Tom Wilson Black Bellied Plover

John Thomas Wilson (1863-1940) Ipswich, MA, c. 1890 12 in. long

An elaborate shorebird decoy from a rig that folk art collector and historian Nina Fletcher Little purchased in the early 1950s. Little is credited with identifying these birds as Wilsons. Original paint with light wear including some flaking behind the stick hole. Bill may be restored.

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Rare American Decoys, Bird Carvings & Related Materials," Hyannis, MA, July 11 & 12, 1978, lot 681, rigmate illustrated. Decoy Magazine, September/October 1989, cover and p. 25, rigmate illustrated.