Makers / Thomas Gelston / Shorebird (other)

Thomas Gelston Two Feeding Willet

Thomas Gelston (1851-1924) Oyster Bay, NY, c. 1908

Thomas Gelston – Two Feeding Willet – 2009
$1,725
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $800–$1,200over estimate
Sold Jul 2009at Copley, July 2009

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesShorebird (other)PoseFeederPaintOriginalQuantity2

The catalog record

Thomas Gelston (1851-1924) Oyster Bay, NY, c. 1908 Both shorebirds are thick flatties with two stick holes to be used as either runners or feeders. Wakeman inventory "SB-11-W" and "SB-12-W" in pen on underside. The top willet is in original paint with some working touch up and minor paint flaking; hit by shot; bill and glass eyes have been professionally replaced. The bottom willet appears to be in original paint; lightly hit by shot; some paint loss on head and body due to gunning wear. Bill is a professional replacement.

Provenance: Samuel Wakeman Collection Private Collection, by descent in the family

Literature: Quintina Colio, American Bird Decoys, Ephrata, PA, 1972, cover.

Provenance

Samuel Wakeman Collection Private Collection, by descent in the family

Comparable sales

The 1 most recent Thomas Gelston other shorebird to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
Jul 2025—Original$8,400

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Thomas Gelston sales