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PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF BRAND:

The Hutch Decoys Original copyrighted brand was in use in the 1980s and 1990s and owned by Peter Codd (pictured with Brand) . It was burned into wooden decoys and consists of a complete circle in which the words A HUTCH DECOY ORIGINAL *copy write symbol* MARYLAND, U.S.A. appear in capital letters. Within that is another circle, which depicts within that circle a duck floating in water. Hutch Decoys are Branded, Dated, and Signed. The Brand belonged to Peter Codd and his only daughter, also a master artist, Sarah Codd.

BACKGROUND:

Peter Codd was educated in England and had formal art training in Lincoln School and Luton College. He was a former brew master and master brewer, who when pressed admitted to four degrees, including one in biochemistry, one in malting and brewing, and 2 in business management. A talented amateur oil and water color artist, Peter Codd allied his painting hobby with carving when he started carving decoys. When this long time resident of Maryland left corporate life, he discovered a small old decoy making company in Maryland about to fold. The 77 year old owner passed onto Codd all his knowledge plus treasured old Eastern Shore decoys patterns that had been handed down over generations then hung up his knives and Codd took over the company. Peter Codd made distinctive Chesapeake Bay and Maryland styled decoys with classic shaping and pure line. Each bird was carefully crafted using basswood or sugar pine, then hand finished and hand-painted. Peter Codd was an expert in pairs, carving both hen and drake in over 20 species, most of these in three sizes: life-size, half-size, and quarter size. He exhibited in East and West Coast shows, at all major decoy festivals, fine art shows, and in Europe. Peter Codd’s distinctive feather detailing is his signature. His decoys were sought by collectors throughout the United States and overseas in such countries as Japan, England, Australia, Israel, Spain, and Saudi Arabia to name but a few. His decoys were chosen to promote American Tourism in Canada, and graced some of the finest fortune 500 companies boardrooms and corporate gift programs. He worked full time at his craft, and sent out his decoys branded, dated, and signed under the “Hutch” and the “Migrations” trademarks.

THIS BRAND HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED ON THE FOLLOWING DECOYS:

REFERENCES/SOURCES:

1. Printed material from Hutch Decoys
2. Printed material from Migrations
3. Interviews with Peter Codd
4. Interviews with Sarah Codd
5. Waterfowl Art Collectors

INITIAL CONTRIBUTOR:

John Gruen

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS: