Dave Umbrella Watson Mackey "matthews Rig" Yellowlegs

Dave "Umbrella" Watson (1851-1932) Chincoteague, VA, c. 1890 10 1/2 in. long

Mackey acquired the Matthews rig from the hunter's estate and discussed it in his book "American Bird Decoys." This newly rediscovered example has raised wings and a ridged tail. Old working repaint with even gunning wear and flaking. Tight old crack in crown.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950 Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above

Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950 Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above