Live-streamed from Massachusetts; there will be no in-person bidding during the auction.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND AUCTION PREVIEW
Please visit copleyart.com for links to view additional images of each lot. You may view objects in our gallery by appointment or contact us to find out if we will be traveling to your area. Our specialists also offer personalized video previews; call our office to set up a time.
ABSENTEE & TELEPHONE BIDS
To schedule absentee or telephone bids, please use the forms found in the back of this catalog. All bids must be received at least twenty-four hours before the start of the sale.
ONLINE BIDDING
Live online bidding will be available through Copley Live (download in your app store), Bidsquare, and Live Auctioneers. There will be a 23% buyer’s premium for Bidsquare and Copley Live and a 25% buyer’s premium for Live Auctioneers.
Please review the Terms and Conditions of Sale on page 301 and Important Notices on page 11 of this catalog.
1 Pleasebeadvisedthatallpersonswishingto bid at this auction shouldread,andbefamiliarwith,theTerms and Conditionsof Saleinthiscatalogpriortobidding.
2Buyer’spremium
Abuyer’spremiumof20%(23%-25%for online bidding) of the finalbidpriceuptoandincluding$1,000,000, plus 15% of the finalbidpriceover$1,000,000, will be applied toeachlotsold, tobepaidby the BuyertoCopleyFineArtAuctions,LLCaspart of the purchaseprice.
3Consigntoournextsale
CopleyFineArtAuctions,LLC is acceptingconsignments forourTheWinterSale2026. Please contact us by phone at 617.536.0030,orbyemailatconsignments@copleyart.com.
Ifyou plan toplaceabsenteebidsortobidbytelephone,please makesure that wereceiveyourAbsentee/TelephoneBidform atleast24hoursbefore the startofthesale.Itispossiblethat anybidsreceivedafterthistimemaynotbeaccepted.Youwill receiveconfirmation of yourabsenteebid(s) within 24hoursof receipt. If youdonotreceiveconfirmation,pleasecallouroffice at617.536.0030.
6Salestax
AllbiddersholdingavalidMassachusettsorout-of-state resalenumbermustprovide their certificate, or copythereof, whileregistering.Failuretodosowillsubjectthebiddertoa mandatory6.25%Massachusetts sales tax on purchases.
7Inspection of itemsofferedatthisauction
Allitemsaresold“asis”andshouldbeinspectedeither personally or byagentbefore a bid is placed.Prospective buyersshouldsatisfythemselvesbypersonalinspectionasto theconditionofeachlot.Althoughconditionreportsmaybe published or givenonrequest,suchreportsarestatementsof opiniononly.Regardlessofwhetherornotaconditionreport isgiven, all property is sold “as is.”Theabsenceofacondition reportdoesnotimplythattheproperty is in goodcondition. CopleyFineArtAuctions,LLCreservestheright,atitssole discretion,torefuseconditionrequests.
8Flatartdimensions
Pleasebeaware that all flat artdimensionsareapproximate andareroundedtothenearestquarterinch.Flatart is measured by height followedby width. Three-dimensionalworksare measuredby height, width, and depth.
Wear or gunning wear may include all types of wear and damage that can be inflicted,andmay be expected, from hunting, handling, use, or time. This may include, but is not limited to, paint wear, flaking, dings, scratches, checks, cracks, craquelure, age lines, dents, chips, rubs, blunts, broken or missing eyes, shot scars, seam separations, raised grain, rust, filler loss, sap, discoloration, and altered rigging, stick holes, and eyes.The condition of the undersides may not be listed. Clear coats, such as varnish, shellac, and oil, may not be listed. Repairs, restorations, and touch-up may include new material. Paint listed as “working,” “gunning,” or “old” is likely not original first coat. Repairs and constructionfeatures that are original to the work, including but not limited to putty, bungs, plugs, patches, and stabilization, may not be mentioned. Replacedand repaired billsmay include touch-up near insertion point and extend through back of head, if applicable. Radiographs, or x-ray images, may be available by request for select lots. Please submit additional condition report requests at least ten days prior to the sale date. Additional online photos are considered to be part of the condition.
12Fragiledecoratives
Fragiledecoratives,likethebirds,feathers,flora,andfauna that their makers emulate, can be particularly susceptible to damage, deterioration, and loss. Feathers, wings, legs, tails, leaves, branches, and other parts can become detachedfrom necessary handling. Due to these circumstances, CFAA will not be responsible for any change in condition of decorative lots. Additionally, we recommend that all bidders consider transportation logistics for these special objects prior to the sale.
13Conditiondescriptionof“Asfound”
The “as found” designation denotes that condition issues are not listed.It is the responsibility of the buyer to determine condition. The item is sold with any faults and imperfections that may exist.
14Auctionresults
Unofficial auction resultswillbeavailable online approximately oneweekafter the auction at copleyart.com.
15Pickupandshipping
Buyers wishing to pick up items after the auction at our office may do soonly by appointment. If you would like your items shipped,pleasecomplete and return the Authorized Shipping Release form found in the back of this catalog.
16Auctiondaycontactinformation
Onsite: 617.536.0030
AuctioneerPeterJ.Coccoluto
MA License #2428
PROPERTIESFROM
Cathy McCleery BaugussEstate
Peter CartonCollection
Alex Chester Collection
A descendant of W. du Pont Ross
Jeff and JoyceHay Collection
EstateofGerald W. Hazard M.D.
Don Kirson Collection
William C. McMasterM.D. Collection
Curt Mettam Collection
Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
A descendant of Barrie and Bernice Stavis
William Zimmerman Collection
Private Collections in CA, CT, FL, IL, IN, KS, MD, MA, MS, NJ,NY, PA,SC, TX, andVA
TING SALE 2025 LOTS1-316
DAY1| JULY 10 |10AM
Additional images for each lot are available through the online bidding platforms and should be viewed as a part of each object’s description and condition.
1 WhiteWhale
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville,VA,2012 50 in. long
This white whale is one of only a small number by the artist which was inspired by his connection with Nantucket. Measuring fifty inches in length, it is among McNair’s largest. Made to hang above a fireplace mantle or on the wall, it features the maker’s finest carving detail with an
intricate eye, a row of carved inset bone teeth, a raised pectoral flipper, separated flukes, and the maker’s meticulous incised signature on the back. Original paint with wear and restored left fluke tip.
$8,000 - $12,000
“But what’s this long face about, Mr. Starbuck; wilt thou not chase the white whale? art not game for Moby Dick?”
— Herman Melville, Moby Dick; or, The Whale,1851
MARK S. MCNAIR
2 Stavis Preening Dovetailed Yellowlegs
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville,VA,c.1980 9 in. long
A hollow decoy with a removable dove-tailed head. This rare model is one of McNair’s earliest hollow shorebirds and the stick hole is a separate piece of wood that goes through the entire bird. The underside has a painted “The Stavis Collection,” and is incised with a “McNair” signature. Inside the neck joint is an incised “1.” A rigmate resides in the maker’s personal collection. Barrie and Bernice Stavis were two of McNair’s best and earliest patrons. Birds from the Stavis Collection have set numerous firm and species records and are considered to be some of the maker’s premier works. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Bob Ridges, Decoy Ducks, New York, NY, 1988, pp. 83 and 165, rigmates illustrated.
$2,000 - $4,000
3 Stavis Scarlet Tanager Weathervane
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, c. 1990 13 1/2 in. tall
A one-of-a-kind weathervane on the original finial base. Each side of the keel has golden celestial graphics. This piece was selected for Art Carter’s The SportingCraftsman book. The underside of the bird bears an incised “McNair” signature. Original paint with light wearandasapspotonleftsideofthroat.
Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Art Carter, The Sporting Craftsmen, New Albany, OH, 1994, p. 217, exact carving illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,500
4 “Poverty Island” Yellowlegs
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville,VA,2009
13 in. long, 16 1/4 in. tall
The undersides of the split-tail shorebirds both bear an incised “McNair” signature. This duo has wire legs, incised primaries, and fine stippled paint. Original paint with light wear.
$2,500 - $3,500
5 Stavis “High-Tri” Merganser Pair
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville,VA,c.1993
15in.long
A singular and robust pair of red-breasted mergansers with high-bodied and pegged constructionmadefor the Stavis Collection. The hen is holding a mollusk in her bill.
The underside of the drake carving bears a rarely seen incised “M. S. McNair” signature and the hen has an incised “McNair” signature.
This raredesignisanevolution of the maker’s “tri-merganser” model and McNair refers to it as the “high-tri.” This pair was the cover feature of the summer 1993 issue of
5 6
Wildfowl Carving and Collecting magazine. They are considered to be two of the maker’s most unique models to date. Excellent original paint and light wear.
Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Curtis Badger, “Mark McNair,” Wildfowl Carving and Collecting, Harrisburg, PA, Summer, 1993, front cover, exact decoys illustrated.
$5,000 - $8,000
6 Preening Wood Duck Hen
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville,VA,2012 13in.long
The underside of this raised-wing carving bears an incised “McNair” signature. The rarity of McNair wood duck hens is significant, with only a handful made in any pose. This is the only preening hen our firm has ever offered. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Florida
Literature: Nic Brown, “Chesapeake Chops,” Garden & Gun, April/May 2024, pp. 132-139, the artist is shown working on wood ducks.
$6,000 - $9,000
7 Stavis Pintail
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, c. 1991
23 1/2 in. long
A rare drake with raised wings and a very long sprig. This decoy was selected for Art Carter’s The Sporting Craftsmen book. The underside of the hollow body bears an incised “McNair” signature, the date, and an incised “Stavis Collection.” Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Art Carter, The Sporting Craftsmen,NewAlbany,OH, 1994, p. 217, exact decoy illustrated.
$2,500 - $3,500
8 Root-HeadPintailDrake
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville,VA,2025
17 1/2 in. long
A unique drake with a high and turned head made from a single cedar branch. The body was finished with knife carving and lively paint. The underside bears an incised “McNair” signature. Original paint with light wear.
$2,500 - $3,500
9 Miniature Root-Head Pintail Drake
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville,VA,2025
5 1/2 in. long
A unique drake with a high and turned head made from a single branch. The body was finished with knife carving and lively paint. The underside bears an incised “McNair” signature. Original paint with minimal wear.
$1,000 - $2,000
10 Miniature Hooded Merganser Pair
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, c. 1990
5 1/2 in. long
The undersides of these Hudson-style mergansers bear the maker’s “McNair” signature and collector initials by the artist. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Thomas J. O’Connor Collection Donald Kirson Collection
$2,500 - $4,500
11 Stavis Hen Ruddy Duck
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, c. 1985
10 in. long
The underside of the carving bears an incised “McNair” signature and a an incised designation reading “1st Hen Ruddy, The Stavis Collection.” This is also the only hen ruddy duck Mark McNair has ever made. The hollow body was made with pegged construction. A rigmate drake in the carver’s collection can be found on the front dust jacket of the book Decoy Ducks by Bob Ridges. Original paint and wear.
Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Bob Ridges, Decoy Ducks, New York, NY, 1988, p. 8 and dust jacket, rigmate drake illustrated.
$2,000 - $3,000
12 Stavis Breast-Preening Black Duck and Head
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, 1985
14 1/2 in. long
This raised-wing carving in a dramatic preening pose has a hollow body with pegged construction. It was inspired by the artist’s observations and encouraged by his early patron. On the underside is the rarely seen incised “M. S. McNair” signature, along with the date and an inscription to the patron. Included in this lot is an unfinished head in the same preening pose, signed, dated, and inscribed to Stavis. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above
$2,500 - $3,500
13 Stavis Early Preening Black Duck
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, 1973
14 1/2 in. long
The underside of this early McNair bears the maker’s incised “MSM” and a notation stating, “This is one of my very first decoys...The Wheeler/Holmes/Laing influence is certainly apparent...” Original paint with light wear and some surface discoloration.
Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above
$1,500 - $2,500
14 Early Blue-Winged Teal Pair
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville,VA,c.1977 drake is 13 in. long
An early pair of hollow teal with a preening hen. Both have incised “M. McNair” signatures with stars on their undersides. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Carol and Merrill Anderson Collection Donald Kirson Collection
$4,500 - $6,500
MARK S. MCNAIR
15 Stavis Rare Early Tern
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, 1983 15in.long
The underside of this early split-tail carving bears an incised “McNair,” the maker’s inked signature, the date, and the Stavis Collection designation. Original paint and original pegged knots, with light wear.
Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above
$1,000 - $1,500
16 Long-Billed Curlew
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, c. 2005 17in.long
This grand McNair curlew features the maker’s incised signature on the underside. Original paint with light wear.
Literature: Zac Zetterberg, ed., American Decoy: The Invention, Peoria, IL, 2020, p. 109, McNair shorebirds illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,000
17 Golden Plover
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville,VA,c.1995 11 3/4 in. long
A featherlight, hollow plover with an underside bearing an incised “McNair” signature and an inlaid stick hole. Original paint with light wear.
$1,500 - $2,500
18 Eskimo Curlew with Bone Bill
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, c. 2005 12 1/2 in. long
A refined decoy with a carved bone bill, pronounced wings, and an incised “McNair.” Original paint with light wear.
$1,500 - $2,500
19 Golden Plover
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, c. 2010 10 in. long
This carving has incised primaries, refined paint, and the underside bears an incised “McNair” signature. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection Private Collection, Massachusetts
$1,200 - $1,800
20 Stavis Dowitcher Pair
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, 1981 10 in. long
The undersides of the carvings bear the maker’s incised “MSM,” the date, and a notation on each. Revealing McNair’s sense of humor, one states, “One of my favorites,” while the other decoy reads, “The other favorite.” Original paint with even wear.
Provenance: The Barrie and Bernice Stavis Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above
$1,200 - $1,800
COLIN S. MCNAIR
Kingston, MA, 2025
39 1/2 in. long
A graceful running fox carving designed to hang on a wall with incised eye detail and the maker’s incised “C. McNair” on the backside. Original paint with minimal wear.
$3,000 - $5,000
Kingston, MA, 2025
50 1/2 in. long
Made to hang on a wall, this carving has relief carved eye, flipper, and tail flukes, and carved inserted teeth. The back is dated and signed with an incised “C. McNair” signature. Original paint and wear.
$3,000 - $5,000
21 Leaping Red Fox
Colin S. McNair (b. 1986)
22 WhiteWhale
Colin S. McNair (b. 1986)
23 Mockingbird
CameronT.McIntyre(b.1968)
New Church, VA 11 in. long
A rare life-size songbird carving with the maker’s incised “CTM” signature on the underside of the base. Original paint with minimal wear.
$1,500 - $2,500
24 Golden Plover Pair
CameronT.McIntyre(b.1968)
New Church, VA, c. 2000 11 in. long
Signed with an incised “CTM” on the underside. Original paint and light wear.
Provenance: Paul W. Masengarb Collection Private Collection, Massachusetts
$1,500 - $2,500
25 Curlew
CameronT.McIntyre(b.1968)
New Church, VA 16 1/2 in. long
A bold Northampton County style curlew, with Walter Brady influence, signed on the underside. Original paint and wear.
$2,500 - $3,500
“...by far the best I ever made.” — Bob White discussing this exact decoy
26 Early Black Duck Robert“Bob”White(b.1939)
Tullytown,PA,1969
16 1/2 in. long
This early and grand carving displays Bob White’s finest work. The body has extensive carved details, including carved primary and tail feathers. The primary feathers join attheirvery tips. The head is turned sharply to the side. White finished this presentation piece with his best paint, including fine ticking and soft blending. The underside is
identified, dated, and stamped “R. Kobli.” Excellent original paint with light wear, including rubs to tail tips.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$5,000 - $7,000
“It would seem that the tight little state of New Jersey has had more than its share of great decoy makers; both past and present. No other piece of real estate, equal in size, has had so many Shourdes, Parkers, Dawsons, Blacks, Cranmers, Johnsons, Grants, and on and on. Now a new name joins the list and the truth is out. Robert White is only on loan to Bristol, Pennsylvania; he was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey and so we Jerseyans claim him as a native son.”
— William J. Mackey
Jr., “He Carves to Win,” Decoy Collector’s Guide, 1968
27 Wood Duck Pair
Robert“Bob”White(b.1939)
Tullytown,PA,1991
15 1/2 in. long
This pair retains the maker’s triangular bobwhite-quail lead weight and each is dated and signed on the underside. The hen is in a seldom seem back-preening posture. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$1,000 - $1,500
28 Pintail Pair
Robert“Bob”White(b.1939)
Tullytown,PA,2004
17 1/2 in. long
The raised-wing carvings retain the maker’s triangular bobwhite-quail lead weight and are signed and dated on the bottom. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$1,000 - $1,500
29 Green-Winged Teal Pair
Robert“Bob”White(b.1939)
Tullytown,PA,2006
12 1/4 in. long
The pair retains the maker’s triangular bobwhite-quail lead weight and are dated and signed on the bottoms. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$1,000 - $1,500
BobWhitejudgingattheBarnegatBayDecoy Show in September1988inTuckerton,NJ. Photographfrom Decoy Magazine, September/ October1990.
