R. M. VANDIVER

Vandiver 1

Physical description of brand:

The brand R.M.VANDIVER is a burned brand which marks the decoys of an individual gunner.   The brand is made of block letters that are 3/8” wide and ½” high, all CAPS.  The entire brand, including periods after R and M, is 6” wide and ½” high.

Background:

Robert Murray Vandiver was a wealthy gunner from Havre de Grace MD who was a member of the MD House of Delegates, state treasurer, and IRS appointee under President Grover Cleveland.  He also was once mayor of Havre de Grace.

This brand has been identified on the following decoys:

Decoy Maker Species Sex Other Brands on Decoy
Vandiver 2 John B. Graham Bluebill Drake

References/Sources:

  1. John Sullivan, Waterfowling on the Chesapeake 1819-1936 [2003]
  2. “Vanderveer/Vandiver Genealogy, Notable Persons, Places and Things” [updated July 26, 2007]

Initial Contributor: Steven Brown

Additional Contributors: