Dodge Factory Plover

Jasper N. Dodge Decoy Co. (1884-1894) Detroit, MI, c. 1890 An exemplary Dodge shorebird decoy, collected by pioneer decoy collector William J. Mackey, Jr. This carving is most likely a plover in winter, non-breeding plumage. The bird displays tack eyes, stippled feathering, and long primary flight feather brush strokes. The bill is made of wire and putty. The underside bears the Mackey collection stamp. Outstanding original paint with light patina and minimal gunning wear.

Provenance: William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Asa Allen Collection Private Collection

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co. Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys From the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, Session II, 1973, lot 353, exact bird illustrated. Ron Sharp and Bill Dodge, "Detroit Decoy Dynasty: The Factory Decoys of Petersen, Dodge, and Mason," Lawsonville, NC, 2009, p. 201, similar decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Asa Allen Collection Private Collection