30 Shoveler Pair
Robert“Bob”White(b.1939)
Tullytown, PA, c. 1990 13 3/4 in. long
The undersides are signed and have “R. White” weights. Original paint with light wear. Hen’s bill has been reset and repainted, some minor chipping to right edge of her tail.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$1,000 - $1,500
31 Cinnamon Teal Pair
Robert“Bob”White(b.1939)
Tullytown,PA,1993 14in.long
The underside of each decoy bears the maker’s signature, date, and quail weight. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$1,000 - $1,500
32 Red-BreastedMerganser
Robert “Bob” White (b. 1939) Tullytown, PA, 1982 17in.long
This merganser has a lively crest and is inscribed, signed, and dated on the underside by the maker. Original paint with minimal wear.
$800 - $1,200
33 Long-Tailed Duck Pair
Robert “Bob” White (b. 1939) Tullytown, PA, 2002 18 1/4 in. long
This pair retains White’s triangular bobwhite-quail lead weight, the date, and the maker’s signature on the bottoms. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Ron Kobli Collection Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$1,000 - $1,500
Jim Schmiedlin (1945-2015)
Bradford Woods, PA, 2005 16 in. long
A Pittsburgh native, Jim proudly served in the US Navy from 1965 to 1971. He began carving in his spare time while employed at Pittsburgh Brewing (Iron City Beer), where he worked for forty years. The underside bears the maker’s “JAS” brand, “Return for Reward,” the date, and signature. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Ron Kobli Collection, acquired from the maker Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$4,000 - $6,000
35 Gadwall
Jim Schmiedlin (1945-2015)
Bradford Woods, PA, 2001 15 1/2 in. long
The underside bears the maker’s “JAS” brand, “Return for Reward,” the date, signature and a note to the collector. Original paint with light wearandavery tight crack under tail.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$4,000 - $6,000
34 Wigeon
JIMSCHMIEDLIN
36 Broadbill Drake
Jim Schmiedlin (1945-2015)
Bradford Woods, PA, 2003 14 1/4 in. long
A turned-head decoy that appears to have seen minimal use before being gifted to a host. The underside bears the “JAS” brand, reward badge, and a personal note. Original paint with minimal wearandaminute crack in lower right breast and left under tail.
Provenance: Ron Kobli Collection, acquired from the maker Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$2,500 - $4,500
37 Broadbill Hen
Jim Schmiedlin (1945-2015) Bradford Woods, PA, 2005 17in.long
A grand decoy with extensive detail and an outreached and turned head. The underside bears the maker’s “JAS” brand, “Return for Reward,” the date, the maker’s signature, and a personal note. Excellent original paint with light wear, some strengthening by the artist, mostly to area between neck and wings.
Provenance: Ron Kobli Collection, acquired from the maker Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$2,500 - $4,500
38 Hooded Merganser
Jim Schmiedlin (1945-2015)
Bradford Woods, PA, 1980 16 in. long
An early decorative by the maker, the underside bears the date,thespecies,andthemaker’s signature. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$2,000 - $3,000
39 Long-TailedDrake
Jim Schmiedlin (1945-2015)
Bradford Woods, PA, 1990 18 1/2 in. long
The underside of this turned-head example bears the maker’s “JAS” brand, species name, the date, and signature. This carving was never rigged. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$2,500 - $4,500
40 Mackey “Matthews Rig” Plover
Dave “Umbrella” Watson (1851-1932)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1890 8 3/4 in. long
Concerning the maker, William J. Mackey Jr. wrote in Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, “So little is known about Watson and his work that one wonders how such famous gunners as Van Campen Heilner came to have the Gooseville Gun Club stocked with Watson’s decoys. Of course, he was head and shoulders over all local competition. It is only within the last few years, however, that his shorebirds have been identified.”
A tucked-head decoy with scratch feathering. Original paint with gunning wear, including rubs to breast and a chip to tail. The bill is original.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, New York, NY, 1971.
$2,500 - $4,500
“Umbrella”Watson.Photograph courtesy of TommyO’Connor.
41 Mackey “Matthews Rig” Yellowlegs
Dave “Umbrella” Watson (1851-1932)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1890 10 1/2 in. long
Mackey acquired the Matthews rig from the hunter’s estate and discussed it in his book AmericanBirdDecoys
This newly rediscovered example has raised wings and a ridged tail. Old working repaint with even gunning wear and flaking. Tight old crack in crown.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, New York, NY, 1971.
$2,500 - $4,500
DAVE "UMBRELLA" WATSON
42 Mackey “Matthews Rig” Plover in Winter Plumage
Dave “Umbrella” Watson (1851-1932)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1890 9 in. long
A tucked-head shorebird with Watson’s ridged and slightly dropped tail. Strong original paint with even gunning wear, tight crack along left side.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, New York, NY, 1971.
$2,500- $4,500
43 Mackey “Matthews Rig” Yellowlegs Dave “Umbrella” Watson (1851-1932)
Chincoteague,VA,c.1890 10 3/4 in. long
This newly rediscovered decoy has raised wings and a ridged tail. Working repaint worn down to original paint with gunning wear and glued original bill.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p 160, rigmates illustrated.
$2,500 - $4,500
“In 1837, Nathan Cobb Sr. decided to migrate with his family from 44 Cape Cod to the South. A storm lashed the Atlantic Coast and the Cobbs, in their battered schooner, were forced to seek shelter near Oyster, Virginia... The industrious Cobbs embraced nature’s bounty and the possibilities all around them, forging an unrivaled sporting paradise…Their vision eventually culminated in a hotel, a ballroom, a bowling alley and even a train station! …We imagine the island in its glory days, complete with beach bathing, eating oysters, fishing for drum, and dance halls filled with laughter and music. We envision the great flocks of plover, curlew, red-knots, brant, ducks and geese setting into Cobb decoys.”
— Stephen B. O’Brien Jr., “Pillars of Sand” (adapted), Foreword to Wings of Wonder: The Remarkable Story of the Cobb Family and the Priceless Decoys They Created on Their Island Paradise
44 The Mackey-Carton Cobb Goose
Nathan F. Cobb Jr. (1825-1905) Cobb Island, VA, c. 1880 26 1/2 in. long
William J. Mackey Jr. in AmericanBirdDecoys writes, “The first Cobb decoys to come to the attention of serious collectors caused some confusion, since all decoys have regional characteristics and the Cobb decoys showed a form of construction that was identified with New England makers. This problem quickly resolves itself when we recall that the Cobbs were Yankees in a new home and simply reverted to the style of decoys made in Massachusetts… Perhaps the Cobbs had previous skills in boatbuilding; at any rate, they were determined to produce the best decoys possible, and their work excellently served the needs of both the nineteenth-century hunter and the modern collector.”
This Mackey-Carton Cobb goose decoy is being debuted to the modern collecting community after spending three-quarters of a century in a New Jersey estate. It carries impeccable provenance; William J. Mackey Jr. discovered this Southern gem and noted on its underside thatheacquiredthebirddirectlyfromOscarCrumb(19041975) of Oyster, Virginia. Both Mackey and Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry discuss the importance of the Crumb family, with Newberry listing Oscar and his forebears as “major players in the waterfowl history of Northampton County.” Oscar’s father, Joseph Crumb (1881-1935), is known to have possessed a rig linking a number of the region’s finest decoys.
Mackey continues, “...the Crumb family, who also came from New England. Splendid baymen and hunters, they seem to have made few decoys, and none are known with identifiable Crumb markings. Captain Charles H. Crumb of Oyster, Virginia, who was born in 1840 and was badly wounded in the Civil War, hunted until 1920. A student of nature and an excellent taxidermist, he must have had some outstanding decoys.HisrigandthatofJosephH. Crumb (1885-1935), the family’s best-known hunter, have disappeared.”
While demonstratingalloftheboldfeatures that define the Cobb style, this premier example reveals a subtle delicacy seldom seen in any Southern decoy. This hollow bird sports
a rare inletted head with a huge craw raising from the breast. Local history relays this bulged chest and low head represented a well fed and contented bird. Newberry notes that collectors generally agree that geese with inletted heads are earlier than the applied heads. The head turns to the left in a calm pose with full cheeks, German glass eyes, and excellent proportions.The bird is a giant, measuring
well over two feet long at twenty-six and one-half inches. Nathan’s tail carving is among the finest seen on any Northampton County decoy and a ridge arcs from the diamond-cut raised wing tips across to the bold shoulders. With anappealing, and untouched bone-dry patina, this Mackey example has one of the better surfaces and forms of any Cobb goose to come to market. In rare, dry paint with a mix of original and Cobb working overpaint with gunning wear. Some cracks to body, black added to area of reset neck cracks, and there is a very old chip to lower right edge of bill.
Provenance: Crumb Family Rig
William J. Mackey Jr. Collection, acquired from Oscar Crumb Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950 Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry, Wings of Wonder: The Remarkable Story of the Cobb Family and the Priceless Decoys They Created on Their Island Paradise, Columbia, SC, 2020, front dust-jacket cover, two reaching geese illustrated, pp. 222-224, related inletted-head geese illustrated.
William J. Mackey Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, 1965, color pl. VII, related goose illustrated, pp. 151-157, Cobb and Crumb discussed.
$60,000 - $90,000
IRA D. HUDSON
1873-1949|
VA
45 Exceptional Purnell-Hudson Merganser Pair
Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1930
15 1/2 in. long
This rig-mate pair of red-breasted mergansers hail from the renowned decoy collection of William H. Purnell Jr. Perhaps the greatest Southern decoy collector of all time, his “WHP Jr.” brand of approval found its way onto the undersides of many of the best decoys to come out of the South, including this pair.
Over the course of the last six decades, the greatest decoy collectors of all time have made the pilgrimage down to Mr. Purnell’s in the hopes that they might acquire a signature Southern acquisition or two. Indeed, three of the top four Hudson merganser pairs to ever be sold have passed through the hands of Mr. Purnell.
Among those four Hudson pairs, two are hooded mergansers that reside in two of the country’s top decoy collections,and the two other pairs are red-breasted mergansers. One pair resides in a top New England collection and the other is this pair.
Ira Hudson had a very distinct and stylized take on mergansers with his delicate bill treatment, thinly carved crests,
Top:Bull-Purnell Hooded MerganserPair. Bottom:Mackey-PurnellRed-Breasted MerganserPair.Imagecourtesy of Joe Engers, Decoy Magazine.
and fluted paddle tails. His carving tendencies led to very few examples surviving intact, the rigors of hunting alongtherough waters of the Atlantic Coast. The condition of this exceedingly rare pair in strong original paint is virtually unprecedented. Indeed, the only known rigmate hen set a world record for the maker nearly two decades ago when it sold for $214,000. Legend has it that there were six birds in this rig; however, the world record hen, this hen, and this single drake are the only three to have surfaced.
Love for Hudson’s work by collectors is well documented. In William J. Mackey Jr.’s pioneering book, American Bird Decoys, he profiled Hudson as the “...best commercial decoy maker Virginia ever produced...” Describing a closely related pair, also owned by Purnell, Mackey writes, “A pair of Red-breasted Mergansers that illustrate the best work of Ira Hudson of Chincoteague Island, Virginia.” The Mergansers chapter of Hudson biographer Henry Stansbury’s well-researched book begins, “Folk art collectors easily fall prey to the lure of merganser decoys. Each carver’s varied interpretations of the flowing crests of these racy birds add a dimension to the presence of these decoys not found in other species of waterfowl. Merganser decoys from
the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Chincoteague in particular, are among the folkiest ever produced. Ira Hudson arguably made the finest.”
With Hudson’s best “football” form, each carving features the thin, flared, and fluted tails that collectors look for.
The intact bills have incised rows of serrated teeth which are flanked by mandible carving. Ira’s best head carving is on display with full cheeks, eye grooves, and painted eye brows. Tight wing bars flank both birds, with the scratch feathering on the hen being some of the finest seen on any Hudson decoy.
A rare opportunity to acquire one of the most iconic pairs of Virginia decoys to ever come to market. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear. Small old chip to bottom of hen’s crest, and some minor roughness on underside where weights were removed.
Provenance: William H. Purnell Jr. Collection Private Collection, acquired from the above
Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p.161, pl. 134, related Mackey-Purnell pair illustrated. Quintina Colio, American Decoys, Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 18, related
Mackey-Purnell pair illustrated.
RobertH.Richardson,ed., ChesapeakeBayDecoys, Burtonsville, MD, 1991, p. 139, related Mackey-Purnell pair illustrated.
Cameron McIntyre, “Ira Hudson,” Decoy Magazine, Sept./Oct. 1995, p. 9, related Mackey-Purnell pair illustrated.
Henry H. Stansbury, Ira D. Hudson and Family, Lewes, DE, 2002, pp. 113-119, many mergansers illustrated.
$150,000 - $250,000
IRA D. HUDSON
46 Exceedingly RareWood Duck Drake
Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1945
13 1/4 in. long
“There is a couple who run a bed and breakfast on Chincoteague that tell a story,” writes Henry Stansbury, “of how Ira Hudson would walk into town with a basket of decorative birds he had carved and painted to either sell them to merchants or barter them for merchandise.”
Today Hudson and his family are as well known for their whimsical decorative carvings as they are for their gunning decoys. Hudson wood ducks of any size are exceedingly rare and a review of Stansbury’s Ira Hudson and Family book reveals that no two appear to be carved in the same fashion. The grand crest with fluting on this full-size decoy relates closely to those seen on some of his miniatures.
Through sculpturessuchasthisone,Hudsonplanted his flag as the South’s greatest waterfowl folk artist of the era. This resourceful maker carved his decoys from a variety of wood types, including driftwood and old ships’ masts. In addition to working decoys, Hudson carved miniatures, decoratives, and fish. Original paint with light wear, a couple small flakes on rear left side, and tight crack under tail.
Literature: Henry H. Stansbury, Ira D. Hudson and Family,Lewes,DE, 2002, pp. 142-157, decorative wood ducks illustrated.
$20,000 - $30,000
ArelatedIra Hudson miniaturewoodduckpicturedin Southern Decoys of Virginia and the Carolinas by Henry A. Fleckenstein,Jr.
DAVE "UMBRELLA" WATSON
1851-1932|CHINCOTEAGUE,VA
“Acoupleofinterestingandwell-informed guidesled thewaytotheformerhomeofDave Watson,whodepartedthisearthin1938 [sic].MytwoworthyleaderswereDelbert DaiseyandMillardJones,historians ofboth thepast and presentsportingsceneonChincoteagueIsland’seastside.Actually, without their memories and assistance Dave Watson,the finestcarverofdecoysthatAccomackCounty,Virginia,produced,wouldstillbeunknown. Nothingremainstoencourageadecoypilgrimage.
“Eventheknee-highpileofwoodshavings, whichmust be viewedastheall-timefire hazard,isgone.Butitseemedthebestpossibletimeandplace toreviewwhatlittleis knownaboutitsformerowner,knownas“Umbrella”becauseheneverleftthehouse withoutcarryingone.Thisquirkintriguedandsurprisedmanymembers ofthe community ofChincoteague.Yearbyyeartheinevitablelegendoftheumbrellagrew,butcollectors havenotallowedthiseccentricitytodimtheimageofhiscarvingskill.Watsonhadanother habit,too.Inacommunityofmenwhoworerubberbootsasawayoflife,thechampion wasDave Watson,whowasneverseeninpublicorprivatewithouttheinevitableboots.
Dave “Umbrella” Watson (1851-1932) Chincoteague, VA, c. 1925 17 1/2 in. long
David “Umbrella” Watson is among the most distinct and revered of all Southern decoy makers. He first left Delaware for Willis Wharf, Virginia, on the upper edge of Northampton County. From there he eventually settled up the Intracoastal Waterway in Accomack County on Chincoteague. Watson earned his “Umbrella” moniker byalwayshavingoneonhand,regardlessoftheweather, he’s also said to have worn boots at all times and is also referred to as “Bootsie.” In studying his exceptional decoys, it appears his broad exposure paired with his peculiar personality may have led to his unique approach to decoy making. His decoys have a style all their own with hollow bodies, which were not common in Accomack, raised wing tips, and highly pronounced eye brow carving finished with exceptionally detailed paint patterns using a suite of brush techniques.
William Purnell owned the best decoys from this Watson rig. In the Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys, Purnell and his co-author relay that Watson “... made brant, geese, and black ducks primarily with a few canvasbacks, redheads, pintails, and bluebills and a limited number of shorebirds. The painstaking care that his carvings show is evidence of the time it took to carve them. He was a slow carver, and most of his decoys were too expensive for the average hunter.” Indeed, this pintail pair was not made for the average hunter. They were crafted for the well-appointed Assateague Rod & Gun Club, just east across the channel from Chincoteague. This pair seems to have been incidentally preserved by the Great Depression. The Club was thriving in the 1920s, then in 1938 this rig was salvaged from an Assateague shed that was to be razed. They remain his best known pair extant.
Today the Assateague Club’s few surviving pintails are recognizedasWatson’smostimportantworksandtheyare second-to-none among all Southern pintails. Several drakes reside in top collections around the country with none better than this drake. The hen rounding out this rigmate pair is even more rare and unsurpassed by any Watson decoy to have surfaced. The duo was reunited by Don Kirson and together they represent a unique opportunity to acquireaniconic Southern pair.
