George Boyd Black Bellied Plover

George H. Boyd (1873-1941) Seabrook, NH, c. 1900 One of the finest George Boyd plovers known, this exact decoy is illustrated prominently in two important decoy books, including two images in Shore Bird Decoys. It displays Boyd's classic form, "shoe button" eyes, and stippled feather detail. Two stick holes on the underside allow the bird to be presented in a standing or feeding pose. Near mint with a few very minor spots of touch-up, original bill.

Provenance: Steve Tyng Collection William Butler Collection Grant Nelson Collection

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., "Shore Bird Decoys," Exton, PA, 1980, pp. 56 and 58, exact decoy illustrated twice. John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1990, p. 45, exact decoy illustrated. Jim Cullen, "Finely Carved and Nicely Painted: The Life, Art and Decoys of George H. Boyd, Seabrook, NH, 1873-1941," Rye, NH, 2009, the title page, pp. 22 and 23, similar decoys illustrated. Stephen O’Brien, Jr. Fine Arts, "2003 Catalog," Boston, MA, 2003, no. 47, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Steve Tyng Collection William Butler Collection Grant Nelson Collection