Wales & Snow The Wales & Snow Flapping-wing Plover Decoy

Wales & Snow Boston, MA, c. 1868 10 1/2 in. long and 10 1/2 in. wingspan

“I claim a decoy, having wings hinged thereto, arranged to be operated by manipulation of a sportsman, substantially as and for the purpose described." -“Nathaniel Wales, “Improvement in Decoy Birds,” February 11, 1868

General Nathaniel Wales (1843-1924) of Boston is among the earliest documented decoy makers from any region. At the age of twenty-five, Wales filed to patent a mechanical shorebird. “Wales & Snow Patent” is branded under the left wing of this plover; Snow’s details remain unknown. This exceptionally early Massachusetts shorebird decoy is an important precursor to popular modern-day motion decoys, including the Mojo duck. Indeed, inventors continue to cite Nathaniel Wales' original patent over 150 years later.

The wooden body has complex and functional flapping wings with clean lines and scalloped back edges. This is the only intact Wales & Snow plover known to have surfaced. Original paint with light gunning wear, a small chip to right side of tail, and a replaced bill.

Provenance: Peter Brams Collection Private Collection

Literature: Nathaniel Wales, “Improvement In Decoy-Birds,” Patent No. 74,458, United States Patent Office, February 11, 1868, related decoy illustrated and described.

Provenance

Peter Brams Collection Private Collection