Collectors, authors, and curators have celebrated this duo for decades. Flipping the bodies over, a look at the underside reveals nine unique collector and exhibition markings on each bird, including Purnell’s “P” and “WHP Jr” brands, the Assateague Rod & Gun Club’s “paw” brand, a Ward Museum label, and the “Kirson Collection” stamp. The hen also has the oval tag imprint of the great Southern decoy collector Charlie Hunter. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear.
Provenance: Assateague Rod & Gun Club
William H. Purnell Jr. Collection
Charlie Hunter Collection (hen only)
Donald Kirson Collection
Literature: Robert Shaw, Bird Decoys of North America, New York, NY, 2010, p. 211, exact hen illustrated.
Joe Engers, ed., The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys, San Diego, CA, 1990, pp. 153-154, Watson discussed, p. 158, rigmate drake and exact hen illustrated.
John Clayton, “Massachusetts Masters: Decoys, Shorebirds, and Decorative Carvings,” The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art,Salisbury University, 2010, pp. 47, exact hen and rigmate drake illustrated.
Loy S. Harrell Jr., Decoys: North America’s One Hundred Greatest, Iola, WI, 2000, p. 95, exact drake illustrated.
Exhibited:Lincoln,Nebraska, The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form, Sheldon Memorial Art Gallery, 1975. (hen only)
Ward Museum, Salisbury, MD
$125,000-$175,000
48 MerganserPair
Doug Jester (1876-1961) Chincoteague,VA,c.1930 drake is 13 in. long
An early pair that appears to never have been gunned, each has a very old rectangular paper collector’s tag tacked to the underside. Both are in excellent dry original paint with light wear. Hen with three small dents in bill tip.
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., Southern Decoys of Virginia and The Carolinas, Exton, PA, 1983, pp. 46, 90-92, related hooded mergansers illustrated.
$7,500 - $9,500
49 The Hunter Hancock Hooded Merganser
Miles Hancock (1888-1974)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1930
14 1/2 in. long
This rare decoy features a two-piece body made from balsa that was finished with a special elaborate paint pattern. It features an intact thin serrated crest that certainly caught the attention of the legendary Mr. Hunter. The underside bears the imprint of the Hunter Collection tag, and an early collector note. Original paint with even gunning wear and spot of touch-up to ding on left side of bill. Thin crest has remained unbroken. Original paint and filler at neck seam account for minor variance in texture.
Provenance: Charles Hunter Collection Private Collection
$3,500 - $4,500
50 Purnell “Butterball” Pair
Miles Hancock (1888-1974)
Chincoteague,VA,c.1940 12in.long
Rigmate bufflehead with the “WHP Jr” stamp on the undersides. Original paint with gunning wear.
Provenance: William H. Purnell Jr. Collection Private Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
51 The Hunter Black Skimmer
Doug Jester (1876-1961)
Chincoteague,VA,c.1910 17 1/2 in. long
Much like tern decoys, skimmer decoys are virtually nonexistent. This carving was likely used to lure “cutwaters” or “scissor-bills” within range to be harvested for the millinery trade. The underside has the imprint of Charlie Hunter’s collection tag. Original paint with even wear. Some possible restoration to left side.
Provenance: Charlie Hunter Collection Private Collection, Virginia
Literature: Henry Fleckenstein, Southern Decoys, p. 98, relatedshorebirdillustrated.
$4,500 - $6,500
52 Bush Collection Broadbill
Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Chincoteague,VA,c.1935 13in.long
A bold gunning decoy with a grand body, lively paint, and deeply fluted banjo tail. The excellent condition of this decoy suggests that it was never hunted, and it is very possible that Bush collected it as a contemporary decoy from the maker in the 1930s or 1940s. Original paint with minimal wear, some crazing mostly around wing tips and on front sides, minimal darkening to some flaking, and a crack along top right side.
Provenance: Walter L. Bush Collection Collection of a New York City Museum, acquired from the above in 1953
Private Collection
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., Decoys of the Mid-AtlanticRegion, Exton, PA, 1979, p. 195, closely related decoy illustrated.
$2,000 - $4,000
53 1930 Battery and Sink Box License
Princess Anne, VA, 1930 metal plate, 2 by 4 in.
An exceedingly rare “License to Hunt From Battery Or Sink Box Rig” in Princess Anne County, Virginia, for the 1930 to 1931 hunting season. This metal license plate has been fitted into a wooden board. Asfound.
$1,000 - $2,000
54 Rare Two-Piece Bluebill
Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1930 13in.long
Displaying Hudson’s most grand bluebill form, this decoy has a high two-piece body with deep wing separation and a thin paddle tail. This example is noteworthy for its crown that curves back towards the bill. Original paint with gunning wear, chip from left edge of tail, some flaking and age lines, neck crack, and darkening to some wear on black.
$1,500 - $2,000
55 Bluebill
Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Chincoteague, VA, c. 1920 13in.long
A classic “football” model with a fluted tail. Original paint with even gunning wear. Original knot indent on lower right side.
$1,000 - $1,400
56 Bufflehead Pair
Doug Jester (1876-1961)
Chincoteague,VA,c.1920 10 1/4 in. long
An unrigged butterball pair. Original paint with light wear. Touch-up to patch on bottom of hen.
$1,500 - $2,500
57 MerganserPair
Miles Hancock (1888-1974)
Chincoteague,VA,c.1938 16 in. long
A pair of merganser decoys displaying tack eyes and saw-toothcrests. Original paint with moderate gunning wear. Drake has crack in bill and at base of neck. A couple flakes at front of hen’s neck seam.
$1,500 - $2,500
58 Walter Matia (b. 1953) Peace Be With You signed“Matia” on leaf bronze, 12 by 22 by 12 in., maple leaves are 1 1/2 by 13 3/4 by 11 1/2 in. edition 1 of 2 in special, larger variation
Two mourning doves perched on a maple branch. This is the first casting in an edition of two in a special, larger
variation of Peace Be With You. The additional groupoffive maple leaves allows for several possible arrangements of thework.
$5,000 - $7,000
“This dove sculpture was the original design for a smaller work titled Peace Be With You. This is one of only two large versions that were constructed.”
— Walter Matia
59 Walter Matia (b. 1953) Deuces Are Wild,2002 signed and dated “Matia 2002” on base bronze, 38 by 53 by 25 in. edition of 16 with only 11 made
Walter Matia is known for the remarkable amount of surface detail in his bronzes. He studied both biology and art design, the influence of which is apparent in his balanced and anatomically correct works. His subjects run the gamut of wildlife from eagles, to bulls, to sporting dogs. As Tom Davis writes in Sporting Classics, “[Walter Matia] paid his dues, assembled a remarkable body of work, and established himself as a wildlife and sporting sculptor of uncommon perception, imagination and reach.”
This dynamic, life-size depiction of wild turkeys is among the artist’s finest works. It is also one of Matia’s most well-known and viewed subjects as a life-size trio version resides at the breathtaking National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Another version graces the grounds at the Leigh Yawking Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin.
*Please note black base is for illustration purposes only, bronze will require a custom base not sold with this lot.
$18,000 - $24,000
Relatedbronzeatthe National Museum of Wildlife Art, JacksonHole,Wyoming.
60 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
FlyingGrouse,1924
signed and dated “F. W. Benson 24” lower left watercolor, 21 by 30 in.
titled on The Milch Galleries, New York label on back George M.L. La Branche Jr. collection tag on back
La Branche was “a noted angler and authority on fly-fishing” who was a disciple of Theodore Gordon, according tohis New York Times obituary. “Mr. La Branche established his reputation in the sport-fishing world with the appearance of two books that became recognized manuals, The Dry Fly and Fast Water, published in 1914, and The Salmon and the Dry Fly, 1924. He was a past president and the last surviving charter member of the Anglers Club of New York and a member of the Fly Fishers Club of London. Mr. La Branche had been a member of the New York Stock Exchange for forty-four years.”
A survey of Faith Andrews Bedford’s well-researched The Sporting Art of Frank W. Benson reveals only a handful of upland bird paintings, with none earlier or finer than La Branche’s likely commissioned work Flying Grouse
This fine Benson watercolor depicts one of the greatest moments that any upland hunter will encounter, the thunderous roar as “Ol’ Ruff” takes flight.
Provenance: George M.L. La Branche Jr. Collection Private Collection, Indiana
Literature: “George La Branche, Fly-Fishing Expert,” The New York Times, November 20, 1961.
$15,000 - $25,000
61 Edmund Henry Osthaus (1858-1928)
Grouse Shooting in New England signed “Edm. H. Osthaus” lower right watercolor, 17 3/4 by 25 1/4 in. titled on back
In 1893 Osthaus dedicated his full attention to painting, shooting, and field trials. He was a charter member of the National Field Trial Association established in Newton, North Carolina, in 1895. “Edmund Osthaus followed field trials from the fall prairie chicken trials in Canada to the important quailtrialsintheSouthinmid-winter, judging, sketching, and sometimes entering his dogs. He was a handsome, powerfully built man,” and his artistic talent combined with his love of dogs enabled him to capture the essence of the focused working dog while depicting them in precise anatomical detail.
“Any painter who paints for shooting men had better be a shooting man himself, for no one is more jealously critical of detail than the man who knows guns and dogs and game... Edmund Osthaus, who trained and shot over his own setters and pointers, transformed ...paint into dog flesh quivering under the stress of a point.”
Literature: Kay and George Evans, “Dogs That Live Forever,” Field & Stream, vol. LXXV, no. 2, June 1970, pp. 234-240.
$10,000 - $20,000
62 George Browne (1918-1958)
Pasture Edging - Ruffed Grouse signed “George Browne” lower left oil on canvas, 20 by 30 in. signed and titled on back
Struck down at the age of forty in a tragic shooting accident, George Browne is known to have completed only afewhundredfinishedworksinhislifetime.Thethoughtful rendering of his sporting and wildlife scenes suggests a man full of talent and promise. Due to his untimely death, Browne left behind a limited and highly coveted body of work. Following in the footsteps of artists/sportsmen like Frank W. Benson (1862-1951), Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius (1869-1959), and Aiden Lassell Ripley (18961969), George Browne painted the waterfowl and upland game birds that he also hunted. Browne is known for his deft handling of paint and his incredible attention to detail.
The artist was a good friend of sportsman Harry Havemeyer Webb during his lifetime, and this fine canvas likely depicts the landscape setting near Shelburne Farms in Vermont, where the two hunted together.
Provenance: Mr. and Mrs. Harry Havemeyer Webb Collection, Shelburne, Vermont
Private Collection, by descent
Private Collection, South Carolina, acquired from Christie’s, American Art Online, May 17-24, 2017, lot 213
Private Collection, Montana, acquired from Copley Fine Art Auctions, The Winter Sale 2018, lot 79
$16,000 - $24,000
1878-1960
63 Lynn Bogue Hunt (1878-1960)
The ‘Pilar’ Fights a Blue Marlin Off Cuba North Coast, Ernest Hemingway, 1940 signed “Lynn Bogue Hunt” lower left oil on canvas, 22 by 18 in. titled “The ‘Pilar’ Fights a Blue Marlin Off Cuba North Coast, Ernest Hemingway” on back
Lynn Bogue Hunt was born in rural Honeoye Falls, New York, into a family that ran a small sawmill operation. He grew up with modest means, but spent hours outside exploring the natural surroundings in the woods near his home. He often collected birds and practiced taxidermy, a hobby that led to his accurate portrayal of his wildlife subjects.
Hunt contributed illustrations to his own articles as well as cover illustrations to magazines, such as Field & Stream, Sports Afield, and Free Press. During his lifetime, Hunt painted for private collectors and companies such as DuPont,illustrated over forty books, and produced roughly 250 magazine covers. Though he spent much of his life far from nature in New York City, Hunt had a strong foundation as a knowledgeable outdoorsman, bird hunter, and fisherman, enabling him to accurately capture the essence oftheoutdoors.
In May 1940, this work appeared on the cover of The Rotarian, the official magazine of Rotary International. Raymond T. Schmitz worked for Rotary for many years, including as the magazine’s business manager.
The accompanying article notes, “Beneath the vast glitter of the Gulf Stream off the coastofCuba lurks the greatest challenge in the world to anglers who love to fight the big ones. And no authority on the subject ranks higher than AuthorErnest Hemingway, friend of Artist Lynn Bogue Hunt who limned Hemingway’s boat, the Pilar, in the background of the Leaping Marlin cover on this month’s Rotarian.”
In the article, Hemingway writes, “In May and June there is a run of white marlin off Havana which provides the finest marlin fishing in the world. On days when the fish are running heavily, it is not uncommon to see 20 or more fish in a day. On May 20, 1933, I caught seven marlin within an hour’s cruising range of Morro Castle at trolling speed...
“The size and strength of the marlin are almost past belief. The largest caught in the 1939 tournament weighed 370 pounds. One big fellow, hooked from a drifting rowboat off Havana, towed the craft 50 miles down the coast when he headed out to sea. At ten miles out the discouraged fishermen cut the line--and the old war horse may be going yet,” the article continues.
Hemingway’s influence in the sport fishing world cannot beoverstatedandextendsfarbeyondhiswritings.A passionate and experienced fisherman, Hemingway was one of the most outspoken promoters of fishing ethics and sportsmanship of his time. As a founding member of the International Game Fish Association, he served as the organization’s first vice president from 1939, maintaining this position until his death in 1961. This work, depicting one of the greatest American outdoor writers and sportsmen of all time, painted by Hunt, his good friend and storied illustrator, is one of the most important angling paintings ever to be offered for sale.
Provenance: The artist Raymond T. Schmitz Collection Private Collection, by descent Private Collection, Illinois
Literature: TheRotarian Magazine, Vol. 56, No. 5, May 1940, illustrated on cover.
$25,000 - $35,000
ErnestHemingway(left) and Lynn Bogue Hunt intheFloridaKeys.Photocourtesyof BudWeiler.
64
65 Lynn Bogue Hunt (1878-1960)
Grouse,1951
signed “Lynn Bogue Hunt” center left oil on canvas, 12 by 16 in. inscribed “Ray Schmitz Personal” on back
This painting appeared on the cover of The Rotarian magazine in November 1951, which also sold and distributed prints of the work for 10 cents apiece. “You upland game hunters can easily obtain a full color print of this month’s grouse cover for your den, office, or study,” the magazine notes.
Provenance: The artist Raymond T. Schmitz Collection Private Collection, by descent Private Collection, Illinois
Literature: TheRotarian, Vol. LXXIX, No. 5, November 1951, illustrated on cover.
$7,000-$10,000
64 Lynn Bogue Hunt (1878-1960)
LoneElk,1947
signed “Lynn Bogue Hunt” lower left oil on canvas, 15 3/4 by 11 3/4 in.
This painting appeared on the cover of TheRotarian magazine in November 1947. Ray Schmitz, who acquired these paintings from the artist, worked for Rotary International for over forty years as the magazine’s business manager, among other roles.
Provenance: The artist Raymond T. Schmitz Collection Private Collection, by descent Private Collection, Illinois
Literature: TheRotarian, Vol. LXXI, No. 5, November 1947, illustrated on cover.
$7,000-$10,000
65
66 Ogden M. Pleissner (1905-1983)
Le Cran Serré - Moisie River signed “Pleissner” lower right watercolor, 18 by 28 in. titled on back
In his monograph on Pleissner, Peter Bergh writes, “Great sporting artists are great artists who know the habits of wildcreaturesandhavecommittedtomemoryeverydetail of habitat... [They] have experienced the thrill of an Atlantic salmon.”
This crisp, bright watercolor, depicts fly fishing for Atlantic salmon at Le Cran Serré, one of the most famous pools on the renowned Moisie River. Bill Taylor, president of The Atlantic Salmon Federation, explains, “Pleissner was a
regular guest at the Moise Salmon Club. The Moise is one of the world’s great salmon rivers and the Cran Serré is one of the river’s greatest pools.”
Provenance: Malcolm Stratford, commissioned from the artist
Peggy Powers Stratford, by descent
Bob Powers, by descent
Peggy Powers Bille, by descent
Private Collection, Connecticut
$30,000 - $50,000
AIDEN LASSELL RIPLEY
67
68 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Hunter with Setter, 1937
signed and dated “A. Lassell Ripley 1937” lower left watercolor, 13 1/4 by 19 in.
Along with his contemporary Ogden Pleissner (19051983), Ripley exemplified the life of a successful sporting artist. Collectors of Ripley s sporting art endorsed his numerous trips to the salmon rivers of New Brunswick and the quail plantations of Georgia, where the artist indulged his passion for hunting and fishing while recording material he would use in his art.
$3,000 - $5,000
67 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
The Grouse Hunter signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower left watercolor, 19 by 15 in.
Born in Wakefield, Massachusetts, Aiden Lassell Ripley was the son of a Boston Symphony Orchestra musician. From an early age he excelled at music, but he soon discovered a deeper interest in painting. By his mid-teens, Ripley was committed to a career in art, commuting into Boston to take classes. After returning from service in World War I, he attended the Boston Museum School where he studied with the country’s top artists, including Philip Leslie Hale (18651934) and Frank W. Benson (1862-1951).
