Thomas Gelston Important Gelston Plover
Thomas Gelston (1851-1924) Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1890
The catalog record
Thomas Gelston (1851-1924) Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 12 1/2 in. long
An excellent, full-body Gelston plover with the maker's signature black glass eyes and raised primaries. While the maker was rather prolific, his wooden plover decoys are rare in any condition. The underside bears the "Nelson" Collection ink stamp. Original paint with even gunning wear and some shrinkage common to Gelstons.
Provenance: Grant Nelson Collection Private Collection
Literature: Timothy Sieger, "The Decoys of Long Island," Water Mills, NY, 2010, p. 28, related example illustrated.
Provenance
Grant Nelson Collection Private Collection
Comparable sales
The 3 most recent Thomas Gelston Plovers to cross the block.
| Sold | Condition | Paint | Brought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2025 | — | Original | $10,500 |
| 16 Feb 2018 | — | Original | $4,800 |
| 12 Feb 2016 | — | Original | $780 |
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Thomas Gelston sales