Makers / Henry Ellison / Shorebird (other)

Henry Ellison Rare Tern Decoy

Henry Ellison (attr.) Freeport, Long Island, NY, c. 1890

Henry Ellison – Rare Tern Decoy – 2022
$3,300
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $3,500–$4,500under estimate
Sold Jul 2022at Copley, July 2022

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesShorebird (other)Size11"PaintOriginal

The catalog record

Henry Ellison (attr.) Freeport, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 11 in. long

Tern decoys by any maker are exceedingly rare with seemingly all of the known examples coming from Long Island for use in supplying the millenary trade.

This, along with a small number of exceptional Verity family terns, stands among the very best of the species. The underside is marked with an incised "HE" and a collector's note referencing Henry Ellison. Appears to be original paint with moderate gunning wear.

Provenance: Peter Bartlett Collection Private Collection

Literature: Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 74, related Verity illustrated.

Provenance

Peter Bartlett Collection Private Collection

Comparable sales

No other Henry Ellison other shorebirds in the data yet.

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Henry Ellison sales