Ripley was awarded a Paige Traveling Fellowship to study in Europe. While abroad, he painted watercolors “en plein air” in North Africa, France, and Holland. Upon his return in 1925, he was elected to the prestigious Guild of Boston Artists. His work focused on the New England countryside as well as depictions of city life and railroad commuting scenes. The Great Depression, however, limited the sales potential for these works. Following a successful one-man show of his sporting art in 1930, Ripley decided to change tack and specialize in hunting, fishing, and outdoor scenes as subjects.
Provenance: Private Collection, Newburyport, Massachusetts, acquired as a gift from the artist in 1968 Alex Chester Collection
$8,000 - $12,000
68
AIDEN
69 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Grouse and Apples, 1937 signed and dated “A. Lassell Ripley 1937” lower left watercolor, 19 by 24 1/2 in.
This fine watercolor, depicting the artist’s favorite bird, shows Ripley as the master of upland bird portraits. Sporting art collector Guido R. Perera, a friend and patron of the artist, marveled at Ripley’s knowledge of his favorite game bird, “Aiden may have been a grouse in one incarnation.”
Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts
$8,000 - $12,000
Acloselyrelatedwork, Grouse in the Orchard, sold at Copley’sSportingSale2009for$77,625.
“Few sculptors can both attend to the minute details while holding the whole story together. Ruehle was a master. These dog sculptures display a perfect balance between the details of the situation and the gestures of the moment.”
— Walt Matia
70 Jon Ruehle (1949-2020) Thick and Thin,1986
signed and dated “1986 Ruehle” on base bronze 9 1/2 by 14 by 9 1/2 in.
Ruehle became a professional sculptor in 1974. His work canbefound in the collection of the National Academy of Design in New York as well as the National Wildlife Art Museum in Jackson, Wyoming. Additionally, Ruehle worked for many years as a biology instructor in Arkansas after completing a PhD in plant developmental genetics. He was a member of the Society of Animal Artists, among other honors in his art career.
One of Ruehle’s largest and most intricate pieces, this bronze captures an elegant setter as it works through thick brush.
$2,000 - $3,000
71 Jon Ruehle (1949-2020) Pointer, 1986
signed and dated “1986 Ruehle” on base bronze, 8 3/4 by 10 1/2 by 4 in. edition 7 of 50
$1,500 - $2,500
Walter Matia (b.
Pine Spirits signed and numbered “Matia 34/36” lower left bronze, 18 by 15 1/2 by 7 1/2 in. edition 34 of 36, unique variation
This is a unique variation of Pine Spirits, with two quail flushing from a pine bough.
$3,000 - $5,000
72
1953)
WILLIAM GOADBY LAWRENCE
73 William Goadby Lawrence (1913-2002)
Leaping Sailfish, 1946 signed “Wm Goadby Lawrence” lower left oil on canvas, 20 by 24 in.
William Goadby Lawrence was born in Rumson, New Jersey, in 1913. He attended the Art Students League in New York City and had his first show at the outfitters Abercrombie and Fitch. During World War II, he served as a combat artist, a Chief Boatswain’s Mate, and experienced action in battles in North Africa and Japan.
After the war, Lawrence continued his artistic pursuits. His illustrations appeared in various magazines, including Field and Stream. On February 28, 1942, the cover of The Post featured a marlin painting by Lawrence. His work was also published in Van Campen Heilner’s Salt Water Fishing and Bob Dunn and Peter Goadby’s Saltwater Game Fishes of the World
Lawrence’s paintings have been exhibited in the Library of Congress, the Museum of Natural History, and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Museum. Lawrence is widely recognized as one of the greatest fish painters of all time.
Provenance: John L. Wehle, founder of the Genesee Country Museum and the John L. Wehle Gallery of Art in Mumford, New York, purchased from the Crossroads of Sport, Inc., New York, June 1946
Private Collection, California Private Collection
$8,000 - $12,000
74 The H. M. Royal Fin-Nor 15/0 Fin-Nor Reel Co. Miami, FL, 1937
7 1/2 in. diameter 5 in. spool width box is 10 1/2 by 13 1/2 by 15 3/4 in.
The 1930s are often considered the golden age of North American sportfishing and tackle, with destinations like Miami, Bimini, and Nova Scotia rising to prominence. Pioneers like Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, Tommy Gifford, and Michael and Helen Lerner continued to advance the sport, catching more and larger fish than ever before. At the heart of this evolution was the Fin-Nor reel, born from a collaboration between fishing legend Captain Tommy Gifford and master machinist Fred Grieten.
In 1936, Gifford and Grieten made the first two or three Fin-Nor reels and eagerly began testing their capabilities. Paired with a Tycoon Tackle “Bimini King” rod nicknamed “Betsy,” the secondFin-Nor reel ever made went North with Gifford to Nova Scotia, where it was rigorously tested on tuna and marlin during the summer of 1936. That reel was fished by a select few of the era’s greatest anglers and landed manygiants.Itwas stamped with the names of every person who caught a fish over 300 pounds using it and featured big names, such as Ernest Hemingway, Michael Lerner, Erl Roman, S. Kip Farrington, and Tommy Gifford. One of those names, forever stamped into the chronicles of fishing history, reads “H. Royal. Tuna 442.”
H. M. Royal was the founder and head of a chemical and compound company in New Jersey, which was successful enough for him to afford reels that cost $500 in 1937 (over $11,000 today). He fished alongside the greats of his day and was there for Fin-Nor’s formative summer in 1936. After landing his impressive 442-pound tuna, Royal undoubtedly fell in love with the power and efficiency of Gifford’s reel and purchased a Fin-Nor for himself.
Offered here is one of H. M. Royal’s personal big-game reels, a rare and important 15/0 “G” model Fin-Nor. It is engraved “H. M. Royal, Trenton, N.J. 1937” for its owner. The “G” model was developed around 1937 with a sleek and improved internal drag mechanism. Royal’s reel is stamped “Patent Pend,” meaning it was created before Fred Grieten’s Patent #2096299 was approved in October 1937, makingitoneoftheearliestknown“G”modelreels.Several components of the reel are bench-numbered “4,” and the “Fin-Nor Miami Fla.” logo is hand-engraved on the back plate. A sliding drag lever with “OFF,” “1/8,” “1/4,” “1/2,” and “ON” markings allows for seamless drag adjustments, even while fighting a fish. Attached in the center of the back plate is a removable secondhandle,afeature that lets users crank with both arms when battling big fish.
Attesting to this reel’s rarity, two-handled reels were banned in 1943 by the International Game Fish Association, as their organization felt they gave fishermen an unfair advantage over their quarry. Authors Bruce Matthews and Ed Pritchard estimated that only 35 or 40 Fin-Nor reels were made between 1936 and mid-1938, with a small fraction of those being “G” models. This offering presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the earliest, finest, and most sought-after Fin-Nor “G” model reels in existence.
Accompanying the Fin-Nor is its custom carrying case, a spool of linen line, a screw-on spline cover, and an additionalplate for attaching the reel to a rod.
Included in this lot is a handle from one of Royal’s other Fin-Nor reels, which is marked “H.M.R No 2.” This additionalhandlelikely belonged to a first-model twospeed Fin-Nor and has its own internal drag. Also included in this lot is a letter on Fin-Nor reel operating instructions typed by Royal.
Appears to be in good working condition with some fishing wear. Reel has been polished, likely by H. M. or his son, Bud, Royal. Tip of one grip has been reset.
Provenance: H. M. Royal Collection H. M. “Bud” Royal Jr. Collection Private Collection, New York
Literature: Bruce Matthews and Ed Pritchard, Fin-Nor:TheLegacy Years, Tulsa, OK, 2007, p. 48, second Fin-Nor reel with stamped names illustrated, p. 49, related “G” model illustrated, and p. 83. $10,000 - $20,000
75 Bogdan Model 0 Salmon Reel
Stan Bogdan (1918-2011)
Nashua,NH
3 1/4 in.diameter
1 1/4 in. in spool width
A right-hand-retrieve salmon reel. With fishing wear and a non-functioning drag due to worn components. Missing oil cap. For repair.
Provenance: W. du Pont Ross, by descent
$600 - $900
76 Bogdan Model 100 Light Salmon Reel
Stan Bogdan (1918-2011) Nashua,NH
3 1/2 in.diameter
1 5/32 in. spool width
A right-hand-retrieve salmon reel. Appears to be in good working condition with light fishing wear.
$1,500 - $2,500
77 Tycoon Tackle “Bimini King” Big Game Rod
Tycoon Tackle Miami,FL
83 1/2 in. long
Tycoon Tackle’s “Bimini King” was favored by many as the best big game rod of its time, with Ernest Hemingway writing, “The best [rods] I have found, outside of the old Hardy Hickory-Palakona bamboo #5, are those made by Frank O’Brien of Tycoon Tackle, Inc. His rods are incomparably the best I know made today.”
This rod was constructed using a five-strip laminate, which uses three different types of wood, and a steel rod running
down the center. It features a lower roller guide and roller tip. Appears to be in good original condition with light fishing wear.
Literature: Ernest Hemingway, “The Great Blue River,” Holiday, July, 1949, p. 97.
$2,000 - $4,000
78 Bogdan A&F 200M Salmon Reel
Stan Bogdan (1918-2011)
Nashua, NH, 1966
3 3/4 in. diameter
1 1/8 in. spool width
The 200M is one of the three reel models that Bogdan made for Abercrombie & Fitch’s catalog. This reel has a champagne finish and is marked “AF 200M” and “66-14” onthefoot.Right-hand-retrieve. Appears to be in good working condition with moderate fishing wear.
Provenance: W. du Pont Ross, by descent
$1,500 - $2,500
79 Six Big-Game Fishing Books
Eugene Connett, ed, American Big Game Fishing, Derrydale Press, New York, NY, 1935.
S. Kip Farrington, Atlantic Game Fishing, Kennedy Bros, New York, NY, 1937. Signed, inscribed, and dated by author. Moise Kaplan, Big Game Anglers’ Paradise, Liveright, New York, NY, 1937. Signed, inscribed, and dated by author. Bruce Matthews and Ed Pritchard, Fin-Nor: The Legacy Years, Tulsa, OK, 2007.
Government of Nova Scotia, Canada’s Deep Sea Fighters, Hom. A. S. MacMillan, Nova Scotia, Canada, c. 1936. Captain Tom Gifford, Anglers and Muscleheads, E. P. Dutton & Co, New York, NY, 1930. As found, some with foxing and wear.
“He was much less prolific than Shourds, but his duck, brant, and goose decoys are among the most refined made on the New Jersey shore, with spare, elegant lines and subtly blended paint.”
— Robert Shaw, discussing Horner, Bird Decoys of North America
80 TheMackey-Carton Horner Mallard
Nathan Rowley Horner (1882-1942) West Creek, NJ, c. 1910 17in.long
This is quite possibly the most important New Jersey mallard to enter the auction market in this century. For the pastseventy-five years, it has resided in the Carton family home after havingbeen acquired from William J. Mackey Jr.
This decoy exhibits sleek lines and a thin neck and razor thin tail. The application and condition of the paint is among the very finest seen on any New Jersey decoy. It was never rigged, explaining it’s incredible condition.
While any Horner puddle duck is coveted, this Mackey decoy is exceedingly rare with no comparables among the six later period mallards illustrated in Doherty’s Classic New JerseyDecoys. Looking further across New Jersey, one is hard-pressed to locate a superior mallard by any maker.
An exciting recent find, the Mackey-Carton Horner Mallard, with its clean lines, bright paint, and fine condition, place it amongst the best mallard decoys to come out of the region. Excellent original paint with even wear, rough edge to left side of tail and tight crack from tail into body and tight hairline crack in neck.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: James R. Doherty, Classic New Jersey Decoys, Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 107, Coen Collection early black duck illustrated, no early mallards illustrated. p. 39, Shourds mallard illustrated.
$30,000 - $50,000
NATHAN ROWLEY HORNER
1882-1942 | WEST CREEK, NJ
81 The Mackey-Carton Merganser Drake Nathan Rowley Horner (1882-1942) West Creek, NJ, c. 1925 16 in. long
One of New Jersey’s finest makers, Horner captured the elegance of this iconic species with this carving. The form of this hollow decoy represents Horner at his prime. It exhibits sleek lines, a thin neck, and long wooden crest tines. The bird was finished with Horner’s wet blended paint and sharply trimmed designs. The presence of white paint over the weight suggests it may be a early working coat by Horner; however, it may well be the first coat.
Serendipitously, a rare rigmate hen was recently brought to light in 2023 from the estate of Malcom McAlpin of Blooming Grove, Pennsylvania. Excellent Horner paint with even gunning wear, neck and tip of middle crest tine are reset, and there is a chip to underside of top tine.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950 Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: James R. Doherty, Classic New Jersey Decoys, Louisville, KY, 2011, pp. 102-103, related examples illustrated. Joe Engers, ed. “Jim Allen: A Champion for New Jersey Decoys,” Decoy Magazine, May/June 2017, p. 9, drake illustrated.
RobertShaw, Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.,Houston,TX,1992,p.60,McCleery’srepainted example illustrated.
$20,000 - $30,000
MiltonWeilerillustration of a closely relatedexample in The Classic Decoy Series, 1969.
82 The Hunter Blair Mallard Pair
John Blair Sr. (1842-1928) Philadelphia, PA, c. 1870 16 1/2 in. long
An outstanding and exceedingly rare matched hollow pair of Philadelphia mallards with reared-backheads. These well-documented mallards have hollow bodies with two construction dowels in each. The birds were originally owned and gunned over by Joseph Chandler Roach (18471888) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and later collected by noted decoy collectors Jack Conover and Charlie Hunter.
The birds feature raised neck shelves, which are associated withBlair’sbestwork.Meticulouslycraftedwithdelicateand accurate bill carving, full cheeks, and boldly carved bodies, this pair, along with the McCleery swimmers, represents thehigh-watermarkforthemaker.Eachisfinishedwiththe region’s best paint, which Blair is renowned for showcasing. Both are branded “CHANDLER ROACH” on their underside and retain several collectors’ tags and markings. Original
paint with minor flaking which is slightly darkened, and small chip from left side of hen’s tail.
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., New Jersey Decoys, Exton, PA, 1983, p. 49, pl. 37, exact decoys illustrated.
Harrison Huster and Doug Knight, Floating Sculpture: The Decoys of the Delaware River, Spanish Fork, UT, 1982, p. 147, exact decoys illustrated.
Sotheby’s and Guyette and Schmidt, American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, January 22, 2000, lot 1, McCleery’s pair by the exact same maker illustrated.
Joe Engers, “2005 Year in Review: The Decoy at Auction,” Decoy Magazine,YearinReview,2005,frontcoverandp.9,McCleery’s hen by the exact same maker illustrated.
$30,000 - $50,000
TheMcCleeryBlairSwimmingMallardPairillustrated in Call to the Sky,p.63.ImagecourtesyofTheHouston Museum of NaturalScience.
ChandlerRoach’sbrandontheundersideoflot82.
“John Blair’s work at its very finest.”
— Henry Fleckenstein
Jr., discussing this exact pair in New Jersey Decoys
83 Sky-Gazing Mallard Philadelphia, PA. c. 1870 14 3/4 in. long
While no one has yet been able to identify the maker of this exceptional mallard, collectors and sellers of this work have long lauded it for its unique design. Indeed, along with the Elmer Crowell Nesting Canada goose from The Harry V. Long Collection, it is one of the only decoys whose neck turns in one direction with the head canting in the other direction. Additionally, this decoy features a sharply upturned tail, a proudbreast, and a expertly hollowed body.
The maker reveals an acute sense of not only design, but also creativity, as the bird’s head is tilted with the birds left eye crafted to gaze at the circling ducks above. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, tight neck cracks, and appealing craquelure.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Linda and Gene Kangas, Decoys, Paducah, KY, 1992, p. 202, exact decoy illustrated.
A refined English snuggle head with sharp wing tips and strong feathering from the White Collection. Excellent Dan English paint with light gunning wear and varnish under bill.
Provenance: Bob White Collection Private Collection
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., New Jersey Decoys, Exton, PA, 1983, p. 194, pl. 463, exact decoy illustrated.
$3,000 - $5,000
85 Swimming Brant
Lloyd Parker (1859-1921)
Parkertown, NJ, c. 1900 18 1/4 in. long
This swimming decoyisoneofthefinestParker brant known to exist. It has a hollow three-piece construction with incised and notched bill carving, and a nice dry patina. Excellent original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland
Literature: James R. Doherty, Classic New Jersey Decoys, Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 127, rigmate illustrated.
$5,000 - $8,000
86 Rare Tucked-Head Gadwall
HenryUpdyke
Tullytown, PA, c. 1920 13in.long
This possibly one-of-a-kind gadwall has a stamped “Bob White Collection” designation on the underside. It also has a painted “H. Updyke, Tullytown, PA” and brass plaques that read Updyke, Tullytown” and “F. Sidebotham Fkd. Philla.”
Updyke was a skilled maker in the John English School of carving who made decoys for his own rig. The rarity of early gadwall by any maker cannot be overstated. Original paint with even gunning wear, touch-up to filled bill tip.
