Folger Family O'brien Folger Golden Plover

Folger Family Nantucket, MA, c. 1880 In the early 1800s, Nantucket Island was a stopover for the seasonal migration of golden plover. The birds were so numerous that early gunners, with primitive black-powder firearms, routinely brought down several with a single shot. Later during that century when the number of birds drastically declined, most hunters assumed their flight path had changed with the immense flocks veering further out to sea. These plover were a staple of a coastal New Englander’s seasonal diet.

This highly refined hollow shorebird decoy with incised wing definition is one of the best plover examples from the famous Folger rig which consisted of Eskimo curlew and these goldens. This example features a forward reaching, almost running, posture. The Folger rig is considered to be the most important group of decoys to have been carved on the island and are a vital part of Nantucket and migratory bird history.

The surface is finished with a suite of paint techniques highlighted by golden and green stippling along the dark back. As a testament to the fine craftsmanship of this hollow two-piece decoy, the body seam shows no separation. Another subtle hallmark of this rig is the original brass bushings that line the stick holes. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: William Folger Rig Franklin Folger (1842-1923) Collection, by descent in the family Franklin Folger Webster, by descent in the family Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, circa 1968 The Johnson Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky. The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 13, rigmate illustrated. James Reginato, "Folk Art's Old Guard," Town & Country, January 1990, p. 161, rig illustrated.

Provenance

William Folger Rig Franklin Folger (1842-1923) Collection, by descent in the family Franklin Folger Webster, by descent in the family Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, circa 1968 The Johnson Collection, acquired from the above