Makers / Thomas Gelston / Yellowlegs

Thomas Gelston Running Greater Yellowlegs

Thomas Gelston (1850-1924) Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and Quogue, NY, c. 1900

Thomas Gelston – Running Greater Yellowlegs – 2017
$4,200
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $5,000–$7,000under estimate
Sold 17 Feb 2017at The Winter Sale 2017 — Copley

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesYellowlegsPoseStandardSize15.75"PaintOriginal

The catalog record

Thomas Gelston (1850-1924) Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and Quogue, NY, c. 1900 15 3/4 in. long

This outstretched bird in a running posture demonstrates the dynamic form which Gelston collectors covet. Indeed a running Gelston shorebird recently sold for over $250,000 at auction. Original paint with even gunning wear, some touchup to flaking, mostly on right side and top of head. Patch to right side tail chip, and 1/2 bill repair.

Provenance: Grant Nelson Collection

Literature: Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, p. 104, lot 220, similar decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Grant Nelson Collection

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Thomas Gelston Yellowlegs to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
Jul 2026—Original$9,600
Feb 2026—Original$4,800
Jul 2024—Original$9,000
Jul 2023—Original$300
Feb 2021—Original$6,000

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Thomas Gelston sales