Verity Family Ruddy Turnstone

Obediah Verity (1813-1901) Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 7 1/2 in. long

This bird is “extremely scarce...only three or four turnstones by Verity are known," reported Henry Fleckenstein in 1980. The prolific author and historian illustrated a rigmate to this decoy twice in his book on shorebirds. This old Seaford warrior showcases exceptional Verity form and traces of the maker's imaginative paint pattern. Mostly worn to the wood with heavy gunning wear and a replaced bill.

Provenance: Dwight D. Miller Collection

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., “Shore Bird Decoys,” Exton, PA, 1980, pp. 32-35, rigmates illustrated.

Provenance

Dwight D. Miller Collection