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THBThe Mackey Barkalow Yellowlegs Decoy, J. Lewis Barkalow (1875-1960)
About Seller
20 Winter Street
Pembroke, MA 02359
United States
Founded in 2005, Copley Fine Art Auctions is a boutique auction house specializing in antique decoys and American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Over the course of the last two decades, the firm has set auction records for not only individual decoy makers, but also entire carving regions. Copley...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJul 9, 2021
Lots 1-246 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (246)
- Lot Description
The Mackey Barkalow Yellowlegs
J. Lewis Barkalow (1875-1960)
Forked River, NJ, c. 1890
9 in. long
"His pride in the result is proven by the initials, 'L.B.,' impressed on each one." " William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," 1965, discussing this exact decoy and two smaller rigmates
William J. Mackey Jr. wrote in "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," "In one corner of [Barkalow's] shed were several baskets filled with bird decoys carved by Capt. Lou. A rig of geese were stacked on shelves, but I can't recall any duck decoys; the snipe were feast enough for my eyes. As our friendship developed, the possibility grew that I might be able to purchase the bird decoys. It was a rounded rig that included sanderling, least sandpipers, yellowlegs, pectorals and a few black-bellied plover. Captain Barkalow made the decision to sell his birds without any pressure on my part. After all, this took place when...no one else showed the slightest interest in such artifacts...Finally Lou stood up, pointed to them and said, 'You owe me eight dollars and ten cents. They'll cost you ten cents a piece.' The deal was consummated, and I have treasured them ever since."
This exact Mackey decoy has been selected for three books, making it one of the most celebrated New Jersey shorebird decoys to ever come to market. A further testament to its quality, this shorebird decoy is stamped "LB" by the maker. This carving displays tight stippled paint, a dropped tail, a high head, and an appealingly thin neck.
A survey of Doherty's "Classic New Jersey Decoys" confirms that Barkalow made some of the finest shorebird carvings created in the state. A very closely related rigmate set the word record at auction for the maker, selling at the Decoys Unlimited July 2007 sale for $29,900.
Original paint with even gunning wear and very minor Mackey-era touch-up in a few small spots.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Collection
Private Collection, New Jersey
Private Collection, Midwest
Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 120, pl. 102, exact decoy illustrated. John M. Levinson and Somers G. Headley, "Shorebirds," Centreville, MD, 1991, p. 78, exact decoy illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 171, pl. 365, exactÿdecoy illustrated. Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, pl. 1, rigmate illustrated.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 authorized shipping release 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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