Eugene Chief Cuffee "sickle Bill" Curlew

Eugene Cuffee (1861-1941) Shinnecock Reservation, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 18 3/4 in. long

A rare early decoy by this maker with a bone bill and detailed painted feathering. Designated a "Sickle Bill," the decoy retains two oaktags with Alfred Ely's collector's notes from 1947. Original paint with wear, including tight age cracks along back and breast.

Provenance: Captain Mott Smith Rig Roy Voorhees Collection Alfred Ely Collection, acquired from the above 1947 Private Collection, by descent from the above

Provenance

Captain Mott Smith Rig Roy Voorhees Collection Alfred Ely Collection, acquired from the above 1947 Private Collection, by descent from the above