Rare decoys and paintings by acclaimed Canadian folk artists score big in Miller & Miller auction

NEW HAMBURG, Ontario - April 17, 2025 - PRLog -- A rare merganser drake decoy by Capt. Edwin Bachman (1872-1914) sold for $35,400, and original paintings by acclaimed Nova Scotia folk artists Cyril Hirtle (1918-2003) and Maud Lewis (1903-1970) realized $27,140 and $17,700, respectively, in Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.'s online East Coast Canadiana & Folk Art auction held April 12^th.

All prices in this report are in Canadian dollars and include an 18 percent buyer's premium.

The auction featured 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, 304 lots came up for bid, in categories that included Canadiana, folk art, textiles, art and decoys. Online bidding was via MillerandMillerAuctions.com and LiveAuctioneers.com.

"Chris Huntington was a trailblazer on the East Coast of Canada – an antique dealer, artist, auctioneer, passionate collector and someone with the ability to hone in on talented folk artists and assist in bringing them to prominence," said Ben Lennox of Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd.

The 17 ½ inch long merganser drake decoy by Nova Scotia carver Capt. Edwin Bachman was of stylish form, with a carved head featuring a prominent integral crest and carved eyes. It boasted the original paint, with some early second paint to the white areas and bill. The 8 ¼ inch tall decoy was probably carved sometime between 1890-1910.

The mixed media on Masonite by Cyril Hirtle, titled A Day on the Farm, was one of the surprise lots of the auction, selling for more than five times the $5,000 high estimate. The large work (24 inches by 30 inches, board minus the frame) depicted life on the farm and captured various farm activities with lively detail, color and imagination.

The mixed media on beaverboard signed by folk art icon Maud Lewis (1903-1970), titled Oxen in Winter, was small in scale (just 11 ¾ inches by 14 inches) but the mighty oxen took up most of the space, quietly staring straight ahead. It was a serial image that spanned three decades and dated to 1969-1970, likely one of her last in the popular series.

To watch a short YouTube video highlighting some of the auction's top-selling items, click this link: https://youtu.be/4GLJ8VCudZU



Miller & Miller Auctions' calendar of upcoming online-only auctions includes the following:

• May 21-23: Toys, Comics & Advertising
• May 24-25: Advertising & Petroliana
• June 5: Luxury Watches

To learn more, visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com.