Provenance: Bob White Collection
Bruce Williams Collection
Private Collection
Literature: H. Harrison Huster and Doug Knight, Floating Sculptures: The Decoys of the Delaware River, Spanish Fork, UT, 1982, p. 106, exact decoy illustrated (incorrectly listed as “John Updike” rather than Henry Updyke. “H. Updyke” is painted by the maker on the bottom.)
Exhibited: Oceanville, New Jersey, “Delaware River Decoys: The Bob White Collection,” The Noyes Museum, JanuaryApril 1988.
$5,000 - $7,000
87 Mallard Pair
Tom Fitzpatrick (1887-1958)
Delanco, NJ, c. 1930 15 3/4 in. long
This pair of hollow mallards displays quintessential Delaware River form with tucked heads, raised wing tips, and carved tails. They represent Fitzpatrick’s best work. EachbirdbearstheHillmanCollectionstampandhis“JAH” brand, and collector’s notes on their undersides. Original paint with light even gunning wear including a couple minor chipstodrake’stail.
Provenance: John Hillman Collection Bruce Williams Collection Private Collection
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., New Jersey Decoys, Exton, PA, 1983, p. 217, pl. 531, exact pair illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., Decoys of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Exton, PA, 1983, p. 77, exact pair illustrated.
Exhibited: Oceanville, New Jersey, DelawareRiverDecoys:TheBob White Collection, The Noyes Museum, January - April 1988. Doylestown, PA, “Ducks, Decoys and the Delaware: A Regional Hunting Tradition,” The Mercer Museum, 2004-2005.
$4,000 - $6,000
88 Miniature Mallard Pair
Tom Fitzpatrick (1887-1958)
Delanco, NJ, c. 1930 each 6 1/2 in. long
Original paint with wear, including losses to drake’s tail and minor darkening to wear on his head.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$300-$500
89 Three Miniatures
Tom Fitzpatrick (1887-1958)
Delanco, NJ, c. 1940 longest is 6 1/2 in. long
Aminiaturemallardpairandablackduckwithraisedwings and carved tails. All in original paint with some wear. Mallard hen has chew and loss at tail.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$400 - $600
WILLIAM H. QUINN
PA
90 The Eshenbaugh-ButlerQuinnPintail Pair
William H. Quinn (1915-1969)
Yardley, PA, c. 1950
17in.long
One of the best pintail pairs to come out of the region, this rigmate pair is out of Quinn’s personal gunning rig. The grand bodies are hollowed and feature the region’s signature raised wing tips that are quite pronounced and sit above the long thin tails. The underside of each has a painted “W. QUINN YARDLEY, PA.” Excellent original paint with minimal gunning wear and some drips removed from the drake’s right side.
Provenance: William H. Quinn Rig
Thomas Eshenbaugh Collection
William Butler Collection
HerbWetansonCollection
Private Collection
Literature: Alan Linkchorst and Artie Birdsall, “Bill Quinn,” Decoy Magazine, July/August 1993, pp. 8-10, rigmates illustrated.
$20,000 - $30,000
91 Mackey Johnson Wood Duck Pair
Lloyd Johnson (1910-1965)
Bay Head, NJ . 1950 14in.long
This early and exceptional pair of summer ducks have dynamic head positions, extensive carved wing and tail detail, hollow bodies, and very fine paint. An elusive and often solitary species in the wild, wood duck pairs are rarely found on the mantel. Only twenty-five years from reaching their unofficial antique status, this pair represents not only two of the earliest, but two of Johnson’s greatest works. Original paint, never rigged, with even wear, some crazing with minimal minor spot darkening on heads. Drake has shallow ding on back of crown.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., New Jersey Decoys, Exton, PA, 1983, p. 21 and pl. 356, later pair illustrated.
$4,500 - $6,500
92 Canada Goose StanleyGrant(1877-1953) Barnegat,NJ,c.1920 23 1/2 in. long
This hollow goose was selected for Doherty’s Classic New Jersey Decoys book. It wasneverhunted and represents one ofGrant’s best goose decoyswithgreat form, paint,and condition. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection,New Jersey
Literature: JamesR.Doherty, Classic NewJersey Decoys, Louisville, KY,2011, p. 146, pl. 295,exact carving illustrated.
$1,200 - $1,800
93 Rare Canvasback Joe King (1835-1913) Manahawkin, NJ, c.1880 17 1/4 in.long
Anexceedingly rarespecies for this maker in old gunning paintwithnicepatina. This hollowcanvasback has a partial “J.B. Jackson”brand on the underside. Original paint with dark washtoblack and even gunning wear.
94 Hollow Canada Goose Loveland Family Point Pleasant, NJ, c.1900 22 1/2 in. long
AhollowCanada goose decoy with distinctiveangular head carving. Original paint with even gunning wear and old touch-up to flaking nail holes.
Provenance: Herb WetansonCollection Private Collection
$800 - $1,200
95 Brant
J.G. Downs
Barnegat Bay, NJ,c.1880 16 1/4 in. long.
An oldhollowgunning brant in classic BarnegatBaystyle with special carved taildetail. In old working repaintwith moderategunning wear andsome agelines tobreastand underside.
Provenance:WilliamJ. MackeyJr. Collection
LawrenceA.CartonJr. Collection, acquiredfrom the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, bydescent from the above
$400 - $600
96 Curlew
Beach Haven, NJ, c. 1910 13 1/2 in. long
An early curlew with exceptional form and posture, possibly by Capt. Jonas Sprague. Original paint with gunning wear, age lines along right side, and a replaced bill.
Provenance: John Hillman Collection, Bud Ward Collection Private Collection
$3,000 - $5,000
97 Robin Snipe
Samuel Schute
Cape May, NJ, c. 1895 10 1/2 in. long
The underside bears an inked collector’s inscription that reads: “By Sam Schute, Robin Snipe, Cape May, NJ, 1895, Flec #440, Collection J.A. Hill.” Original paint with even gunning wear.
Provenance: John Hillman Collection
Private Collection
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., New Jersey Decoys, Exton, PA, 1983, p. 182, pl. 440, exact decoy illustrated. 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.
$1,500 - $2,500
98 Red Knot
Joe King (1835-1913)
Manahawkin, NJ, c. 1870 9 1/2 in. long
A rare species by one of New Jersey’s earliest known makers. Original paint with gunning wear, partial bill loss, and a reset tail chip.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
$600 - $900
99 McCleery Root-Head Shorebird
Atlantic Coast, c. 1880
9 1/2 in. long
The maker of this decoy utilized the natural strength and form of a branch for its removable head, neck, and bill. The underside bears a Hillman Collection ink stamp. This form has been attributed to Gus Cranmer of New Jersey.
While many root-head shorebirds seen on the market today are modern reproductions, this storied example has been passed down through two of America’s top shorebird decoy collections. Original paint with light even gunning wear.
Provenance: John Hillman Collection
James M. McCleery, M.D. Collection
Cathy McCleery Bauguss Estate, by descent from the above
Literature: Gary Guyette and Frank Schmidt, Inc., The Hillman Collection: Rare Antique Waterfowl Decoys,St. Michaels, MD, April 25-26, 1996, lot 650, p. 155, exact decoy illustrated.
Adele Earnest, Folk Art In America, Exton, PA, 1984, p. 138, related rig illustrated.
Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey Jr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, New York, NY, 1971, pl. 2, related root-head illustrated.
Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., ShoreBirdDecoys, Exton, PA, 1980, p. 118, pl. 124, rigmate illustrated.
Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC, The Sporting Sale 2017, Plymouth, MA, July 27, 2017, lot 36, rigmate illustrated.
$6,000 - $9,000
100 RunningHillmanTurnstone
New Jersey, c. 1890
9 1/2 in. long
A rare running turnstone that bears the Hillman Collection ink stamp on the bottom. Original paint with gunning wear, tight crack, and a small chip in crown. Old gunning touch-up to some white.
Provenance: John Hillman Collection
Shiller Martin Collection, acquired from the above Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection, acquired from Dick McIntyre, Collectable Old Decoys
$1,000 - $2,000
101 Peep Decoy
Ellis Parker (1870-1952)
SurfCity,NJ,c.1900
6 1/2 in. long
A peep decoy with good wing paint and rare split-tail carving. Original paint with light gunning wear.
Provenance: Dr. James M. McCleery Collection
Cathy McCleery Bauguss Estate
Literature: James R. Doherty, Classic New Jersey Decoys, Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 170, rigmates illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,500
AUGUSTUS "GUS" AARON WILSON
102 The McCleery Wilson Scoter Augustus “Gus” Aaron Wilson (1864-1950) South Portland, ME, c. 1900 17in.long
Featured in the first plate of Call to the Sky, this decoy was held back from the historic 2000 McCleery auction by the estate. Other select decoys that were held back include the record-setting McCleery Eider shown on the same Call to the Sky image, and several of the doctor’s best Crowell shorebirds, including two dust-jacket plover and the rare lesser yellowlegs in this auction (lot 112). Copley is honored to have been selected by the McCleery family to sell this along with other McCleery decoys in this sale.
This iconic decoy is a refined Monhegan Island style sea duck with raised wings on a broad body and an elegant head position. In old gunning paint with even gunning wear, and original knot by left shoulder.
Provenance: James M. McCleery, M.D. Collection Cathy McCleery Bauguss Estate, by descent from the above
Literature: Robert Shaw, Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D., Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 2-3, exact decoy illustrated.
Sotheby’s and Guyette and Schmidt, American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, January 22, 2000, p. 229, exact decoy illustrated in McCleery’s livingroom.
Exhibited: Houston, Texas, Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D., Houston Museum of Natural History, 1992-1993.
$30,000 - $50,000
TheMcCleeryWilsonScoter,lot102, and the McCleeryEiderpicturedinthefirstspreadof Call to the Sky,1992.ImagecourtesyofTheHouston Museum of NaturalScience.
103 Starr-Hunter Merganser Hen
Leigh F. Witherspoon (1889-1971) North Haven, ME, c. 1920 17in.long
A sleek and refined merganser hen with incised wing tip and tail carving, a sawtooth crest, and Witherspoon’s signature diamond-shaped eyes. This two-piece head is also inletted and the open bill is holding a mollusk.
A lifelong resident of the island of North Haven, Witherspoon learned how to carve decoys from his uncle around the turn of the 20th century. He wasalsoa skilled carpenter, a boat builder, and a commercial herring fisherman. Witherspoon also made violins, and the incised backs of this and other sheldrakes are reminiscent of the strings of a violin. The underside has a Starr Collection ink stamp and a Hunter Collection tag imprint. Original paint with light gunning wear, ding to right shoulder, and some restoration to bill.
Provenance: Dr. George Ross Starr Collection Charles Hunter Collection Private Collection
Literature: Gene Kangas, “Leigh Witherspoon: Independence was in his blood,” Decoy Magazine, Mar/April 2022, p. 28, exact carving illustrated two times.
George Ross Starr Jr. M.D., Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway, New York, NY, 1974, p. 53 and 56, pl. 2 and 14, exact carving illustrated twice.
$5,000 - $8,000
104 MerganserPair
Samuel Smith Toothaker (1903-1974) Brunswick, ME, c. 1930 17 1/2 in. long
Along with fellow Maine carver Aaron Augustus Wilson (1864-1950), Toothaker made stylish, animated gunning decoys, though his birds are far more rare. Displaying the maker’s best form, this merganser pair displays inletted heads, sleek lines, and a sawtooth crest on the drake. Original paint with gunning wear. Both have tight cracks in breasts and some chips and original imperfections to wood. Hen’s bill is reset.
Provenance: Frank and Vickie Schmidt Collection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas and Donald Kirson, ed., Bonfire of Swans, Concord, OH, 2012, p. 81, exact drake and similar hen illustrated.
Paul A. Johnsgard, The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form, Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 80, fig. 80, exact drake illustrated.
$6,000 - $9,000
CAPT. CHARLES C. OSGOOD
1820-1886| SALEM, MA
“The well-known provenance document accompanying the Shelburne Museum’s rigmate Osgood geese relates that Charles C. Osgood, a ship’s captain from Salem, sailed for California in 1849, and while waiting to return with his cargo, made these decoys. Upon reaching home, he took them to a friend’s hunting lodge in nearby Rowley, where they remained until discovered one hundred years later. Rowley, fifteen miles north of Salem, is on the west side of Plum Island Sound.
“The lodge, the Ives Camp, was built in 1853 by its co-owners, Charles Osgood and Henry Perkins Ives. It was on the north bank of the Rowley River, an ideal location, giving hunters access to an enormous salt marsh snaked by a tangle of tidal creeks and rivers.
“For many years there have been rumors of a camp log and there is one in the Plover House Company records at the Phillips Library of the Peabody Essex Museum. It comes in two versions. The smaller notebook covers 1853-1873. The larger one, a photostat with added entries, spans 1853 to 1897, documenting a total of forty years of shooting. The journal’s front page is blank but for the signatures of Osgood and Ives. The company consisted of about ten other local gunners. Visitors to the club included the North Shore decoy royalty of Captain Samuel A. Fabens (1814-1899), Fred Nichols (1854-1924), and the artist John Prentiss Benson (1865-1947), the brother of Frank W. Benson (1862-1951).
“Although both Charles Osgood and his older brother, Henry (1818-1892), were born in Baltimore, their parents, Henry and Lydia Bryant Osgood, had deep roots in the bustling seaport of Salem, Massachusetts. When the boys were still small, their father moved the family back north to his hometown. Charles graduated from high school in 1835, and at age fifteen, like many of his classmates, went to sea. When he had attained the rank of captain, he was hired by Colonel Francis Peabody, owner of a fleet of Salem ships.
“Peabody, from an extremely wealthy family, had declined college to pursue his passions for chemistry, mechanical engineering, and invention. He was clearly talented at all three,
experimenting in turn with lead, book papers, linseed and whale oils, steam locomotion, and flax. He also designed his Gothic Revival mansion, crafted furniture for the place, and, in addition, made musical instruments.
“Colonel Peabody’s fleet served two purposes. First, it brought him natural resources from overseas, then it delivered the resulting products he created to his European clientele. Osgood served as one of his masters for twenty-five years, voyaging to Calcutta, Bombay, and Canton among many other ports.
“Captain Osgood also made a group of red-breasted mergansers which are as elegant and regal as the geese. Half are hollow with bottom boards like the geese, but the others are solid, and the two groups were made from different patterns. The solid birds have lower tails that ride close to the water while the hollow decoys have high backs and hiked tails."
— Special thanks to The Museum of American Bird Art, Mass Audubon, and Massachusetts Masterpieces curator and author Gwladys (Gigi) Hopkins for providing this biographical content.
CAPT. CHARLES C. OSGOOD
1820-1886|
105 The Starr Osgood Merganser Hen
Capt.Charles C. Osgood (1820-1886)
Salem, MA, c. 1850
18 1/4 in. long
Captain Charles Osgood, Lothrop Turner Holmes, and Charles Safford are all Massachusetts masters who share the distinction of havingmade a limited rigs, with few remaining works known to have survived. Among them, Osgood’s works are the most scarce, especially when considering decoys that are held in private hands.
One rig of Osgood geese resides in the Shelburne Museum, and four mergansers are spread among other museums. After counting this hollow hen, only three mergansers are known to remain. Of the private birds, two are solid body hens with low tails, and one is a regal drake. While this hen spent time on loan to the Peabody Essex Museum, it is the only hollow hen known outside of museum walls today.
Over the decades, an all-star lineup of collectors have claimed it; prior to entering the Kirson Collection, it was owned by Dr. George Ross Starr, Ronald J. Gard, and Dr. Lloyd T. Griffith. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, tight cracksinneck,lower left side, and end of tail. Bottomboard seam slightly lifted on left side.
Provenance: Dr. George Ross Starr Jr. Collection RonaldJ.GardCollection
Dr. Lloyd T. Griffith Collection Donald Kirson Collection
Dr.GeorgeRoss Starr with his Osgoodmerganser pair,includingthisexacthen,in National Geographic, November1983.PhotocourtesyofKennethGarrett.
Literature: Linda and Gene Kangas, Decoys, Paducah, KY, 1992, p. 211, exact hen illustrated.
Rob Moir and Jackson Parker, “Massachusetts Waterfowl Decoys,” The Magazine Antiques, September 1989, p. 518, pl. III, exact decoy illustrated.
JohnClayton, Massachusetts Masters: Decoys, Shorebirds, and Decorative Carvings, The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University, 2010, pp. 16-17, exact decoy illustrated.
George Reiger, “Humble Masterpieces: Decoys,” National Geographic, vol. 164, no. 5, November 1983, p. 651, exact decoy illustrated in Starr Collection.
Jackson Parker, “The Year in Review: The Decoy at Auction 1998,” Decoy Magazine,1998,frontcoverandp.9,exactdecoyillustrated.
The Decoy Hunter, Clinton, IN, November/December 1991, p. 15, exact decoy illustrated.
Adele Earnest, The Art of The Decoy: American Bird Carvings, New York, NY, 1965, p. 76, pl. 64, solid-bodied rigmate illustrated.
