Important Golden Plover Pair
Nantucket, MA, c. 1840
10 in. long
A fine pair of Nantucket golden plover. This pair represents two of the most well documented Nantucket shorebirds to come to market. A letter from Nicholas Norcross to Alfred Ely in 1946 states that these birds were hunted over by Sidney Chase, George H. Mackay (1865-1922), Capt. Wyer (1822-1913), and Norcross himself. At that time Norcross stated, "They must be at least 100 yrs old for I have had them over 50 yrs." The Ely-Norcross correspondence provides us with a rare glimpse into the age of these Nantucket carvings and gunners who used them. Outstanding dry original paint with even gunning wear.
Provenance: Captain Wyer Rig
Nicholas G. Norcross Rig, gifted from the above c. 1895
Alfred Ely Collection, purchased from the above in 1946
Private Collection, by descent from the above
Condition
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