1976 PA Folk Art Swan Decoy – Signed Geo Dohner (Stick-Neck Tundra)

This beautiful, non-working Eastern Pennsylvania authentic “stick-neck” (Tundra) swan decoy is an exemplary piece of American folk art, hand-carved and signed by George Dohner in 1976. A custom, removable wreath adorns her neck, adding a charming touch of patriotic flavor to this Bicentennial-era treasure.

During the 1970s resurgence of American folk art and Bicentennial celebrations, local Pennsylvania woodworkers and hunters frequently tried their hand at carving decorative waterfowl. Notably, a prominent, multi-generational business named Dohner Memorials was established in Pennsylvania by brothers John and George Dohner. While best known for their master stone monumental work, the family line carried the name "George Dohner" down through generations in eastern PA. It was highly common for artisans in stone-carving lineages to possess adaptable, expert woodworking and sculpting skills as personal passions.

Because real Tundra and Mute swans were rarely hunted legally, working swan decoys were historically uncommon compared to ducks and geese. However, around the mid-1970s, swans became highly sought-after as bold, primitive folk-art statements for the home. Carvers favored them because their long, elegant necks allowed for striking artistic expression.

Key Features & Authentic Construction:

• Two-Piece Construction: The neck and body were carved separately and joined securely from the underside using a countersunk Flathead screw recessed 1/2" into the body. This traditional mechanical fastening ensures the neck remains rock-solid with zero wobble.
• Honest Aging: Tight cosmetic hairline cracks are visible where the neck meets the body. As wood expands and contracts in different directions over 50 years, the original factory putty naturally cures and shifts. This is highly desired by collectors as physical proof of age and authenticity. There is a small circular mound of excess paint near the tail on the right hand side. Wear is evident in the front bottom breast location as shown along with dark areas that resemble scuff marks.
• Hand-Carved Wooden Eyes: Rather than using mass-produced taxidermy glass eyes available at the time, Dohner hand-turned and recessed organic wooden eyes, giving the swan a wonderfully primitive appearance.
• Dual-Layered Signature: To ensure his mark survived the test of time, Dohner deeply carved his signature and "1976" into the bottom before tracing over it in dark ink.

Specifications:

• Artisan: George ("Geo") Dohner
• Origin: Eastern Pennsylvania
• Year: 1976 (Bicentennial Era)
• Condition: Excellent vintage folk-art condition with stable, tight joints and minor honorable surface wear.

Overall height including the head is 10 1/2" tall, beak to tail 20 1/2" long, measures 3 1/2" tall from the back side near the tail and is 4" deep (side to side).