Thomas Gelston Long-billed Curlew

Thomas Gelston (1851-1924) Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 17 1/2 in. long

Thomas Gelston shorebird decoys in original paint are prized by collectors. In fact, among all of the exceptional shorebirds and waterfowl from Long Island, it is a Gelston curlew that holds the region’s auction record. This well-documented, full-bodied, long-billed curlew displays an alert pose, raised wings, and bold paint patterns. Original paint with light gunning wear and minor touch-up at base of reset bill.

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

Literature: William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 47, pl. 82, exact decoy illustrated (image reversed). Jeff Waingrow, "The American Decoy," The Clarion: America's Folk Art Magazine, New York, NY, Fall 1981, p. 31, exact decoy illustrated.

Jackson Parker, “O’Brien Classic Decoys on Display at Museum of American Folk Art,” North American Decoys Magazine, Spanish Fork, UT, Spring/Summer 1982, p. 30, exact decoy illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 54, exact decoy 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.

Provenance

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