Richard Coen and Brandy Culp, Presenting the Art of the Decoy, Charleston, SC, 2012, front cover and p. 17, related Starr Collection drake illustrated.
Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, Massachusetts Masters: Decoys, Shorebirds and Decorative Carvings, Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University, LeMay Gallery, October 1, 2010-January 23, 2011.
Salem, Massachusetts, Tollers and Tattlers: Massachusetts Waterfowl Decoys, 1840s 1940s, Peabody Museum of Salem, October 19, 1989-1992.
“...saw many Flocks of Ducks + Coots and 1 flock of geese. The Geese lit in the river. Never leave Decoy out in the river over night, for fear [sic] being carried away by drift stuff. A strong argument this evening on the whole question—decision in the affirmative.”
— Henry Perkins Ives and Charles C. Osgood, gunning journal entry, Oct. 6, 1861
CHARLES A. SAFFORD
1877-1957 |
MA
106 Grand Canada Goose
Charles A. Safford (1877-1957)
Newburyport, MA, c. 1920
29 in. long
As a multi-talented craftsman, Safford brought his considerable skills to bear when carving his grand decoys. These carvings from his personal rig were mammoth in both size and weight. The grand body of this decoy measures well over three feet in circumference and showcases clean lines in both the form and paint that resolve at a stout,yet subtly refined, tail. The consummate craftsman, Safford carefully filled the log’s check with a precise shim while carving the bird.
The heads and necks of his geese, as seen here, are two joined pieces mounted on a raised neck seat. The heads were then finished with two-tone glass eyes and intricate bill carving.
The telling scale of Safford geese dictated that they saw prolonged exposure to the elements during the long hunting season. Hence, the vast majority of Safford decoys are found in heavily worn condition, often with numerous seam separations and cracks. Examples in strong original paint are rarely found, making this decoy one of the best preserved of any Safford geese to have surfaced.
Safford’s decoys are often marked with Roman numeral rig markings; this example bears “VI - I” on the underside. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear, some fill to crack along right side, and minor chipping to tail edge.
Provenance: Charles A. Safford Rig Private Collection, Pennsylvania Private Collection
Literature: Gwladys Hopkins, Massachusetts Masterpieces, Lincoln, MA, 2016, p. 10, related straight head example illustrated in exhibition hall, pp. 20-21, sleeper illustrated, pp. 78-79, Safford discussed.
Jay S. Williamson, Decoys of the Newburys, Plum Island and Surrounding Communities: Catalog of an Exhibition at the Cushing House Museum, Newburyport, MA, 1999, pp. 41-42, rigmate “IV” illustrated.
RobertShaw, Bird Decoys of North America, New York, NY, 2010, p. 156-158, sleeping goose illustrated.
$25,000 - $35,000
CharlesSaffordinhissneakboat.Photographcourtesy of DanGraf.
Lot 106
“...As a young man, Charlie apprenticed at his great-grandfather’s cabinetmaking shop, Safford and Sons, where he became known for his meticulous craftsmanship...
“Safford had built himself a gunning camp and goose stand at Hale’s Cove on Plum Island, the eight-milelong barrier beach just south of his hometown. He was now a crack shot, a successful market gunner and a highly sought-after hunting guide. At this point his needs were minimal, and being the gifted craftsman that he was, he could get a job at any firm, including his great-grandfather’s shop or next door at the prestigious Molten Silversmiths. He could create anything in wood from an elegant casket to an elegant seaworthy boat. He worked readily both as a designer and artist in gold and silver (or any other metal). In fact, he quickly mastered any medium to which he turned his attention. He was an inventor as well, employed as a tool maker and machinist when in his forties…
“In the early 1920s, Safford made himself a fine rig of big goose decoys, and designed them to sit threeapiece on flat iron triangles. These spent the hunting season out on the marsh. They were intelligently constructed: the birds’ upright necks were carved from separate blocks that put the grain north-to-south, making them well-nigh unbreakable."
— Special thanks to The Museum of American Bird Art, Mass Audubon, and Massachusetts Masterpieces curator and author Gwladys (Gigi) Hopkins for providing this biographical content.
CHARLES E. "SHANG" WHEELER
1872-1949
107 Rare Canvasback
Charles E. “Shang” Wheeler (1872-1949) Stratford, CT, c. 1920 16 1/2 in. long
Previously unknown to the collecting community, this canvasback was recently found in a Florida estate. The rarity of this Shang Wheeler canvasback cannot be overstated. Some of the only related examples have been collected by Donal O’Brien, the Shelburne Museum, Tom Evans, and Alan Haid. This hollow decoy features excellent
bill and wing tip detail and is finished with strong vermiculatedpaint. Original paint with light gunning wear and some even craquelure mostly to head.
Provenance: Private Collection
Literature: David S. Webster and William Kehoe, Decoys at Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT, 1961, p. 55, similar drake illustrated.
Dixon MacD. Merkt, Shang: A Biography of Charles E. Wheeler, Spanish Fork, UT, 1984, p. 145 and 177, related canvasbacks illustrated.
$10,000 - $15,000
108 TheMerwinBlue-WingedTealPair
Horace B. Merwin (1888-1947) Westport,CT,c.1930 11 in. long
“Horace Merwin, a Fairfield banker and wealthy sportsman,” writes Henry Chitwood, “was a friend of [Shang] Wheeler and his most skillful imitator. He made exhibition-grade decoys that were almost indistinguishable from Wheelers.” Only a small number of Merwin decoys are known to exist, several of which are featured in Chitwood’s Connecticutbook and were sold by his descendants two decades ago.
While Wheeler built on the legacy of Albert Lang, Shang’s contemporaries Horace Merwin and Lou Rathmell exceeded Wheeler at times, as is evidenced by this Merwin teal pair. Indeed, these are two of the finest Connecticut teal decoys by any maker. Their form and paint represent the pinnacle of the Stratford school style executed by a
steady hand, and they remain in excellent condition. The vermiculation treatment is some of the finest seen on any decoy extant. Both undersides are rigged with tear-drop weights and are stenciled with Merwin’s crisp “HM” initials. Exceptional original paint with minimal gunning wear. Drake has a few minute darkened rubs on back. Professionally replaced bill on hen.
Provenance: Merwin Family Collection
Private Collection
Literature: Henry C. Chitwood, Connecticut Decoys, West Chester, PA, 1987, p. 115, Merwin decoys illustrated and discussed.
$20,000 - $30,000
109 Swimming Bluebill
Al Pitman and Ned Chase Nantucket, MA, c. 1920 15in.long
A large and stylish swimmer made for use at “The Cedars” gunning camp at SecondPoint on Coatue inside Nantucket Harbor. The underside has a poured circular weight and a plugged neck-fastener hole like a Martha’s Vineyard decoy. The Pitman bluebill rig held some of the best waterfowl decoys to ever surface on the island.
Though considered one of the greatest regions for shorebird decoy collecting, Nantucket produced very few waterfowl decoy makers of note. Original paint with moderategunningwearandasecondcoatofblack.
Provenance: Stephen B. O’Brien Sr. Collection Private Collection
Literature: Osona & O’Brien, ImportantWaterfowlandShorebird Decoys, July 19, 1993, back cover, rigmate illustrated.
$4,500 - $6,500
110 Black Duck
Charles Hart (1862-1960) Gloucester, MA, c. 1900 16 1/4 in. long
An early hollow decoy from Hart’s own gunning rig. It displays a dramatically turned head, carved bill detail, six-piece laminated construction, and the maker’s “C. H. HART” brand on the bottom. Original paint with even gunning wear, touch-up to head, and restoration to a small tail chip.
Provenance: Charles H. Hart Rig Peter Brams Collection
Private Collection, Pennsylvania
Donald M. Greenwood Collection Private Collection
Literature: George Ross Starr, Jr., M.D., Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway, New York, NY, 1974, p. 178, fig. 88, related decoys illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,500
111 Canada Goose
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1925
22 1/2 in. long
An exceptional Canada goose with wet-on-wet feathering and two-piece head construction with finely incised bill, nostril, mandible, and nail (tip of the bill) carving. While Crowell is known to have made dozens of geese, finding one in excellent original paint is exceedingly difficult. The underside bears Crowell’s oval brand and a Nelson Collection ink stamp. Excellent original paint with even gunning wearandarepair to lower third of bill.
Provenance: Grant Nelson Collection Private Collection
Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, ElmerCrowell: Father of American Bird Carving, Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 46, related early example illustrated.
BrianCullity, The Songless Aviary, Hyannis, MA, 1992, p. 74, related decoy illustrated.
$25,000 - $35,000
THE MCCLEERY CROWELL SUMMER YELLOWLEGS
112 The McCleery Summer Yellowlegs A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 8 3/4 in. long
Crowell’s lesser yellowlegs decoys are exceptionally rare. As stated by Crowell author and historian Brian Cullity, “The lesser yellowlegs was a relatively uncommon species to be used as a model for a decoy.” On the pattern for this decoy, Crowell identifies the species as “summer yellow leg.”
This important example was exhibited in Dr. McCleery’s Call to the Sky museum exhibition and accompanying book. It wasalsoheld back by the McCleery estate from the 2000 sale along with four other of his best Crowell shorebirds. This select groupoffive was offered at Sotheby’s in 2005 where this lot was featured on the front cover of the catalog. Original paint with light gunning wear and a professionally replaced bill.
Provenance: Dr. James M. McCleery Collection Private Collection, Florida
Literature: Sotheby’s, Important American Folk Art, Furniture and Silver, New York, NY, May 2005, front cover and lot 104, exact decoy illustrated.
RobertShaw, Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D., Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 14-15, exact decoy illustrated. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., ShoreBirdDecoys, Exton, PA, 1980, p. 21, pl. 15, rigmate illustrated.
BrianCullity, The Songless Aviary: The World of A. E. Crowell & Son, Hyannis, MA, 1992, pp. 60 and 114, pl. 116, Crowell’s pattern and related example illustrated.
Exhibited: Houston, Texas, Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D., Houston Museum of Natural History, 1992-1993.
$12,000 - $16,000
Shorebird hunting, 1922, photograph from the journal of Harry V. Long. This is one of the only known photos of Crowell shorebird decoys in use.
1862-1952 | EAST
113 RunningYellowlegs
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 14in.long
An exemplary running yellowlegs, this decoy displays painted tack eyes and superb paint. Excellent original paint with minor even gunning wear, lightly hit by shot on one side.
Provenance: Ralph Lasbury Collection Andi and David Fischer Collection Private Collection, Florida
Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, Elmer Crowell:FatherofAmericanBirdCarving,Hingham,MA,2019,p.169, related example illustrated.
Adele Earnest, The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings,New York, NY, 1965, pp. 170 and 171, pl. 145 and 147, similar decoy illustrated.
$16,000 - $24,000
114 A. Elmer Crowell(1862-1951) Plover, c. 1895
signed“A. E. Crowell” lower right watercolor, 9 1/4 by 9 3/4 in.
An early and important watercolor painting by the renowned decoy carver. A note from Gigi Hopkins states
this is “the earliest AEC rendering of a mounted bird I’ve ever seen.” Hopkins explains this painting was likely created while Crowell was studying mounted bird specimens in order to perfect his paint and plumage patterns.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$3,000 - $5,000
Lot114:Itisinteresting to note that this illustration of a taxidermied shorebird is set atopawood base, inviting the question: was this possibly the inspiration behind Crowell’s use of faux wooden bases for many of his decorative carvings?
113
114
GEORGE H. BOYD
115 Rare Golden Plover in Winter Plumage
George H. Boyd (1873-1941)
Seabrook, NH, c. 1890 10 1/2 in. long
Peter Brams, whose collection this plover comes from, was captivated by the decoys of George Boyd, stating, “his decoys [Boyd’s] are instantly recognizable; their form and paint are like no other maker. Though he made hundreds of plovers and yellows, after researching dozens of his birds, I soon realized, no two birds were exactly alike. I constantly upgradedmyBoydplover...”
The construction of this plump working decoy indicates that it is a very early example by the maker. The decoy is solid, but made from two pieces of continuous grain wood. Unlike most Boyd shorebirds, this example’s bill was included as part of the full body pattern, a design that Boyd would later change in favor of a more durable inset bill.
The application of thick stipple paint on this decoy is furtherenhancedbythe“wet-on-wet”featherblendingthat was likely achieved by use of a goose quill. The full range of sepia tints, ranging from light to dark within each stroke, is extraordinary, giving the bird the mottled appearance of the species. Outstanding original paint with minor gunning wear and an old replaced chip on right side of bill.
Provenance: Peter Brams Collection Grant Nelson Collection Private Collection, Florida
Literature: Jim Cullen, Finely Carved and Nicely Painted: The Life, Art andDecoys of George H. Boyd, Seabrook, NH, 1873-1941, Rye, NH, 2009, p. 23, related example illustrated.
$9,000 - $12,000
116 Folger Family Golden Plover Pair Nantucket, MA, c. 1885 9 1/2 in. long
An exceptional rigmate pair of golden plover in transitional plumage with wax eyes. These Massachusetts masterworks have historically been linked to the work of Joseph Lincoln; however, recent research on Nantucket shorebird decoys points to the birds as being of island origin. Indeed, it was Lincoln who would have copied this early Nantucket maker. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear. One has chip to wing tip.
Provenance: Grant Nelson Collection Private Collection, Florida
Literature:CapVinal, JosephW.Lincoln,Rockland,MA,2002, p.68, related decoy illustrated top left.
$20,000 - $30,000
O’Brien-JohnsonFolger Golden Ploverwith brushworkmatching lot 116.
117 Running Fox Rig Eskimo Curlew Massachusetts, c. 1880 14in.long
An elegant reaching Eskimo curlew by this revered, yet unknown, Massachusetts master. Decoys by this carver are rare, suggesting that they were from a single rig. Some examples that have surfaced are marked for the “Fox” rig, giving this distinct groupitsmoniker. Gigi Hopkins describes a closely related example in her Massachusetts Masterpieces exhibition book: “This stunning curlew is one of the most perfectlybalanced and pleasing forms found in a shorebird decoy. It is masterfully garbed in lush, painterly daubs of earth tone colors.” Another comparable resides in the Museum of American Folk Art collection and is
currently on loan to the Center for American Decoys at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Original paint with light wear, a few small stacking marks, a crack in bill is reset, and some touch-up and fill to reset tail tip.
Provenance: Private Collection, Cape Cod
Literature: Gwladys Hopkins, Massachusetts Masterpieces, Lincoln, MA, 2016, pp. 42-43, 98-99, related example illustrated. The Ward Museum, Massachusetts Masters: Decoys, Shorebirds, andDecorativeCarvings, Salisbury, MD, 2010, p. 35, similar decoy illustrated.
JeffWaingrow, American Wildfowl Decoys, Museum of American Folk Art, New York, NY, 1989, pp. 68-69, curlew illustrated and discussed.
$8,000 - $12,000
A.B. Frost depiction of shorebird hunting, Bay Snipe Shooting, 1900. Image from Copley Archives.
118 Two-Piece Calling Yellowlegs Massachusetts, c. 1900 11 in. long
An animated yellowlegs in a calling pose with raised wingtips and a fanned tail. This decoy’s high head is attached and was fitted with a tapered metal bill. Interestingly, the decoy has a pair of original side-by-side stick holes to host a pair of legs. This shorebird’s two-piece construction, split wing tips, and side-by-side stick holes are often associated with Nantucket decoys. Original paint with even gunning wear, touch-up around neck seam including top of breast and front of the back. Reset chip to top of tail.
$3,500 - $4,500
119 EarlyBlack Duck
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 17 1/2 in. long
The underside of this decoy bears the maker’s crisp oval brand. Original paint with very light gunning wear and touch-up to back of reset neck seam.
Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving, Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 232-233, black ducks illustrated.
$3,000 - $4,000
120 Long-Tailed Duck Pair
William Minor North Haven, CT, c. 1925 11 in. long
A pair of decoys with fine head and bill carving. The underside of the hen is branded “E. A. THOMPSON.” Original paint with gunning wear, including rubs and some paint loss. Drake has hairline crack in end of bill. Top right side of hen’s head has old pins securing it.
Provenance: Edward A. Thompson Rig Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: DecoyMagazine, Jan/Feb 2012, Collectable Old Decoys ad on inside front cover, rigmates illustrated.
$700 - $1,000
121 Sleeping Mallard Hen
Ralf Coykendall Sr. (1890-1968) Stratford, CT, c. 1945 15 1/2 in. long
An oversize sleeping decoy signed with the “R.W.C.” brand on the underside of the hollow body. Original paint with light gunning wear.
Literature: Ralf Coykendall, Duck Decoys and How to Rig Them, 1955, back cover, exact decoy illustrated with carver.
$1,000 - $2,000
Backdustjacketof DuckDecoys and How to Rig Them, Ralph Coyekendallshowncarryingthe exactpreeningmallard,lot121.
