Verity Family Running Sandpiper

Obediah Verity (1813-1901) Seaford, NY, c. 1860 One of the most coveted shorebird forms, these small gunning decoys have captured the imaginations of collectors for almost a century. This important Long Island shorebird decoy displays carved eyes, Verity's signature deeply carved wings, and a William J. Mackey, Jr. collection stamp on the underside. This sandpiper is in breeding plumage with desirable "red-backed" stippling.

While several near mint examples of these peeps have come on the market in recent years, this example showcases the true even wear of a period gunning decoy. The importance of this example is further accentuated by the collector’s stamp on the bottom. William Mackey’s close proximity to Long Island enabled him to collect numerous Verity decoys, at the time referring to them as the work of Henry Osborne of Bellport, New York. The fact that this little running sanderling made the final cut as part of Mackey’s permanent collection is not to be overlooked. In original paint with even gunning wear and shot scars.

Provenance: William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Private Collection, Florida

Literature: William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 102, plate 85, similar decoys illustrated. Dr. Cynthia Byrd, "The Decoys of Long Island," Water Mill, NY, 2010, p. 31, similar example illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Private Collection, Florida