Enoch S. Tolson Exceptionally Rare Eskimo Curlew

Enoch S. Tolson Ocracoke, NC, c. 1910 11 1/2 in. long

A North Carolina Eskimo curlew decoy with carved eyes, deep "S" carved shoulders, raised wings, and notch-carved tail and wing tip detail. A rigmate by the same maker was offered in 1971 at a Richard Bourne auction. As a testament to the quality of Tolson's work, in that auction the Tolson curlew was one of only three decoys that carried a reserve.

The underside retains the “NELSON” collection stamp. Original paint with minor wear, two wire leg holes on the bottom have been filled.

Provenance: Collectable Old Decoys, South Carolina Grant Nelson Collection

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co. Inc., "Public Auction," Hyannis, MA, August 1971, lot 210, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Collectable Old Decoys, South Carolina Grant Nelson Collection