122 Golden Plover
Parker Hall
South Shore, MA, c. 1910 9 1/2 in. long
From a rig discovered by Dr. George Ross Starr Jr. A plover in transitional plumage with bright gold dots and gold trim on the head. Original paint with moderate wear and a replaced bill.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$800 - $1,200
123 Plover
Frank Adams (1871-1944)
West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard, MA, c. 1910 8 1/2 in. long
A Vineyard shorebird with tight green stippling. A rig of these decoys is featured on the back dust-jacket cover of Martha’s Vineyard Decoys by Stanley Murphy. Original paint with light gunning wear and minor flaking to bill and left side.
$700 - $1000
124 Golden Plover Coffin Family Nantucket, MA, c. 1870 10 in. long
A Nantucket golden plover with white and green stippling. Original paint with reset neck crack.
$800 - $1200
125 Reaching Yellowlegs Decoy Massachusetts, c. 1880 10 in. long
This shorebird carving has a standard central stick hole flaked by twolegholes,oneofwhichretains an old yellow leg. The reaching head has distinct throat carving detail. Old paint and gunning wear.
Provenance: John Dilworth Collection Estate of Gerald W. Hazard M.D.
$1,000 - $1,500
WILLIAM J. KOELPIN SR.
126 William J. Koelpin Sr. (1938-1996)
Marsh Gunner, 1994 signed and dated “Wm. J. Koelpin ‘94” on base inscribed “Tribute to Frank W. Benson” on side of base bronze, 7 1/2 by 12 by 16 in. edition 7 of 45 numbered and titled on top of base
William Koelpin was an avid hunter and fisherman from Wisconsin. He went on to become a celebrated sporting artist who excelled in a number of mediums, including bronze, paint, and wood. Throughout his career, Koelpin displayed his passion for the outdoors in his accurate and detailed works. His first sold-out exhibit was at the Midwest Decoy Collectors’ annual show in the mid-1970s. Koelpin enjoyed many honors in his time, including the “BestinWorld”awardfromtheWardMuseuminSalisbury, Maryland, and being named “One of America’s Premier Artists” by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$5,000 - $7,000
127 William J. Koelpin Sr. (1938-1996)
Winnebago Sleigh Ride,1993 signed, titled and dated “Wm J. Koelpin ‘93” on base bronze, 13 by 24 by 8 1/2 in. edition 13 of 32
Winnebago Sleigh Ride along with Storm Warming is considered to be one of Koelpin’s top duck hunting bronzes. It tops the list of any bronze of this subject by any artist.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$6,000 - $8,000
OSCAR W. PETERSON
128 Very Rare Large Bass
Oscar W. Peterson (1887-1951) Cadillac, MI, c. 1940 10in.
A rare and large bass in excellent condition. Ron Fritz selected this fish to illustrate a rare Peterson species in the opening spread of his DecoyMagazine cover feature on the Cadillac master. Original paint with light fishing wear.
Provenance:RonFritzCollection
Dave Fannon Collection
Brad Latvaitis Collection
Donald Kirson Collection
Literature: Ron Fritz, “Oscar Peterson, Michigan’s master fish decoy maker,” Decoy Magazine, March/April 2008, p.25, exact decoy illustrated (image reversed).
$6,000 - $9,000
129 McCleery Pike Decoy
Oscar W. Peterson (1887-1951) Cadillac, MI 7in.long
This pike features a carved mouth, tack eyes, and delicately stippled patterns on its sides. Original paint with fishing wear and a chip to tail.
Provenance: Cathy McCleery Bauguss Estate
$1,000 - $2,500
130 FishDecoy
Oscar W. Peterson (1887-1951)
Cadillac, MI 8 3/4 in. long
This double-gill decoy utilizes the natural grain of the wood to imitate the color and lateral lines of a fish. Appearstobe original paint with fishing wear.
Provenance: Cathy McCleery Bauguss Estate
Literature: Steven Michaan, American Fish Decoys, Pound Ridge, NY, 2003, pp. 64-65, related example illustrated.
$1,000 - $2,000
131 Important Brook Trout
Phillippe Sirois (1892-1979)
Bath, ME, 1949
fish is 23 in. long, plaque is 29 1/2 by 13 1/2 in.
This brook trout is one of the finest Sirois carvings to ever come to market. The maker, Gene Kangas, Ron Swanson, and Donna Tonelli agree based on their presentations of it in numerouspublications.Itis the largest known brook trout carved by Sirois, and inscriptions on the back indicate this massive fish was caught in Rangley Lake in 1949.
A prized possession, it resided in the artist’s personal collection for thirty years until Kangas acquired it in 1979.
Original paint with light wear, one small spot of touch-up to plaque above dorsal fin and tight crack beside dorsal.
Provenance: Kangas Collection, acquired from the artist
Private Collection
Literature: Ronald S. Swanson, “Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies,”
Journal of the American Museum of Fly Fishing, Summer 1992, p. 13, exact fish illustrated.
Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 74, fig. 105, photo of Sirois proudly holding exact fish illustrated.
Donna Tonelli, Top of the Line Fishing Collectibles,Atglen,PA,1997, p. 132, exact fish illustrated.
Gene and Linda Kangas and Donald Kirson, ed., Bonfire of Swans, Concord, OH, 2012, inside front cover and pp. 26-27, exact fish discussed and illustrated with Sirois.
Gene and Linda Kangas, “Phillippe Sirois-Maine Folk Artist,” Decoy Magazine, Lewes, DE, May/June 2000, p. 13, exact fish illustrated.
$5,000 - $8,000
“I remember now laying my rod down in the canoe and looking at that trout, just looking at him. A September fish. Stan [Howland] said, ‘God made many things good and pretty, but he put aside his paints after he finished with native trout.’ You know, I used to get near emotional over those fool fish. I felt it was almost unpatriotic to favor a foreign fish, like a brown trout, and I guess I’m still considered some sort of a nut for boasting about a brookie—but then I’m talking about wild country trout, native trout.”
— Donal C. O’Brien Jr. discussing his early days of brook trout fishing in Maine.
132 Brook Trout
Lawrence C. Irvine (1918-1998)
Winthrop, ME
fish is 12 1/2 in. long, plaque is 16 1/2 by 10 1/2 in.
Lawrence Irvine began carving in 1957 and exclusively made fish for the next three decades. Most of his carvings were modeled after real fish or outlines that were brought to him in person. This full-bodied brook trout is mounted on a painted faux-birch plaque. Original paint with light wearandsmallcracks to top of tail fin.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$500 - $800
133 LargeBrookTrout
Lawrence C. Irvine (1918-1998)
Winthrop, ME
fish is 23 in. long, plaque is 28 1/2 by 12 1/2 in.
This large brook troutcarvingisonapainted fauxbirch plaque that is signed by the artist on the back. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$1,200 - $1,800
The char is twenty inches long and the base is signed by the maker in the upper right. Original paint with light wear and minor spot of touch-up to small rub on
$1,000 - $1,500
134 Arctic Char
Ellen McCaleb
Barrington, NH
base is 25 1/4 in. long
pectoral fin.
135 Exceedingly Rare and Large Sturgeon Decoy Minnesota, c. 1930 43 in. long
This massive “sizer” decoy would have been used in the water as a scale reference for spearing sturgeon.A“sizer” such as this would be made to match the minimum legal lengthforspearingsturgeon.Spearfisherswouldthus ensure they were only harvesting legal-sized fish. It is constructed with a central wooden board from nose to tail and has a lead core, causing this decoy to weigh over fifteen pounds. The cork siding was used to imitate the rough and textured surface of a sturgeon’s body. Original paint with fishing wear and losses to tips of pelvic and anal fins.
Provenance: George Rader Collection, acquired Pheasant Run, c. 1990 Private Collection, Midwest
$1,500 - $2,500
136 Sperm Whale
Clark Voorhees Jr. (1911-1980) (attr.) Weston, VT, c. 1945
34 1/4 in. long
An early wall-mounted carving by master whale carver Clark Voorhees. It sports a raised pectoral fin, turned tail, and carved teeth. It has been mounted on a beveled backboard.
Voorhees was the son of Clark Greenwood Voorhees (1871-1933), who was one of the founders of the Old Lyme Art Colony. His marine mammal carvings were offered through the Four Winds Craft Guild on Nantucket. The majority of his whales were his eighteen-inch models; this carving represents his grandest size. Original paint with wear and minor darkening to a few rubs, including edge of tail and fin. Tight crack through flipper.
$2,500 - $4,500
137 Michael Butler (20th-21st centuries)
White Whale signed “Mike Butler” lower right oil on board, 18 1/2 by 72 in.
A large painting of a white whale cruising below the surface by a self-taught folk artist from Sag Harbor, New York.
$400 - $600
MIKE BORRETT
138 Mahi-Mahi MikeBorrett(b.1960) Madison, WI 42 1/2 in. long
A highly unusual species by this gifted maker, this “trophy” dorado carving displays Borrett’s incised signature on the back. Original paint with minimal wear.
$1,500 - $2,500
139 Rainbow Trout
MikeBorrett(b.1960) Madison, WI fish is 18 1/4 in. long
This work, along with the following two lots, represents this accomplished carver’s best carving style and paint. Signed by the artist on the back of the beveled oval base. Original paint with light wear.
$500 - $800
140 Brown Trout
MikeBorrett(b.1960) Madison, WI fish is 18 1/4 in. long
Signed by the artistonbackofthebeveled oval base. Original paint with light wear.
$500 - $800
141 BrookTrout
MikeBorrett(b.1960) Madison, WI fish is 15 in. long
Signed by the artistonbackofthebeveled oval base. Original paint with light wear.
$500 - $800
THE WARD BROTHERS
1896-1984 AND 1895-1976 |
142 Outstanding Purnell Pintail Pair
The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1937 17 1/2 in. long
An exemplary rigmate pair of “1936 model” pintails with turned heads. The Wards had a special relationship with pintails and many of their finest carvings are of this species. This pair exhibits what is considered their most classic design, the 1936 model. Their weights have been removed and they appear to have never seen the water. Incredibly, these decoys remain in near-mint condition as they would have appeared on Lem’s painting bench.
The undersides are signed and dated 1937 by Lem. Excellent original paint with minimal wear. Drake has a perfectly reset bill
with minimal spot of touch-up above nostrils. Hen has minor touch-up to two feathers on left flank.
Provenance: William H. Purnell Jr. Collection Private Collection
Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, TheWardBrothers Decoys: A Collector s Guide, Wolf City, TX, 1989, pp. 57, 59-64, related decoys illustrated and discussed.
$60,000 - $90,000
“The pintail was Lem Ward’s favorite bird and he shows this preference in the painting of his pintails. There is no finer work done in decoys than that which is exhibited in the 1932 Pinch Breast Pintails, or the 1936 Classic Pintails. The form and paint of these decoys alone is enough to guarantee the Wards a place among the finest decoy makers that ever lived.”
— Ronald J. Gard, The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, 1989
143 VL&A Mallard Drake
The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1936 17in.long
A fine Ward mallard drake that features Steve’s celebrated and classic 1936 form with turned head, high back, and thin rounded tail.
The underside of the decoy is marked with a stamp under the tail reading “Hand Made, Distributed by, VL&A, Chicago, ILL.” This unrigged male also still retains its paper VL&A price tag reading “10.00 EA.” Von Lengerke & Antoine was the preeminent sporting goods retailer of Chicago, and had been acquired by Abercrombie & Fitch by the time the Wards made decoys for them. Ron
Gardpointsoutinhisbookonthebrothers, “It is indeed a credit to the artistry of the Wards, that the prestigious department store, Von Lengerke and Antoine (VL&A), sold the Ward mallard and pintail decoys to hunters throughout the Mississippi Flyway. This areawas home to some of the finest decoy makers in America.”
Attesting to this drake decoy’s allure, it was selected by an early collector to be preserved in its unrigged state as part of a lamp. Original paint with minimal wearandahairline crack in bill has been cleanly reset, touch-up to back of neck seam and to one-inch spot on back and right side.
Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, TheWardBrothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Plano, TX, 1989, pp. 83-86, related drakes illustrated and discussed.
$20,000 - $30,000
145 1948 Mallard Pair
The Ward Brothers
Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976)
Crisfield, MD, 1942 18 1/2 in. long
A perfectlymatched, oversize rigmate pair by the Ward Brothers. Both birds are made of “life raft” balsa with pine heads and inserted wooden tails. Both birds have razor-sharp bills and have had their keels removed. Both are in original paint with even gunning wear. A few small areas of touch-up, including under hen’s tail and on seam on left side. Drake has tight line in neck and touch-up to area of right flank.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, TheWard Brothers' Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Plano, TX, 1989, pp. 83-84, similar decoys illustrated.
$5,000 - $7,000
146 Early Canvasback
The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1930 14 1/4 in. long
This turned-head decoy has early hallmarks, including deep shoulder carving and distinct wing paint details. Original paint to the white and wings, red and black is old working paint. Heavy gunning wear with crack to base of neck. Old chips and touch-up to bill and tail.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
$1,500 - $2,500
THE WARD BROTHERS
1896-1984 AND 1895-1976 | CRISFIELD, MD
144 Half-Size Flying Pintail
Lemuel T. Ward (1896-1984)
Crisfield, MD, 1954
11 3/4 in. long, 151/4 in. wingspan
A decorative with a full balsa body with excellent carving and painting. The underside of this pintail’s left wing is inscribed “Easton’s Art Show April 23, 24, 25th, 1954.”
Original paint with light wear. On right wing, touch-up to reset line in speculum and to reset wing tip. Minor spot of touch-up to a drip and rub on lower back side.
$1,500 - $2,500
JOHN B. GRAHAM
1822-1911
147 The Hillman Graham Teal
John B. Graham (1822-1912)
Charlestown,MD,c.1880
11 1/4 in. long
An important and documented Upper Bay blue-winged teal from by one of the region’s carving pioneers. This rare long-bodied example has a ridged tail, raised neck shelf, and refined head carving finished with incised mandibles. The underside bears the Hillman Collection ink stamp. Original paint with even gunning wear, crack to neck and front of breast, wear to crown, and overpaint on rear speculums.
Provenance: John Hillman Collection Private Collection, Maryland
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., Decoy of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Exton, PA, 1979, p. 85, exact teal illustrated.
C. John Sullivan, “The Grahams of Charlestown,” Decoy Magazine, July/August 1997, front cover and pp. 8-13, related Graham decoys illustrated, with no teal shown.
RobertShaw, Bird Decoys of North America, New York, NY, 2010, p. 202, Graham discussed.
$20,000 - $30,000
O’Brien GrahamCanvasbackPair.JohnGraham isconsideredtheUpperChesapeakeBay’spremier earlydecoymaker.In2017thisrelatedpairofGraham canvasbackssettheworldrecordfor not only the maker, buttheentireregion.
147
The
"John Black Graham (1822-1912) of Charlestown, Maryland, on the Susquehanna Flats about eight miles east of Havre de Grace, was the trendsetter in Cecil County. A cabinetmaker, undertaker, boatbuilder, and professional decoy carver..."
— Robert Shaw, Bird Decoys of North America
JAMES T. HOLLY
148 Rare Blue-Winged Teal
James T. Holly (1855-1935) Havre de Grace, MD, c. 1880 12in.long
This early slightly swimming teal is among the Holly family’s and Upper Bay’s finest teal forms. Several related decoys have found their way to top collections, including those of James Doherty and Alan Haid. The bird’s refined form has some collectors even attributing this form to James’s highly esteemed father, John “Daddy” Holly (1818-1992).
The plumage is expertly applied with bright speculums and scratch feathering on the back. Original paint with even gunning wear, over-paint successfully removed from underside and speculums. Tight crack along lower right side.
Provenance: Private Collection
Literature: R. H. Richardson, ChesapeakeBayDecoys, Cambridge, MD, 1991, p. 67, closely related example illustrated.
$8,000 - $12,000
149 Rare Blue-Winged Teal
Captain Ben Dye (1821-1896)(attr.)
Perryville, MD, c. 1875
10 3/4 in. long
This rare teal exhibits exceptional form also similar to the carvings of John Graham. Overpaint has been removed to reveal some original paint with heavy gunning wear. Some restoration.
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., Decoys of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Exton, PA, 1979, p. 84 (upper left), rigmate illustrated.
$3,000 - $5,000
150 Albanus Phillips-Rig Canada Goose
The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976)
Crisfield, MD, c. 1930
24 3/4 in. long
A rare and exceptional goose form from the rig of Colonel Albanus Phillips (1871-1949) of the Bishops Head Gun Club. This earlier example has some similarities with the model named for Bishops Head Club, such as the high back, shoulder separation, and Roman nose. That said, this bird displays a more roundedform. Original and working repaint worn down to wood withheavygunningwearandcracksthroughout.
Provenance: Colonel Albanus Phillips Rig
$3,000 - $4,000
151 MackeySwan
Havre de Grace,MD,c.1940
33 3/4 in. long
Acquired by William J. Mackey,Jr. as a contemporary decoy over seventy yearsago,this classic Upper Bay swanhas everything a sophisticated collectorlooks for:an arching neck, pronounced cheeks,a round breast, and a long body. This decoy wasneverrigged and has a sublime surface, especially byold swan decoystandards. Original paint with light wear and afew very tight cracks to left side.
