Vanderwater Early Roothead Golden Plover

Vanderwater (attr.) Freeport, LI, NY, 19th Century 11 in. long

The head is inset into the body with a mortise-and-tenon joint. The white on the underside is early paint by the hunter. Depending on the flight of golden plover expected, it was common for hunters to transition their rigs between dark adults and young "palebellies" as seen here. Mix of original and old working paint with moderate gunning wear and a crack up the right side of the neck. Replaced bill.

Literature: Guyette and Schmidt, Inc., "North American Decoys at Auction," July 2002, p. 71, lot 328, rigmate illustrated.