Elisha Burr Goldeneye Hen

Elisha Burr (1839-1909) Hingham, MA, c. 1890 A historically important decoy from the South Shore of Massachusetts. Originally collected by William J. Mackey, Jr. who wrote about this decoy and illustrated it in his book "American Bird Decoys." This small decoy bears a "Mackey Collection" stamp on the bottom. The "E. BURR" brand on the bottom is rarely found on his working decoys. Several shorebird decoys have been collected with this brand. An early manila tag affixed to the bottom reads, in writing from another era, "#4 (signed) E. Burr, Hen Whistler, $25.00." Mackey said of this decoy: "Fortunately Burr branded some of his work, and the alert, beautifully finished little "Whistler" (Common Goldeneye) in Plate 68 is one of his best pieces." Old in-use repaint with wear to the wood and gunning wear.

Provenance: William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection John E. Lennon Collection

Literature: William J. Mackey, Jr. "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, pp. 87 and 88, plate 68, exact decoy illustrated. Richard A. Bourne Co. Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys, From the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey" Boston, MA, 1974, Session IV, Lot 106, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection John E. Lennon Collection