Albert Cobb Running Curlew

Albert Cobb (1836-1890) Cobb Island, VA, c. 1880 15 1/2 in. long

A deep-bodied example of this rare decoy species. The classic Cobb Island tail cut continues up through the wings and culminates in an S-curve, a flourish seldom seen on Virginia decoys. The reaching head features incised eyes, full cheeks, and deep eye grooves. The underside is marked with an incised “A” for the rig of Albert Cobb. Shorebirds from the rig of Albert, along with his brother Nathan Jr., are considered the best from the island. Related examples can be found on both the front and back dust-jacket covers of Fleckenstein's "Shore Bird Decoys" book. Original paint with even gunning wear, replaced bill.

Provenance: Albert Cobb Rig Ray Egan Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, 1974

Literature: Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry, "Wings of Wonder: The Remarkable Story of the Cobb Family and the Priceless Decoys They Created on Their Island Paradise," Columbia, SC, 2020, p. 260, exact decoy illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "Southern Decoys of Virginia and The Carolinas," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 209, pl. 444, rigmate robin snipe illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., “Shore Bird Decoys,” Exton, PA, 1980, color pl. VII, rigmate robin snipe illustrated, front and back dust-jacket covers and color pl. LXVI, related curlew illustrated. Adele Earnest, "Folk Art in America," Exton, PA, 1984, p. 171, related robin snipe illustrated. William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 155, pl. 128, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Albert Cobb Rig Ray Egan Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, 1974