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THBSwimming Red-Breasted Merganser Pair, Daniel Lake Leeds (1852-1922)
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
LiveFeb 19, 2021
Lots 1-292 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (292)
- Lot Description
Daniel Lake Leeds (1852-1922)
Pleasantville, NJ, c. 1890
19 1/4 in. long
William J. Mackey Jr. comments on the discovery of a Leeds shorebird gunning rig: "It was probably the greatest single find of its kind in New Jersey decoy history. The Dan Leeds birds have a stylized exaggeration that has an artistic appeal...[He] lavished great care on his decoys during their years of service. They stand on their own unique merit and have little in common with their New Jersey contemporaries." "Classic Shorebird Decoys," 1971
This iconic pair of hollow swimming mergansers features a drake with a horsehair crest. Birds from the rig were subsequently acquired by Bud Ward, Jim Cook, Old Hope Antiques, and Dr. Muller. Made by Garden State master Daniel Lake Leeds, whose birds rank in quality with Harry V. Shourds (1861-1920) and Nathan R. Horner (1882-1942). Jim Doherty selected only carvings by these three makers for his front dust-jacket cover of "Classic New Jersey Decoys." Of this carving triumvirate, the senior member's decoys are by far the most rare. This animated pair was carved in a swimming position with sleek hollow bodies. Each was finished with Leeds' signature richly-blended paint patterns.
Dr. Muller acquired the drake privately in 1976. Fifteen years later, he seized the opportunity to acquire the hen and reunite the pair. One closely related pair is known and resides in a prominent Midwestern collection. This offering represents a rare opportunity to obtain two New Jersey masterworks that rank among the finest of the species from any region.
Original paint with minimal gunning wear.
Provenance: Fred Ellenberg Collection
Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, drake acquired from Ray Egan, 1976
Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, hen acquired from Collectable Old Decoys, 1991
Literature: Joe Engers, "Dr. Peter J. Muller: Bringing a good eye and an artistic approach to decoy collecting," Decoy Magazine, January/February 2008, p. 12, exact decoy illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, pp. 44-48, Shourds mergansers illustrated, pp. 102-103, Horner mergansers illustrated, front dust-jacket cover, Leeds, Horner, and Shourds decoys illustrated. Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, pl. 11, Mackey quote.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.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Copley Fine Art Auctions does not handle the shipping of any items. Shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Once your payment has cleared and we have received your shipping form, items may be released for shipment. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items. Buyers should allow up to four weeks for shipment.
Please be aware that internet bidders may NOT not pick up their items at the sale. Items will be available for pick up by appointment or by shippers five days after the sale.
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