Dowitcher
North Shore, MA, c. 1890
12 1/4 in. long
Dr. John C. Phillips (1876-1938), was a prominent sportsman, a member of Boston society, a prolific author, and an important patron of A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952). In addition to hunting over some of the greatest Crowell decoys ever created, the Phillips rig included exceptional shorebirds by several unknown makers, including the carver of this fine dowitcher. This decoy was carved by the same hand as the famous Philips-Teiger running curlew, which set the world record for any decoy at auction in 1997. Only a handful of decoys from this highly accomplished maker have ever surfaced.
Original paint with even gunning wear and a replaced bill.
Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection
Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "North American Decoys & Waterfowl Art," Hyannis, MA, July 11-12, 1989, cover, exact decoy illustrated.
Condition
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