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THBTurned-Head Canada Goose
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 25, 2015 - Jul 26, 2015
Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (533)
- Lot Description
Massachusetts, c.1890
Less than a dozen T. Gray rig decoys are known to have surfaced in any condition, of these a number are in repainted or heavily distressed condition, and this is the only preener in original paint. This exact decoy has been published on the cover of no less than three volumes, including two appearances on Decoy Magazine, including a Year in Review, and one on the North American Decoys At Auction catalog from July 25 & 26, 2002. This decoy realized the second highest price for a decoy at auction in 2002, setting the world record for any Gray rig decoy. Additionally three rigmates are published in David Tieger?s monumental ?Spiritually Moving.?
Decoy scholars Gene and Linda Kangas published an in depth article on the T. Gray rig in Decoy Magazine. They note that ?Although no maker?s name was available, the intriguing sculptural attributes of the decoys were readily apparent.? The authors go on to compare the works to the famous Osgood rig held at the Shelburne Museum, the notch-neck geese, and Elmer Crowell?s Harry V. Long geese. They go on to say that it is ?...the vigorous sculptural vocabulary evident from decoy to decoy that elevates them to the relatively rare status of ?great rig?? Collectively they comprise the illusion of energetic activity.?
The authors conclude that ?the particulars of T. Gray and his rig of migrant Canada geese, for now, remain an enigma? Based upon regional stylistic norms, conceptual precedents and various decoy collector experiences, Massachusetts is the most logical location of inception.?
With its rare pose, excellent condition, and strong provenance, this decoy ranks among the top of this ?great rig.?
Provenance: T. Gray Rig
Gordon and Virginia Hayes Collection "Bought December 1959, Georgetown, D.C."
Private CollectionLiterature: Gene and Linda Kangas, "T. Gray's Migrant Goose Decoys," Decoy Magazine, Lewes, DE, July/August 2011, front cover, pp. 24-29, exact decoy illustrated.
Jackson Parker, "The Year in Review: The Decoy at Auction 2002," Decoy Magazine, Lewes, DE, 2002, front cover, p. 9, exact decoy illustrated.
Guyette and Schmidt, Inc., "North American Decoys at Auction," W. Farmington, ME, July, 2002, front cover, lot 138, exact decoy illustrated.Original paint with even gunning wear and darkening around nail holes.Condition
- Shipping Info
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Shipping info
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 PICK UP THEIR ITEMS AT THE SALE SITE. ITEMS CAN BE PICKED UP BY APPOINTMENT OR SHIPPED STARTING FIVE DAYS AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE SALE
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