Rare Great Blue Heron Decoy

Lot 392

About Seller

65 Sharp Street
Hingham, MA 02043
United States

Copley Fine Art Auctions is the world's leading American sporting art auction company. Located in Hingham, MA, Copley specializes in antique decoys and 19th- and 20th-century American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Principal Stephen O'Brien Jr., a fourth-generation sportsman with a refined colle...Read more

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About Auction

The Winter Sale 2024, Day 2 by Copley Fine Art Auctions

Live

The Winter Sale 2024, Day 2

By Copley Fine Art Auctions

Feb 24, 2024

Set Reminder 2024-02-24 10:00:00 2024-02-24 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Winter Sale 2024, Day 2 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/copley/the-winter-sale-2024-day-2-14614 Lots 239-480 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com

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Lot Description

Rare Great Blue Heron Decoy
Havre de Grace, MD, c. 1930
46 in. long

“These monumental decoys are as exceptional as a decoy can be; in size, rarity, and design they are in a class by themselves.” — William J. Mackey discussing wading bird silhouette decoys, “American Bird Decoys,” 1965

A rare working heron decoy hunted over by the late Ruly Carpenter who owned the Philadelphia Phillies. This silhouette carving shows fine attention to detail with scalloped bill edges, extended crest, artistic paint application, and innovative leg design.

Although great blue herons and egrets were not often, if ever, hunted for the table because their flesh was generally deemed unpalatable, their feathers were valuable commodities for the millinery trade. In addition, egret and heron carvings were on occasion used as confidence decoys to lure in more tasty waterfowl. Heron decoys with provenance are extremely rare, making the debut of this vintage gunning bird an exciting modern-day decoy find.

A related egret silhouette has resided in the Shelburne Museum since the institution acquired it directly from the Downtown Gallery in 1952. This groundbreaking art gallery was started by Edith Halpert (1900-1970) in 1926.
Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Ruly Carpenter Rig and Estate

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., “American Bird Decoys.” New York, 1965, pl. 36, related decoy illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 83 related decoy illustrated. Jean Lipman and Allice Winchester, "The Flowering of American Folk Art (1776-1876)," New York, NY, 1974, p. 167, related decoy illustrated. Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc., "The American Heritage Society Auction of Americana," November 6-8, 1975, lot 262, related decoy illustrated.

Condition

Please email condition report requests to colin@copleyart.com. Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.
Shipping Info
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