Ephraim Hildreth Early Curlew Pair

Ephraim Hildreth (1835-1915) Rio Grande, NJ, c. 1870 A rare and outstanding pair of rigmate shorebird decoys by Ephraim Hildreth, one of the earliest known New Jersey decoy makers. These life-size, tack-eyed shorebirds display very distinct features such as their uplifted heads and drop tails. The underside of the birds bear a "E. HILDRETH" brand and the underside of the tails bear partial brands from the same iron. This exact pair was featured in this year’s Midwest Decoy Collectors Association’s vintage New Jersey decoy display.

Exhibited: North American Vintage Decoy & Sporting Collectibles Show, Vintage New Jersey Decoy Display, April 25-26, 2014, St. Charles, Illinois. Original paint with even gunning wear, worn to the wood in places, age lines in heads, and as is the case with most Hildreths, both bills are professional replacements.

Provenance: Ephraim Hildreth Rig James Hand Collection, by descent in the family from the above Private Collection Richard Gove Collection

Literature: John Clayton, "New Jersey's Best Go West," Decoy Magazine, Lewes, DE, January/February 2014, p. 31, exact decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Ephraim Hildreth Rig James Hand Collection, by descent in the family from the above Private Collection Richard Gove Collection