Nathan Cobb, Jr. Curlew

Nathan F. Cobb Jr. (1825-1905) Cobb Island, VA, c. 1870 15 in. long

This marks the first time this decoy has ever been offered at public auction. A well-balanced decoy with full cheeks and clean lines. The back of the bird resolves with a chine down the top and refined wing and tail carving. The underside is incised "A" for Albert Cobb's rig. Albert was the younger brother of Nathan Cobb, Jr.

Rigmates of this decoy have been collected by William H. Purnell, Donal C. O'Brien, Jr., Dr. James M. McCleery, and Grant Nelson.

"HUDSONIAN CURLEW, OYSTER, VA, 1880, ALBERT COBB" is written by Lloyd Johnson in ink under the tail. Original paint with a light in-use wash, gunning wear, and an early bill replacement.

Provenance: Lloyd Johnson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the family of the above, 1966

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., "Southern Decoys of Virginia and the Carolinas," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 206, pl. 436, related example illustrated. Robert H. Richardson, "Chesapeake Bay Decoys," Burtonsville, MD, 1991, p. 184, related example illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., "Shore Bird Decoys," Exton, PA, 1980, p. 130, pl. 145, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Lloyd Johnson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the family of the above, 1966