Harry V. Shourds (1861-1920)
Tuckerton, NJ, c. 1890
8 1/4 in. long
With its nice dry original surface, species rarity, delicate carving, and stellar provenance, this red knot ranks as one of New Jersey's best small shorebird decoys. The underside retains the Mackey Collection ink stamp, along with an inscription that this decoy sailed to Wachapreague, VA, with Ash Milliner (1875-1952). Milliner was a known market hunter from the Delmarva region.
Original paint with minor gunning wear.
Provenance: Ash Milliner Rig
William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection
Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co. Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys From the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, Session VIII, 1973, lot 537, exact bird illustrated.
Condition
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