Alderson Magee
Famed Scratchboard Wildlife Artist and Federal Duck Stamp Winner · Wildlife Art and Conservation Memorabilia
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Federal Duck Stamp Program
Era
Circa 1976-1985 (Peak professional era post-Duck Stamp win)
Item Type
Framed Wildlife Art Print or Scratchboard Original
Condition
Good to Very Good. The paper shows significant yellowing/toning consistent with age and exposure to non-acid-free materials. The signature remains legible despite the dark background.
Rarity
Moderate. While Magee was a prolific artist in the wildlife circuit, hand-signed pieces from his peak period are sought after by specialized waterfowl collectors.
Overall Assessment
This appears to be a genuine hand-signed piece by Alderson Magee. It is a quintessential piece of mid-to-late 20th-century wildlife art that holds more historical and aesthetic value than raw monetary value. Ideal for a collector of waterfowl or conservation memorabilia.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic. The signature appears within the lower-left grass area of the artwork. The placement and style are consistent with Magee's known habit of signing within the texture of his scratchboard designs. Confidence level: 85%.
Signature Style
Traditional cursive script with a visible 'A' and 'M'. Usually signed discreetly to avoid distracting from the fine lines of the scratchboard medium.
Signature Characteristics
Fluent, rapid script with light pressure. The letters are somewhat cramped vertically, typical of artists signing in restricted spaces like grass or foreground detail.
Ink & Medium
Graphite or dark pigment ink applied directly to a scratchboard or high-quality lithographic print. The ink shows age-appropriate integration with the medium.
Item Description
A depiction of a Canvasback Duck (Aythya valisineria) in flight, which is the subject of Magee's most famous work. The piece is housed in a contemporary 1970s/80s wooden frame with a dark mat.
Estimated Value
$50 - $150 USD depending on whether this is a limited edition lithograph or an original study.
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches the signature found on his 1976-1977 Federal Duck Stamp prints, characterized by a sloping baseline and a connected 'age' in Magee.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'M' formation where the middle of the letter sits high above the baseline. Check for the fine scratch-line textures characteristic of true scratchboard techniques versus a standard print.
Certification Recommendation
James Spence Authentication (JSA) or a specialized wildlife art appraiser familiar with the Federal Duck Stamp artists.
Red Flags
The heavy yellowing of the paper is the primary concern, indicating acid burn from the mounting, which may eventually degrade the pigment of the signature.
Provenance Notes
Look for a gallery label on the reverse of the frame or a certificate of authenticity from a wildlife gallery (e.g., Wild Wings) which often handled his work.
Historical Context
Alderson Magee is a self-taught artist who won the 1976-77 Federal Duck Stamp competition with a scratchboard of a pair of Canada Geese. This specific Canvasback duck image is representative of his technical mastery of the scratchboard technique.
Market Trends
Stable. The market for mid-century wildlife art is steady, though values for non-stamp subjects have plateaued compared to original stamp-winning prints.
Investment Potential
Low to Moderate. It is a classic piece of Americana and wildlife conservation history, but likely to remain a niche collectible rather than a rapid appreciator.
Similar Autographs
David Maass, Maynard Reece, and Frank Benson autographs, who were also titans of the Federal Duck Stamp program.
Display & Preservation
Strongly recommend reframing with UV-protective glass and acid-free mats to halt the yellowing process visible in the image.
Interesting Facts
Magee was a chemical engineer before becoming a full-time artist; he applied his technical precision to the scratchboard medium, which involves scratching away black ink to reveal white clay underneath.