Press Release

New Hamburg, Ontario, Canada, April 18, 2025 -- 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 12th.

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.

Mr. Lennox added, “Chris’s eye for the exuberant, whimsical, colorful and fancy brought the collecting community together to fight for some of his treasures. Many of the highlights of the day were displayed proudly in his home, and battles ensued to ensure the next caretakers of these fine objects of merit could display them distinctly amongst their procured collections.”

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 and sold for a little below estimate.

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 painting was signed lower center.

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. It sold for near the high estimate.

Following are additional highlights from the auction, which grossed $379,635. 439 online bidders placed a combined 6,940 bids. 100 percent of lots were sold, while 44 percent of the top 50 lots exceeded estimates. Online bidding was via LiveAuctioneers.com and the Miller & Miller website (MillerandMillerAuctions.com). Phone and absentee bids were also accepted.

A painted carved wood sculpture by Collins Eisenhauer (Nova Scotia, 1898-1979) depicting a man in black clothes sitting on a brown stool carving a swan, settled at $12,980 against a high estimate of $8,000. The man's expression reflected his focus, as he firmly held the swan by the neck while his other hand held a knife. The untouched, 6-inch-tall piece was made circa 1975.

To consign a single piece, an estate or a collection, you may call them at (519) 573-3710; or, you can e-mail them at info@millerandmillerauctions.com. To learn more about Miller & Miller Auctions, Ltd. and their calendar of upcoming events, visit www.MillerandMillerAuctions.com.

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