Charles S. Clark Black Bellied Plover

Charles S. Clark (1869-1947) Chincoteague, VA, c. 1900 A painted-eye, two-piece shorebird decoy with a through-splined bill and a Purnell Collection "P" brand on the underside. This folky bird displays a dropped tail and slightly turned head. This is the only two-piece example known by Mackey or Purnell. Excellent original paint with minor flaking, mostly along the back, and even gunning wear.

Provenance: William Matthews Rig Estate of William Matthews William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1968

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., "Shore Bird Decoys," Exton, PA, 1980, p. 76, plate 80, rigmate decoy illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 60, rigmate decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William Matthews Rig Estate of William Matthews William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1968