Verity Family The Purnell-aitken Running Plover

Obediah Verity (1813-1901) Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 11 1/2 in. long

This gunning decoy hails from two of the top decoy collectors of all time, Russell B. Aitken and William H. Purnell.

A racy Seaford decoy with fine "beetle head" form. One of the only other Verity plovers in a running posture resides in a top Washington state collection. This decoy features deeply carved heart-shaped wings, incised eyes, and displays the maker's best feathering.

William Purnell recalls acquiring this decoy after seeing it in a shop window in his hometown of Ocean City, Maryland. With it were two Bunn/Bowman shorebirds which he also purchased. Upon inquiry it was relayed to the collector that the birds had come down with Long Islanders to outfit the famous Bob-O-Dell Gun Club located on Chincoteague Bay. Other birds from the rig were discovered and acquired by William Mackey. Original paint with even gunning wear. Possible minor gunning touch-up to black breast.

Provenance: Bob-O-Dell Gun Club William H. Purnell Collection Russell B. Aitken Collection Private Collection, Long Island

Literature: Christie's, "The Russell B. Aitken Collection of Waterfowl Decoys," New York, NY, 2003, lot 1313, exact decoy illustrated. E. Jane Townsend, "Gunners Paradise: Wildfowling and Decoys on Long Island," Stony Brook, NY, 1979, pp. 115-116, related upright examples illustrated. Dr. Cynthia Byrd, “The Decoys of Long Island,” Water Mill, NY, 2010, p. 31, top left, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Bob-O-Dell Gun Club William H. Purnell Collection Russell B. Aitken Collection Private Collection, Long Island