Harry V. Shourds Hudsonian Curlew

Harry V. Shourds (1861-1920) Tuckerton, NJ, c. 1890 13 in. long

This important Shourds decoy has been owned by three of the top private shorebird collectors of all time, in addition to the Shelburne Museum. The Shelburne Museum inventory code “27.FD 19.301” is on the underside, a related number is on a Gelston curlew, lot 218, in this sale. The bottom also has Joe French collection markings and a faded ink stamp. Original paint with even gunning wear and a replaced bill.

Provenance: Shelburne Museum Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection Joseph B. French Collection Grant Nelson Collection

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection of Important American Sporting Art and Decoys, Sessions I-II", Hingham, MA, 2017, p. 141, lot 70, related example. Joe Engers, ed., "The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys," San Diego, CA, 1990, p. 116, similar decoys illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 69, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Shelburne Museum Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection Joseph B. French Collection Grant Nelson Collection