Daniel Lake Leeds Curlew

Daniel Lake Leeds (1852-1922) Pleasantville, NJ, c. 1890 14 1/2 in. long

This marks the first time that this curlew has ever been offered at public auction. Of the decoy's maker, Daniel Lake Leeds, William J. Mackey, Jr. writes that he carved "...bird decoys including sanderling, plover, yellowlegs, turnstones, and curlew. His own rig, numbering over fifty snipe, came to light a few years ago. It was probably the greatest single find of its kind in New Jersey decoy history. The Dan Leeds birds have a stylized exaggeration that has an artistic appeal."

Revealing just how early this decoy was acquired, an original paper collector's note attached to the underside of this curlew reads "Leeds family curlew- Leeds Pt. NJ. Best Jersey example I have- tail bitten by dog- 35.00." Original paint with light gunning wear and restoration to tail.

Provenance: Richard Mueller Collection L. H. LaMotte Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above

Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, pl. 11, Mackey text. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 176, pl. 392, rigmate illustrated. John M. Levinson and Somers G. Headley, "Shorebirds: The Birds, The Hunters, The Decoys," Centreville, MD, 1991, Contents page and p. 93, pl. 6-35, rigmate illustrated. Adele Earnest, "The Art of The Decoy: American Bird Carvings," New York, NY, 1965, p. 53, pl. 30, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Richard Mueller Collection L. H. LaMotte Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above