William H. Southard Running Yellowlegs

William H. Southard (1874-1940) Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 12 in. long

This decoy and the following two Verity lots were acquired by Dr. Muller from legendary Long Island dealer, historian, and collector Bud Ward.

This exemplary bird features carved eyes, a splined bill, and deeply-cut, raised wing carving. The bird was finished with tight stippled paint that covers it from top to bottom and tip to tail. Original paint with minor gunning wear, replaced bill.

Provenance: Bud Ward Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. 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, 1973, Session I & II, lot 336, related example illustrated. Timothy Sieger, "The Decoys of Long Island," Water Mills, NY, 2010, p. 37, similar example illustrated. Joe Engers, ed., "The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys," San Diego, CA, 1990, p. 103, similar decoy illustrated. William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 102, pl. 86, similar decoy illustrated. Zac Zetterberg, ed., “American Decoy: The Invention,” Peoria, IL, 2020, p. 193, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Bud Ward Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection