Isaac Campbell O'brien-mackey Early Dowitcher

Isaac Campbell Norwalk, CT, c. 1840 11 in. long

Shorebird decoys by named Connecticut makers are extremely rare. This carving is one of nineteen birds obtained from Donald Campbell, grandson of Isaac Campbell, in 1967 by Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Campbell told O'Brien that he and his father used these birds and that they were made by his grandfather. The rig consisted of dowitchers, red knots, plover, and a ruddy turnstone. The underside of the carving bears the Mackey Collection ink stamp. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, some chipping to tail and head.

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

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, 1974, Sessions VII & VIII, lot 69, rigmate illustrated. John M. Levinson and Somers G. Headley, "Shorebirds," Centreville, MD, 1991, p. 62, rigmates illustrated.

Provenance

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