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THBRare Great Blue Heron Decoy
Lot 276
About Seller
Copley Fine Art Auctions
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
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$3,000 - $5,000
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Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,500 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Copley Fine Art Auctions
Jul 12, 2024
Set Reminder
2024-07-12 10:00:00
2024-07-12 10:00:00
America/New_York
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Bidsquare : The Sporting Sale 2024, Day 2
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/copley/the-sporting-sale-2024-day-2-16090
Lots 254-459 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
Lots 254-459 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (206)
- Lot Description
Rare Great Blue Heron Decoy
Havre de Grace, MD, c. 1930
45 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 gunning wear, some flaking, and discoloration mostly to body.
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.Please refer to the description; if you have questions, email colin@copleyart.com.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Shipping info
Copley does not offer in-house packing or shipping. For clients who require shipping, please complete the Shipping Release Form and return it with your payment. The form includes a list of shippers we frequently work with.
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