Daniel Lake Leeds Robin Snipe

Daniel Lake Leeds (1852-1922) Pleasantville, NJ, c. 1890 One of the finest known examples of a New Jersey red knot decoy. It exhibits painted eyes, raised wings, and both Mackey and McCleery collection stamps on the underside.

Possessing a skyward reaching attitude, this stellar example is quite possibly unique among Leeds robin snipe. The bird’s crown cascades inward creating a defined ridge-line along the head and cheek of the bird. The raised wing carving with subtle tail delineations are precisely rendered and the feather blending of the paint is expertly applied by the maker’s confident hand. Outstanding original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Dr. James M. McCleery Collection Private Collection

Literature: Sotheby's and Guyette & Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, lot 599, exact decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 55, exact shorebird illustrated. Joe Engers, ed., "The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys," San Diego, CA, 1990, pp. 120-121, related decoys illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, p. 190, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Dr. James M. McCleery Collection Private Collection