Verity Family Purnell Verity Ruddy Turnstone

Obediah Verity (1813-1901) Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1860 8 1/2 in. long

An exceedingly rare tucked-head ruddy turnstone decoy. This bird was first baptized by shot in the line of fire; it was later struck by the "P" brand designating it belonged in the Purnell Collection. Original paint with old working repaint on breast and gunning wear. In early Verity gunning paint with heavy gunning wear, a replaced bill, numerous shot scars, and a chip on the top of the head.

Provenance: William H. Purnell Collection Private Collection Dwight D. Miller Collection Private Collection

Literature: Timothy R. Sieger and Dr. Cynthia Byrd, "The Decoys of Long Island," Water Mill, NY, 2010, p. 35, related decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William H. Purnell Collection Private Collection Dwight D. Miller Collection Private Collection