Folger Family Golden Plover

Folger Family Nantucket, MA, c. 1880 10 1/2 in. long

This highly refined hollow shorebird decoy with incised wing definition is one of the best plover examples from the famous Folger rig, which consisted of Eskimo curlew and these goldens. This example features a forward-reaching, almost running, posture. The Folger rig is considered to be the most important group of decoys to have been carved on the island and are a vital part of Nantucket and migratory bird history.

The surface is finished with a suite of paint techniques highlighted by golden and green stippling along the dark back. As a testament to the fine craftsmanship of this hollow two-piece decoy, the body seam shows no separation. Another subtle hallmark of this model is the original brass bushings that line the stick holes. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Folger Family Rig Henry Bishop Collection

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection of Important American Sporting Art and Decoys, Sessions I-II," July 27, 2017, inside front cover, rigmates illustrated in Donal O’Brien’s living room. Copley Fine Art Auctions, “Classic Shorebird Decoys featuring Milton C. Weiler’s Original Watercolors from The Peterson Collection,” Exhibition Catalog, November 2025, pp. 42-43, rigmates illustrated.

Provenance

Folger Family Rig Henry Bishop Collection