Elisha Burr Rare Golden Plover

Elisha Burr (1839-1909) Hingham, MA, c. 1870 8 3/4 in. long

This diminutive Burr decoy is one of only two like it; the other of which resides in a prominent Cape Cod collection. These two gems are distinctive with their petite form with highly refined and delicate features from tip to tail. The paint features lively and bright gold and white stippling across the wings and fine ticking on the breast. Original paint with even gunning wear, tight cracks in wing tips, touch-up to neck crack, forehead, and filled shallow flat spot by stick hole. Small black smudge removed from right side.

Provenance: Private Collection, Cape Cod

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 88, pl. 69, running plover illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Cape Cod