Ben Fulcher (NC, 1883-1953), Redhead

Ocracoke, North Carolina, circa 1910, carved and painted wood, incised BF.

Length 14.75 in.

During the early years, Ben Fulcher sailed merchant ships for good money at the time. After returning to Ocracoke from his merchant shipping days, Ben became an excellent decoy carver, waterman, and hunting guide. Around 1910, Bill Gaskill hired him to help guide the many waterfowl clients of the Beacon Island hunting operation. Most of his surviving decoys are brant, duck decoys by him are very rare.

Old gunning paint, repair to the neck, age checks on the bottom.