Clarence T. Gardner Hollow Turned Head Willet

Dr. Clarence T. Gardner (1844-1907) and Newton Dexter (d. 1901) Little Compton, RI, c. 1885 In the 1930s Frank D. Lisle, the grandfather of the consignor of this shorebird, purchased the summer home of Dr. Clarence Gardner. The summer home built in 1883 was perfectly located on the productive shores of Sakonnet Point ideal for fishing and hunting. Soon after the purchase, Lisle discovered Gardner and Dexter’s rig of shorebirds in an out-building on the property.

Newton Dexter was an excellent taxidermist and both gentlemen carved shorebirds while Dexter painted them. Information regarding this important rig was first published by the father and uncle of the consignor in Hal Sorenson’s 1966-67 Decoy Collector’s Guide.

This boldly carved shorebird decoy is of the same quality and exhibits the same three-piece, pegged-body construction as its rigmates, the famous dowitchers collected by the late Dr. James M. McCleery of Texas. This bird has a slightly turned head, with individually carved raised wings and a superb dry original surface. This grand shorebird decoy ranks as one of the finest willet decoys to ever come on the market. Outstanding original paint with very minor seam shrinkage.

Provenance: Frank D. Lisle Collection Richard W. Lisle Collection Private Collection, by descent in the family

Literature: Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 32-33, similar examples illustrated. Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, January 22, 2000, lots 541 and 542, similar examples illustrated. Hal Sorensen ed., "Decoy Collector's Guide: 1966-67 Annual," Burlington, IA, pp. 63-67, similar examples illustrated.

Provenance

Frank D. Lisle Collection Richard W. Lisle Collection Private Collection, by descent in the family