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THBThe Wales & Snow Flapping-Wing Plover Decoy by Wales & Snow
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
LiveJul 12, 2024
Lots 254-459 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (206)
- Lot Description
The Wales & Snow Flapping-Wing Plover Decoy
Wales & Snow
Boston, MA, c. 1868
10 1/2 in. long and 10 1/2 in. wingspan
“I claim a decoy, having wings hinged thereto, arranged to be operated by manipulation of a sportsman, substantially as and for the purpose described." -“Nathaniel Wales, “Improvement in Decoy Birds,” February 11, 1868
General Nathaniel Wales (1843-1924) of Boston is among the earliest documented decoy makers from any region. At the age of twenty-five, Wales filed to patent a mechanical shorebird. “Wales & Snow Patent” is branded under the left wing of this plover; Snow’s details remain unknown. This exceptionally early Massachusetts shorebird decoy is an important precursor to popular modern-day motion decoys, including the Mojo duck. Indeed, inventors continue to cite Nathaniel Wales' original patent over 150 years later.
The wooden body has complex and functional flapping wings with clean lines and scalloped back edges. This is the only intact Wales & Snow plover known to have surfaced.
Original paint with light gunning wear, a small chip to right side of tail, and a replaced bill.
Provenance: Peter Brams Collection
Private Collection
Literature: Nathaniel Wales, “Improvement In Decoy-Birds,” Patent No. 74,458, United States Patent Office, February 11, 1868, related decoy illustrated and described.Condition
Please refer to the description; if you have questions, email colin@copleyart.com.
- 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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