Thomas Gelston Feeding Yellowlegs

Thomas H. Gelston (1851-1924) Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 13 1/4 in. long

An iconic Long Island form, a related Gelston running pattern was chosen by the Long Island Decoy Collectors Association as the basis for their logo. Gelston's larger animated sandpipers, the curlew, have been among the top performing shorebirds of all time at auction. This decoy is one of several Gelstons to be discovered on Cape Cod, having been acquired there by the consignor's family over seventy years ago. The underside has a small incised "V" under the original paint and a pencilled species identification. Original paint with light wear.

Provenance: Private Collection, acquired on Cape Cod, 1951 Private Collection, by descent from the above

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 74, pl. 53, related example illustrated in New England chapter.

Provenance

Private Collection, acquired on Cape Cod, 1951 Private Collection, by descent from the above