Chincoteague, Virginia, circa 1930, carved and painted wood, tack eyes, branded GOOSEVILLE GUN CLUB.

Length 15 in.

The Gooseville Gun Club is highly recognized among Outer Bankers, historians, and decoy collectors. The name Gooseville was appropriate as Canada geese and Atlantic brant were the main quarry for members. The club was formed in 1914 by Albert Lyons, a friend of the Austin family in Hatteras village. The only two caretakers were Ernest Austin, who died in 1934, and Luther Austin who took over the job and stayed until the club disbanded in 1954. Renowned artist, Lynn Bogue Hunt was an occasional guest. The club owners were well-to-do and bought the finest decoys available. These carvers include Dave Umbrella Watson, Ira Hudson, George Washington O'Neal, Elmer Crowell, George Boyd, and a few others. This decoy is significant as it bears the club brand on a rare and highly desired crooked neck Hudson brant.

Original paint worn to bare wood in places, the very tip of the bill has had some restoration to correct puppy chew.