Knotts Island, North Carolina, circa 1880s, carved and painted wood, incised RL on bottom.

Length 15.75 in.

From the hunting rig of Roy Lewark.

Malachi was a no-nonsense type of man and has become a folklore legend in the collecting community. He fought off northern soldiers in the Civil War who tried to take his farm. He was born deaf but his extraordinary eyesight made up for hearing challenges and allowed him to become a legendary wing shot. He was a voracious reader and became a self educated businessman. His decoys are rare and extremely collectible. This hen has a stately winded head pose.

Old gunning paint, working repair to neck, age check on bottom.