Verity Family Plover

Obediah Verity (1813-1901) Seaford, NY, c. 1880 The Weiler Verity Plover

Never before offered for sale at public auction, this stellar decoy with impeccable provenance may be the best example of its kind. It was used as the model for Milton Weiler and William J. Mackey's "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings." More recently this important sculpture was immortalized in bronze, cast by accomplished artist Dale Weiler.

This boldly fashioned beetle-head displays carved eyes, raised S-wings, expertly stippled paint, and a carved "V" on the underside of the tail. Measuring almost a foot in length, this round bird is wider than a baseball measuring just over three inches across. This is one of the only Verity decoys that bears a serified "V." Outstanding original paint with light even gunning wear including small gouges and a few age lines in the underside of the tail.

Provenance: Milton C. Weiler Collection Descended in the Weiler family Private Collection

Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, plate 23, exact decoy illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 102, plate 85, similar decoy illustrated. Sotheby's and Guyette & Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, lot 420, rigmate decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, p. 180, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Milton C. Weiler Collection Descended in the Weiler family Private Collection