John Dilley Rare Eskimo Curlew

John Dilley Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 12 1/2 in. long

An early Dilley form with refined lines, a split tail, and raised wing carving. The underside is branded "EC" which is likely the initials of the owner. That said, it is not uncommon for Dilleys to have their species designation marked on their undersides. Original paint with gunning wear, some flaking on left side, and a replaced bill.

Literature: Adele Earnest, "The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings," New York, NY, 1965, p. 60, pl. 41 and 156, related decoy illustrated.