Wooden male mallard decoy from the 1930s. - Lot 139

Wooden male mallard decoy from the 1930s. It may be the work of Henri GRIVAUD, who is said to have supplied many decoys to the Manufacture d'armes et cycles de Saint-Étienne, later Manufrance, from the 1920s onwards. The hollowed-out body is probably closed by a thin lead plate (seen on another example) and a nailed wooden plate. The iron eyes are upholsterer's nails. Four small iron riders were used to attach and balance the figure. The original paintwork is patinated and robust, with some wear and tear. Nice condition. A teal from the same manufacturer can be seen in VERNEY CARRON catalogs from the 1930s. See "Ces oiseaux qui ne volent jamais" 1st edition by Ludovic DU FAUX pages 327 and 328. Length: 33 cm.