Harry V. Shourds Black-bellied Plover In Emerging Plumage

Harry V. Shourds (1861-1920) Tuckerton, NJ, c. 1890 9 1/2 in. long

Harry Vinuckson Shourds is amongst the earliest and most documented decoy makers from New Jersey. In addition to being one of the few professional carvers of his generation, Shourds hunted ducks for market and his wife used the feathers to make pillows and bedding. This decoy, along with its rigmate (lot 15), is from the famous Ash Milliner (1875-1952) rig of Shourds shorebirds. Early Southern decoy collector Bill Purnell purchased the decoys directly from Milliner’s son in Locustville, Virginia. Ash Milliner was a noted market gunner and oysterman from the Wachapreague area. Birds from this rig were dispersed, ending up in the collections of Bill Mackey and Dr. Peter Muller, in addition to that of Bill Purnell.

A fine example of this rare Shourds plover variation bearing the “P” brand for the Purnell Collection on the underside. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Ash Milliner (1875-1952) Rig William H. Purnell Jr. Collection, acquired from the son of the above Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 59, pl. XXX, related decoy illustrated. Frank Schmidt and Gary Guyette, "The Art of Deception: Waterfowl Decoys from the Collection of Paul Tudor Jones II," St. Michaels, MD, 2006, p. 71, related example illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 59, related example illustrated. William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 127, pl. 107, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Ash Milliner (1875-1952) Rig William H. Purnell Jr. Collection, acquired from the son of the above Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above