J. Lewis Barkalow Peep Pair

Capt. J. Lewis Barkalow (1875-1960) Forked River, NJ, c. 1890 6 1/4 and 6 1/2 in. long

These small shorebird decoys, made for Barkalow’s own rig, display through-splined bills, stippled paint, and the maker's stamped "L B" signature on the side of one bird.

William J. Mackey, Jr. wrote in "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," “In one corner of [Barkalow's] shed were several baskets filled with bird decoys carved by Capt. Lou. A rig of geese were stacked on shelves, but I can't recall any duck decoys; the snipe were feast enough for my eyes. As our friendship developed, the possibility grew that I might be able to purchase the bird decoys. It was a rounded rig that included sanderling, least sandpipers, yellowlegs, pectorals and a few black-bellied plover. Captain Barkalow made the decision to sell his birds without any pressure on my part. After all, this took place when...no one else showed the slightest interest in such artifacts...Finally Lou stood up, pointed to them and said, 'You owe me eight dollars and ten cents. They'll cost you ten cents a piece.' The deal was consummated, and I have treasured them ever since.”

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 gunning wear; each has a shot scar.

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

Literature: William J. Mackey, Jr. "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 120, pl. 102, rigmate illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p.171, pl. 374, rigmates illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 71, 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.

Exhibited: New York, New York, “The Art of the American Decoy: Folk Sculpture from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Donal C. O’Brien Jr.,” Museum of American Folk Art, September 3–November 8, 1981, one shown.

Provenance

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