304
306
305
307
304 Early Plover
306 Minnow-In-Throat Yellowlegs
A plover by one of the earliest known New Jersey decoy makers. Hildreth’s shorebirds are recognized for their original and geometric design with uplifted heads and dropped tails. Hildreth shorebird bills were removable and interchangeable for ease of transport in the field. Original paint with heavy gunning wear.
Original and working paint with gunning wear, some wear to wood, and a three-quarter bill replacement.
EPHRAIM HILDRETH (1835-1915) RIO GRANDE, NJ, C. 1870 10 1⁄2 in. long
HARRY B. BOICE (1880-1966) PLEASANTVILLE, NJ, C. 1910 12 1⁄2 in. long
PROVENANCE: Gary N. Giberson Collection Brian Hartmann Collection
$800 - $1,200
$800 - $1,200
307 Willet 305 Plover
SAMUEL SCHUTE (ATTR.) CAPE MAY, NJ, C. 1880 9 1⁄2 in. long
A fine carving with raised wing and stippled paint. One of the most unique designs in the shorebird carving world, Schute created content-looking birds that when placed in a rig captured the essence of a huddled flock. Original paint with light gunning wear. LITERATURE: Sotheby’s and Guyette and Schmidt, American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, 2000, p. 221, lot 608, related example illustrated. James R. Doherty, Classic New Jersey Decoys, Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 183, pl. 413, rigmates illustrated.
$1,000 - $1,500
JOHN HORN OCEANVILLE, NJ, C. 1890 11 1⁄4 in. long
This rare willet displays Horn’s pronounced cheek and tail carving, also seen on the turnstone in this sale (lot 154). A rigmate example was collected by John Hillman. Original paint with gunning wear and some touch-up to left front of face. PROVENANCE:
Brian Hartmann Collection
LITERATURE: Sotheby’s and Guyette and Schmidt, American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, 2000, p. 220, lot 607, related example illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., Shore Bird Decoys, Exton, PA, 1980, p. 117, pl. 122, related example illustrated. James R. Doherty, Classic New Jersey Decoys, Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 175, pl. 388, turnstone illustrated.
$1,000 - $1,500 227