Al Ketcham Hudsonian Curlew

Captain Al Ketcham Copiague, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 An old shorebird decoy with glass shoe button eyes and light shot scars. This exact decoy is illustrated in at least two books including Fleckenstein’s "Shore Bird Decoys" and Levinson and Headley’s "Shorebirds." The latter states that, “this bird has remained in one family for over eighty-five years in its present condition.” Original paint with a coat of sealer and light gunning wear. An age crack and scars on the underside have been filled.

Provenance: Lynn Robertson Collection William Tosi Collection

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., "Shorebird Decoys," Exton, PA, 1980, p. 128, plate 142, exact decoy illustrated. John M. Levinson and Somers G. Headley, "Shorebirds," Centreville, MD, 1991, p. 65, plate 5-2, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Lynn Robertson Collection William Tosi Collection