Samuel Shute Plover

Samuel Schute (attr.) Cape May, NJ, c. 1880 9 1/2 in. long

A fine carving with raised wing and stippled paint. One of the most unique designs in the shorebird carving world, Schute created content-looking birds that when placed in a rig captured the essence of a huddled flock. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Literature: Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, p. 221, lot 608, related example illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 183, pl. 413, rigmates illustrated.