Chris Sprague Shorebird Trio

Chris T. Sprague (1887-1983) Beach Haven, NJ, c. 1915 10 1/2 in. long

Chris Sprague was an early and important New Jersey carver who was a contemporary of Nathan R. Horner (1882-1942). The two makers' works are often indistinguishable. Sprague shorebirds are rare. The red knot is inscribed on the underside "Robin Snipe by- C.T. Sprague, Beach Haven, N.J." The yellowlegs is inscribed on the underside "Yellow Leg by- C.T. Sprague, Beach Haven, N.J." and the sanderling is inscribed on the underside "Dowitcher - C.T. Sprague, Beach Haven, N.J." As found.

Literature: Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, p. 221, lot 609, related example illustrated.