Joe King Black Bellied Plover

Joe King (1835-1913) Manahawkin, NJ, c. 1880 9 in. long

The underside retains the Mackey Collection ink stamp. This bird was found in Virginia, where the Cobb family was known to have hunted over Joe King decoys. Original paint with wear, a gunning repair to a reset neck, and a shortened bill.

Provenance: William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection, acquired in Virginia K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974

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, Sessions VII-VIII, 1974, lot 101, exact decoy listed.

Provenance

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection, acquired in Virginia K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974