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Charles Nelson Barnard 1876-1958

Charles Nelson Barnard was born and raised near Havre de Grace, Harford County Maryland. These two Canvasback decoys were carved an estimated 25 years apart. The closest decoy is estimated at being carved around 1900 and the farthest is one of his 1920s decoys. There are slight differences in the styles of the head and smaller body on the earlier decoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has been stated that Barnard carved attitude into his decoys. These head carvings prove this point well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One would not think these decoys were carved in Havre de Grace because the form is of the Charlestown style. As we have discussed in past monthly features, for the most part; Harford County decoys were noted for their "no neck shelf" and their delicately upturned tails. You will notice both of these decoys have pronounced neck shelves and paddle tails, both characteristics of Charlestown carved decoys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Charles Barnard grew up working on his father's sailing scow the "Ella Barnard." They were known to carry fish and grain from Harford County to Baltimore. Mr. Barnard worked and retired from the B&O Railroad. he was known as a Market Gunner and hunting guide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Some information gleaned from "Decoys of the Susquehanna Flats and their Makers by J. Evans McKinney"