Cliff Avann - Only Known Existing Barrows...

Updated September 3, 2026

Goldeneye. Cliff Avann (1888-1965) Toronto, Canada 15.75" long Avann was one of the most prolific decoy carvers along the northern shore of Lake Ontario. A lifelong waterfowler, Avann carved thousands of working decoys over a career spanning nearly than six decades, producing birds for his own rig, his sons, and for sale through sporting-goods stores, such as Skinners of Toronto, and directly to other sportsmen. By trade, he was a steam-fitter and plumber, carving decoys in his spare time. He was known to hunt numerous times a day and though never sold his harvest, he would instead give the birds away to needy families. His prolific reach found him clients in British Columbia who enjoyed his decoys and wanting to hunt Barrows Goldeneye, a west coast species, commissioned a rig of 12 late in Avann's life. Once thought lost to time, his son Keith spent countless hours attempting to track the rig down, ultimately finding that just this one was the only one that remained. At a Canadian decoy show in the 1980's our consignor purchased the decoy from the family and has had it since. The decoy has wonderful posture with a slightly forward and cocked left head bringing the appearance of motion to the decoy. The bill has a carved nail on the underside with relief carving where the bill meets the face.Condition: Very good and original with even wear from useLiterature: Digital - Ontario Decoys III - Exact decoy pictured

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