Life-Size Swordfish by Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)

Lot 73

About Seller

20 Winter Street
Pembroke, MA 02359
United States

Founded in 2005, Copley Fine Art Auctions is a boutique auction house specializing in antique decoys and American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Over the course of the last two decades, the firm has set auction records for not only individual decoy makers, but also entire carving regions. Copley...Read more

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About Auction

The Winter Sale 2026, Day 1 by Copley Fine Art Auctions

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The Winter Sale 2026, Day 1

By Copley Fine Art Auctions

Feb 20, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-02-20 10:00:00 2026-02-20 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Winter Sale 2026, Day 1 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/copley/the-winter-sale-2026-day-1-22120 Lots 1-300 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com

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Lot Description

Life-Size Swordfish
Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1920
67 in. long

"It is said, by those who knew Ira, that he only made about a dozen or so fish carvings to give to friends and sell as decorative items to local restaurants. His carvings were mostly of billfish, white marlin that ranged in size from twelve inches up to almost six feet in length. Just a handful of his rare carvings are known to exist." - Ron Swanson, "Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies" discussing this fish

A singular life-size and full-bodied swordfish carving. This early work has excellent craftsmanship with inlaid oak fins, a long inset bill, and a glass eye. This grand carving was selected by the late fish historian and collector Ronald Swanson for his "Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies," in which he describes the carving: "A great Swordfish or Xiphius Gladius made by Ira Hudson of Chincoteague. At 68 inches in length it is almost the largest of the Hudson carvings." Hudson made a white marlin that is said to be longer.
Very good condition for a fish of its age and size. Original paint with even wear, including crack to side and tight crack in end of bill. Touch-up around replaced sliver in top of mouth and old darkening to paint wear, mostly at base of bill. Replaced pectoral fin and restored chips to two fin tips on bottom by Gigi Hopkins.

Provenance: Private Collection, California

Literature: Ronald S. Swanson, "Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies," Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 108, pl. 171, exact fish illustrated and discussed. Henry H. Stansbury, "Ira D. Hudson and Family," Lewes, DE, 2002, pp. 12-13, fish illustrated.

Condition

Please refer to the description; if you have additional questions, email colin@copleyart.com.
Shipping Info
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