. He spent his childhood days in Corolla Village and became a market hunter at an early age. He sold waterfowl to buyers aboard the steamship Comet. He served our country in World War I and upon his return he became a commercial fisherman and hunting guide. He became the postmaster of Corolla in 1935.
His decoys have an iconic form with the desired flat forehead. This example has a nice dry surface and the form so coveted by collectors.

Old gunning paint with moderate wear.