Robert Murphy

Otto or Oscar Murphy was a carver and close associate of Nicole Vidacovitch and taught his son Robert how to carve decoys. (Sources do not agree on either Otto or Oscar, though they describe the same man.) Robert was an architect, but carved mallard, pintail, ringneck and teal decoys. His birds display relief-carved wings, slender necks and minimal bill carving. Basic plumage patterns cover each block, though not all of them feature feathering over the back and wings. Not only was Robert Murphy a notable carver, but he was also a champion duck caller.