George Boyd Golden Plover

George Boyd (1873-1941) Seabrook, NH, c. 1890 Peter Brams, whose collection this plover comes from, was captivated by the decoys of George Boyd, stating, "his decoys [Boyd's] are instantly recognizable; their form and paint are like no other maker. Though he made hundreds of plovers and yellows, after researching dozens of his birds, I soon realized, no two birds were exactly alike. I constantly upgraded my Boyd plover and yellowlegs peaking with these two decoys. [lots 166 & 167]."

The construction of this plump working decoy indicates that it is a very early example by the maker. The decoy is solid but made from two pieces of continuous grain wood. Unlike most Boyd shorebirds, this example’s bill was included as part of the full body pattern, a design that Boyd would later change in favor of a more durable inset bill.

The application of thick stipple paint on this decoy is further enhanced by the "wet-on-wet" feather blending that was likely achieved by use of a goose quill. The full range of sepia tints, ranging from light to dark within each stroke is extraordinary, giving the bird the mottled appearance of the species. An original light coat of sealer by the maker, preserved the decoy close to its original state. Original paint with minimal gunning wear; right side of bill has old repair and hairline crack; ever so slight loss to filler around right shoe-button eye.

Provenance: Peter Brams Collection

Literature: William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 72. Henry Fleckenstein Jr., Shorebird Decoys, Exton, PA, 1980, plate 55 and XXVII.

Provenance

Peter Brams Collection