Makers / Harry V. Shourds / Merganser

Harry V. Shourds The Mackey Shourds Merganser Drake

Harry V. Shourds (1861-1920) Tuckerton, NJ, c. 1890

Harry V. Shourds – The Mackey Shourds Merganser Drake – 2020
$162,000
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $80,000–$120,000over estimate
Sold 15 Feb 2020at The Winter Sale 2020 — Copley

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesMerganserConfigDrakeSize15.75"ConditionExcellentPaintOriginal

The catalog record

Harry V. Shourds (1861-1920) Tuckerton, NJ, c. 1890 15 3/4 in. long

Not only one of the finest Shourds decoys known to exist, this is one of the best decoys from the Mid-Atlantic region. The underside bears Mackey’s collector’s notes and provenance. Excellent original paint with light even gunning wear.

Provenance: Boots Mathis Rig, acquired from the maker circa 1910 William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection

Literature: James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 48, exact decoy illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, dust jacket, Shourds mergansers illustrated.

Provenance

Boots Mathis Rig, acquired from the maker circa 1910 William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Harry V. Shourds Mergansers to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
11 Oct 2026ExcellentOriginal$124
11 Oct 2026GoodOriginal$87
11 Oct 2026ExcellentOriginal$87
Jul 2026—Original$6,600
6 Mar 2026—Original$270

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Harry V. Shourds sales