Harry V. Shourds Mackey-shelburne Shourds Curlew

Harry V. Shourds (1861-1920) Tuckerton, NJ, 1910 13 in. long

Harry Vinuckson Shourds is the most well-known decoy maker from New Jersey; he is also one of the earliest. In addition to being one of the few professional carvers of his generation, Shourds hunted ducks for market, while his wife used the feathers to make pillows and bedding.

A fine Shourds curlew decoy displaying painted eyes, a splined bill, and exceptional blended feathering. The underside bears the Shelburne Museum collection ink stamp, a "27.FD19-1" museum identification code and Mackey's inked inscription "Harry Shourds, Tuckerton, N.J. 1910." Original paint with even gunning wear, original bark scar on right side and half of bill is replaced.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Shelburne Museum Collection William C. McMaster M.D. Collection

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Shelburne Museum Collection William C. McMaster M.D. Collection