William Roberts (decd. 1910)
Cape May, NJ, c. 1880
16 in. long
Though curlew decoys were fairly common in Cape May, few, if any, matched the quality or dynamic bills of those carved by William Roberts. This observation was first documented in "American Bird Decoys" when William J. Mackey Jr. discussed a Roberts curlew in his collection which he endearingly referred to as "Ol' Hookbill." Less than four of these carvings in original paint are known to exist. In 2010 a rigmate set a world record for this maker. The bill of this decoy is constructed of steam-bent oak. A "Hillman Collection" white ink stamp is displayed on the underside.
Original paint with craquelure, minor flaking, and even gunning wear.
Provenance: Roberts Family John Hillman Collection, acquired from the above circa 1965
Private Collection, Florida Private Collection, New York
Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 135, pl. 112, rigmate
Condition
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