Harry V. Shourds The Mackey-muller Shourds Merganser

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

“Shourds is one of the acknowledged master makers of New Jersey decoys. His birds were as fine as any made in the state and are prized collectors items today.”

— Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., “New Jersey Decoys,” 1983

Mackey, who was the greatest Shourds specialist of all time, fully understood his good fortune in the discovery of this pristine bird, documenting its history with meticulous penmanship on the bottom.

Though master carver Harry V. Shourds likely made dozens of merganser decoys, most were heavily gunned over more than a century ago, resulting in the vast majority of his surviving works having condition issues. The refined bills and tails along with the pronounced crests that Shourds created often led to extensive damage. Shourds’ delicate white paint was often repainted, particularly on the underside. In contrast, this pinnacle work has all-original construction and exemplary all-original translucent white paint.

Not only one of the finest Shourds decoys known to exist, this is one of the most iconic decoys from the Mid-Atlantic region. The condition of this decoy alone separates it from the rest of the pack, and Mackey’s collector’s notes and Muller’s ink stamp cement its history. Excellent original paint with light even gunning wear.

Provenance: Boots Mathis Rig William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection Thomas M. Evans Jr. Collection

Literature: James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 48, exact decoy illustrated. Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Winter Sale 2020," Charleston, SC, February 15, 2020, lot 12, exact decoy illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, dust jacket, Shourds mergansers illustrated.

Provenance

Boots Mathis Rig William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection Thomas M. Evans Jr. Collection