Press Release
New Hamburg, CA — A rare and important Merganser drake decoy by Captain Edwin Bachman, and original paintings by the acclaimed Nova Scotia folk artist Maud Lewis and Canadian painter Charles F. Comfort are a few of the expected top lots in Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.’s East Coast Canadiana & Folk Art auction scheduled for Saturday, April 12th.
The online-only auction, starting promptly at 9am Eastern time, will feature the collection of Chris Huntington, “arguably the most recognized name in the world of Canadiana folk art,” according to Ethan Miller of Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. In all, 305 lots will come up for bid, in categories that include Canadiana, folk art, textiles, art and decoys. Online bidding is via MillerandMillerAuctions.com and LiveAuctioneers.com.
The Merganser drake decoy by Nova Scotia carver Captain Edwin Bachman (1872-1914) is of stylish form, with a carved head featuring a prominent integral crest and carved eyes. It’s in the original paint, with some early second paint to the white areas and bill. The 8 ¼ inch tall decoy was probably made between 1890-1910 and carries a pre-auction estimate of $40,000-$60,000.
All estimates quoted in this report are in Canadian dollars.
The mixed media on beaverboard signed by folk art icon Maud Lewis (1903-1970) is titled Oxen in Winter. The painting is small in scale (11 ¾ inches by 14 inches) but the mighty oxen take up most of the space, quietly staring straight ahead. It’s a serial image that spans three decades and dates to 1969-1970, likely one of her last in the popular series. It should bring $15,000-$18,000.
To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. and the East Coast Canadiana & Folk Art auction planned for Saturday, April 12th, at 9am Eastern, visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com. Updates are posted frequently.
