Harry V. Shourds Curlew

Harry V. Shourds (1861-1920) Tuckerton, NJ, c. 1890 13 3/4 in. long

This curlew displays painted eyes, a splined bill, and exceptional blended feathering. The underside bears the Mackey Collection ink stamp. Original paint with even gunning wear. A small area of fill on left cheek appears original to carving.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the sale of the above, 1973

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, 1973, Session IV, lot 123, exact decoy illustrated. Frank Schmidt and Gary Guyette, "The Art of Deception: Waterfowl Decoys from the Collection of Paul Tudor Jones II," St. Michaels, MD, 2006, p. 71, related example illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 59, related example illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the sale of the above, 1973