Dave Umbrella Watson Mackey "matthews Rig" Plover

Dave "Umbrella" Watson (1851-1932) Chincoteague, VA, c. 1890 8 3/4 in. long

Concerning the maker, William J. Mackey Jr. wrote in “Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings,” “So little is known about Watson and his work that one wonders how such famous gunners as Van Campen Heilner came to have the Gooseville Gun Club stocked with Watson's decoys. Of course, he was head and shoulders over all local competition. It is only within the last few years, however, that his shorebirds have been identified."

A tucked-head decoy with scratch feathering. Original paint with gunning wear, including rubs to breast and a chip to tail. The bill is original.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950 Peter Carton 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.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950 Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above