J. Lewis Barkalow Mackey-o'brien Barkalow Peep

J. Lewis Barkalow (1875-1960) Forked River, NJ, c. 1890 6 1/2 in. long

This small shorebird decoy displays the maker's "LB" on each side and the O'Brien Collection ink stamp on the underside.

Mackey credited these decoys with an unmatched "charm," and also used them as currency for his legendary trades that often included Dr. George Ross Starr Jr. and Donal C. O'Brien Jr.

Original paint with light gunning wear and shot scar to right of stick hole.

Provenance: J. Lewis Barkalow Gunning Rig William J. Mackey Jr. Collection, acquired from the above Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection Private Collection

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 120, pl. 102, rigmate illustrated. Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, pl. 1, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

J. Lewis Barkalow Gunning Rig William J. Mackey Jr. Collection, acquired from the above Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection Private Collection