Provenance: WilliamJ. MackeyJr. Collection
LawrenceA.CartonJr. Collection, acquiredfrom the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
$12,000 - $18,000
FRANK S. FINNEY
“As a young man in the 1960s, the coastal North Carolina area of the Great Dismal Swamp was my playground/fantasy world. I was fascinated by its amazing abundance and variety of life. I would often travel to Moses White’s Mill, which was on the Old Swamp Road, to buy white cedar wood—also known as juniper wood—which I used for carving. Moses sold wood to all the North Carolina decoy carvers, including Ned Burgess, James Best, and Mitchell Fulcher. During these years, Billy Scripture (later a Major League Baseball player with the Baltimore Orioles) and I would sometimes go into the swamp via the old logging roads and cut our own cedar. The birds and wildlife I would see on these forays captured my attention and imagination, andI never forgot my experiences there.
“This piece represents some of those creatures and birds that I encountered all those years ago, all congregated on a dead cypress tree. This carving was made from swamp bowl gum, boxwood, and deer antler. The interior mechanism was completely engineered and fashioned by my hand. I have called it Life after Death because of all the new and abundant life that this dead tree is providing protection and shelter to.”
— Frank S. Finney
FRANK S. FINNEY
B. 1947 | CAPEVILLE, VA
152 Woodpecker Tree Mechanical Bank
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
28 in. tall, 16 1/2 in. wide
Perhaps his greatest undertaking to date, this unique Finney carving shows the artist at not only the height of his creativity, but his engineering talents as well. A squirrel clutching a nut, a tree frog, a vine with leaves, and a snake adorn the bottom of the cypress tree stump. Five different branches house a squirrel eating a nut, a raccoon, and three different species of woodpeckers: a flicker, a red-headed woodpecker, and an ivory-billed woodpecker. When the top of the tree stump is lifted, these five carvings emerge from their respective holes, a nuthatch and a downy woodpecker “peck” at the trunk, and a slot for a coin is revealed at the very top. The tree is also adorned with three other stationary, larger woodpeckers: a hairy woodpecker, a pileated woodpecker, and a grand ivory-billed woodpecker perched majestically above the rest upon the pull.
The underside bears the maker’s “Frank Smith Finney” signature on a heart-shaped removable inset for access to the bank’s vault. Original paint with minimal wear.
$25,000 - $35,000
FRANK S. FINNEY
155 Calling Pheasant
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
21 in. long, 16 in. tall
An excellent calling rooster pheasant with intricate paint and incised carving to the wing tips and length of the tail. The artist even dives into recreating the raised and textured aspect of the red wattle that surrounds the bird’s inset glass eyes. The artist’s fancy “FF” signature is incised on the underside of the base. Original paint with minimal wear. Seam at back of base.
$3,500 - $4,500
153 HootingGreatHornedOwl
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
26 in. tall
A rare and large life-size great horned owl with chip carving and an open bill. Signed on the perch and the bottom of the base. Original paint with light wear.
$4,500 - $6,500
154 Emperor Penguin
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
28 1/2 in. tall with base
A grand penguin that is close to life size. Signed on the underside by the maker. Original paint with light wear, including repair to bill tip and paint loss between legs.
$4,500 - $6,500
Capeville, VA
7 1/2 in. tall
A rare and well-crafted bobwhite male that is calling out to its mate or covey. The carving features the maker’s best blended paint feathering. The underside bears both the maker’s best incised “F” and “Finney” ink stamp signatures. Original paint with minor ding to top of crest.
$3,000 - $5,000
Capeville, VA
4 1/2 in. tall
An eight-and-one-half inch long timberdoodle with carved wing and tail feathers. The underside bears the maker’s black “Finney” stamped signature. Original paint with light wear.
$600 - $900
156 Life-Size Calling Quail
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
157 Woodcock
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
FRANK S. FINNEY
158 GreatHornedOwlMiniature
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
6 1/2 in. tall
The underside bears the maker’s incised “F” signature. Original paint with minimal wear.
$3,000 - $4,000
159 TurkeyBoxCall
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
9 1/2 in. long
This rare work is constructed from wood, bone, and antler, the beard is horsehair. The turkey carving displays incised feather detail. Signed with incised “F” on bottom of handle. A working call ready foruseinthefield,italso doubles as a work of art. Original paint with minimal wear.
$3,000 - $4,000
160 Turkey Head Box Call
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
15 1/4 in. long
The back of the neck bears the maker’s incised serifed “F” signature in the figured walnut,andthebonehandlebears an incised capital “F.” The hinge pin has a carved human face. Original paint with minimal wear.
$1,500 - $2,500
161 Miniature Hooded Merganser & Fish
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
4 3/4 in. tall
The underside bears the maker’s incised “F” signature and inked“Finney”stamp. Originalpaintwithlightwearandtouchupto reset bill tip.
$2,000 - $3,000
162 Miniature Bittern
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
3 1/2 in. tall
The underside of the base bears the maker’s incised “F” signature and inked “Finney” stamp. Original paint with light wear.
$900 - $1,200
163 Miniature Preening Rooster
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
7 1/4 in. tall
The underside bears the maker’s “F. Finney” stamp signature. Original paint with light wear.
$600 - $900
1788-1866| SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY
164 Early Golden Plover
John Henry Verity (1788-1866) Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1840 11 in. long
The coastal village of Seaford, where John Henry Verity hailed from, is inextricably linked with decoy making and fowling heritage. The maker of this bird is one of the earliest documented decoy carvers from any region and is listed as the father of Obediah (1813-1901). He is widely considered the patriarch of four generations of the Verity carving dynasty. Each decoy region identifies a “father” of the area’s style; the Delaware River has John English, the Upper Bay has John “Daddy” Holly, and Long Island has John Henry Verity.
The plump body was broadened with three-piece construction. Later Verity generations would often make even fatter birds, perhaps to tell the decoys’ flying brethren that the “dining is good here.” Later generations would also move away from the birds’ two-piece applied head to a single
piece of wood. The body was finished with rare tiger-stripe painting. Original paint with gunning wear consistent with age. Left side resecured with glue. Touch-up to chipped underside of bill.
Provenance: Richard LaFountain Collection Private Collection
$4,500 - $6,500
165 Early Golden Plover
John Henry Verity (1788-1866)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1830 10 1/2 in. long
An alert Seaford gunning decoy with tiger-stripe painting. Original paint with even gunning wear, a hairline crack in front of neck, a replacedbill,andafilledrear stick hole.
$1,500 - $2,500
166 O’Brien Gelston Plover
Thomas H. Gelston (1851-1924)
Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 11 1/2 in. long
This plover has pronounced black feathering alongthebottom of each wing, as well as some light coloring on its wings, suggesting it is a rare golden plover by this highly esteemed Long Island maker. Original paint with light even gunning wear and typical even craquelure seen on Gelston’s best carvings.
Provenance: Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Collection
William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$6,500 - $8,500
167 O’Brien Gelston Willet
Thomas H. Gelston (1851-1924)
Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 13in.long
An excellent, full-body Gelston willet with the maker’s signature black glass eyes and raised primaries. While the maker was rather prolific, his wooden willet decoys are rare in any condition. Original paint with light even gunning wear, including few stacking marks and typical even craquelure seen on Gelston’s best carvings.
Provenance: Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Collection
William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
Literature: Robert Shaw, Bird Decoys of North America, New York, NY, 2010, p. 182, related example illustrated.
$6,500 - $8,500
1851-1924 | QUOGUE, LONG
Map of Long Island, Published by Beers, Comstock & Cline, 1873
SMITH CLINTON VERITY
1845-1920 | SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY
SmithClinton Verity (1845-1920)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1890
12 1/4 in. long
A rare running yellowlegs with raised wings that resolve with spread wing tips. The well-preserved paint features tight stippling and an appealing craquelure. Bud Ward attributed the incised “W” on the underside to the gunning rig of Willard Verity, Smith Clinton s son. Original paint with even gunning wearandasmallrubto right wing.
Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection
Private Collection
Literature: Sotheby’s and Guyette and Schmidt, American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, January 22-23, 2000, p. 102, lot 214, rigmate illustrated.
$8,000 - $12,000
168 Ward-Muller Verity Yellowlegs
Provenance: Willard Verity Rig
Bud Ward Collection
169 Outstanding SwimmingBrant
SmithClinton Verity (1845-1920)
Seaford,Long Island, NY, c. 1900 15 1/4 in.long
Among the cleanest and most elegant ofallVerity waterfowlforms, this brantfeatures a swimming pose.Theunderside of this decoy has the remnants ofastampreading “Smith Clinton Verity.” Original paint with even gunning wear, a working repaint toblack typically found with Veritydecoys.
$6,500 - $8,500
170 Reaching Plover
Obediah Verity(1813-1901)
Seaford,Long Island, NY,c.1870 11 1/4 in. long
A Verityblack-bellied plover ina rare forward-reaching pose.This plump exampleshows themaker’sbest form and carving detail with tight paint stippling. Several rigmatesreside in the collection of the Stony BrookMuseum. Old Verity paint with even gunning wear, including some flakesto left of stick hole.
Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., ShoreBirdDecoys,Exton, PA, 1980, p. 42, pl. 12-14, similar ploverillustrated.
Milton C.Weiler and WilliamJ. MackeyJr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A PortfolioofPaintings,New York, NY,1971,pl.23, similar ploverillustrated.
$3,500- $4,500
171 Verity Bluebill
Seaford,Long Island, NY, c.1900 12 1/2 in.long
A proudly poised bluebill with delicately stippled back paint. A fine examplefrom Long Island’smost famous carving family. Old Verity paint with even gunning wear.
$2,000 - $3,000
Verity Swimming Canada Goose closely related to lot169, on the cover of R.W.O.American Bird Decoys, October 1983 catalog.
CHARLES SUMNER BUNN
172 ColioDowitcher
Charles Sumner Bunn (1865-1952) Shinnecock,NY,c.1900 10 in. long
Quintina Colio selected this rare decoy to illustrate alongside William J. Mackey’s finest Bunn decoys in her AmericanDecoys book. A stylish dowitcher with raised wing tips, a dropped thigh, and lively reddish plumage. Excellent original paint with even gunning wearandareplaced bill.
Provenance: Private Collection
Literature: Quintina Colio, American Decoys, Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 68, exact decoy illustrated.
$6,000 - $9,000
QUOGUE,
173 Exceptional Calling Golden Plover
John Dilley
Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1880
10 1/2 in. long
The uplifted head attitude, split-tail carving, and superb paint application displayed on this gunned-over decoy place it at the very top of known works by the maker. The underside has an early collector’s identification. Additionally, it features the elegant, coveted, but rarely seen “Dilley” script signature on the bottom.
When referring to Dilley shorebirds in AmericanBirdDecoys, Mackey states, “There is no question that the detailed, stylized painting is unsurpassed. They are beautiful examples from the hand of a fastidious workman.” Starting with clean lines and a solid form, Dilley applied some of
the finest representations of plumage ever demonstrated. Employing a two-tiered paint technique, he was able to imply detail without carving or painting every feather.
Original paint with even gunning wear and old working touch-up to original bill.
Provenance: Private Collection, Florida
Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey Jr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, New York, NY, 1971, pl. 7, related Dilley carvings illustrated and discussed.
$20,000 - $30,000
173
WILLIAM H. SOUTHARD
1874-1940 |
174 Robin Snipe
William H. Southard (1874-1940)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 11 1/2 in. long
A very rare Southard species with good carving detail, including the Seaford School’s signature sweeping wing pattern. A mix of original paint with repaint and gunning wear, including shot scars.
$5,000 - $7,000
175 RunningYellowlegs
William H. Southard (1874-1940)
Seaford, Long Island, NY
13 1/4 in. long
A classic form by the Seaford carver which features carved eyes, S-shaped raised wings, V-cut wing tips, and ticked
feather paint. This bird was collected by three shorebird decoy collecting legends. Several collectors’ notes are inscribed on the underside. Original paint with even gunning wear, two spots of touch-up in front of stick hole and below right wing, replaced bill. Tight age line on left side of head and neck.
Provenance: Mort Hanson Collection
Schiller Martin Collection
Richard LaFountain Collection
Private Collection
Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey Jr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, New York, NY, 1971, pl. 20, related example illustrated.
$3,500 - $4,500
176 Black-Bellied Plover
Obediah Verity (1813-1901)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 11 in. long
A classic Seaford beetle-head carving with refined form and tight stippling. In old working Verity paint with gunning wear, including some flaking, mostly on breast and topoftail.
Literature: The Ward Museum, TheDecoysofLongIsland, Salisbury, MD, 2010, p. 31, related example illustrated. RobertShaw, Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.,Houston,TX,1992,p.43,relatedexamples illustrated.
William J. Mackey Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 102, pl. 85, related decoys illustrated.
$3,500 - $4,500
177 Feeding Yellowlegs Everett Carter (1840-1910) Southampton, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 13in.long
A full-bodied and extended feederwithdeeplycarved wings, carved bill delineation, accentuated wing tips, and scratched feather paint. A related example was acquired by Donal C. O’Brien Jr. from Adele Earnest. Original paint with even gunning wear, old gunning feathering added to wing edges and breast. Reset bill, eyes may be replaced, minor left wing tip chip.
$2,500 - $3,500
178 Purnell Verity Ruddy Turnstone Obediah Verity (1813-1901) Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1860 8 1/2 in. long
Anexceedinglyraretucked-headruddyturnstonedecoy. This bird was first baptized by shot in the line of fire; it was later struck by the “P” brand designating it belonged in the Purnell Collection. Original paint with old working repaintonbreast and gunning wear. In early Verity gunning paint with heavy gunning wear, a replaced bill, numerous shot scars,andachiponthetop of the head.
Provenance: William H. Purnell Collection
Private Collection
Dwight D. Miller Collection
Private Collection
Literature: Timothy R. Sieger and Dr. Cynthia Byrd, TheDecoys of Long Island, Water Mill, NY, 2010, p. 35, related decoy illustrated.
$2,000 - $4,000
The Curt Mettam Collection
By Chelsie Olney
Curtis S. Mettam (b. 1934) was born in Danville, Illinois. Curt’s love affair with bird hunting began when, at twelve years old, he rode his bicycle to the local sporting goods store and purchased his first shotgun with money earned from his paper route. Thus armed, he would go around his neighborhood shooting at birds, much to the dismay of citizens in his close-knit neighborhood.
Always a man on a mission, after graduating from Schlarman Academy, Mettam attended Indiana University on a football scholarship, joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), earned his undergraduate degree, and then enlisted in the army branch of US Armed Forces. He married Nancy Widdis, and together they raised four daughters.
In addition to being a devoted family man, Mettam grew to be a passionate sportsman over the decades, and was especially drawn to pheasant hunting. Another constant in Curt’s life was his abiding love for hunting dogs and field-trial competitions. Mettam had many cocker spaniels, English pointers, and beloved English setters over the years. His most successful hunting dog, an English pointer named Hershel, was crowned Derby Dog in 1972. Derbies are a type of field trial that are open to both professional and amateur handlers. A Derby Dog is a dog less than two years old that participates and successfully demonstrates his or her potential.
Mettam’s love of people and travel, combined with his positive attitude and inquisitive nature, enabled him and his wife to launch a successful safety supply business. His daughter Gracie explains, “As an extravert, my dad’s life was made full with people he met along the way. He was always curious and asking questions to learn about others
and their interests.” As a result of his work, bird hunting, fishing,andfield-trialcompetitions, Mettam was able to travel throughout the US. In addition, he and Nancy enjoyed hunting trips to Wales and fishing expeditions in Alaska and Canada, along with excursions to Panama, Italy, Ireland, and the Galapagos, amongst many other destinations.
Curt Mettam’s enduring passion for hunting, fishing, and dogs was the catalyst for his interest in duck decoys and sporting art,includingpaintings,bronzes, and engravings later in life. Mettam thoroughly researched artists and their work, considering both the life of the artist and the subject rendered with each of his acquisitions. In addition to his admiration for works by Edmund Henry Osthaus (1858–1928) and Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896–1969),Mettamhaslongbeenand continues to be a champion of many contemporary artists, including David A. Hagerbaumer (1921–2014), Brett Smith (b. 1958), Grant Hacking (b. 1964), carvers Ian and Colin McNair (b. 1981 and 1986), and sculptor Winston Gordon Churchill (1939–2023). Curt loved going to decoy shows, meeting new people, and experiencing the camaraderie of collecting. Harnessing the same interpersonal skills that enabled him to succeed in business, Mettam developed a keen eye. Mettam’s enthusiasm for collecting decoys and sporting art has never waned.
Like many hunters, Mettam contributed to organizations that champion the species which brought him so much pleasure in the field and in the artwork he collected. A member of the President’s Council of Ducks Unlimited, Curt was a dedicated supporter of waterfowl conservation efforts. With his passion for hunting, fishing, family, dogs, collecting art, and the sporting lifestyle, Copley is honored to celebrate Curt Mettam’s legacy.
Copley Fine Art Auctions would like to thank Curt’s daughter Gracie Ayres for sharing her photographs and reflectionsonher father.
ThreeSetters signed “Edm. H. Osthaus” lower right watercolor, 19 by 27 in.’
According to George Bird Evans, Edmund Osthaus’ paintings exhibit “the character of the early Llewellin and English setters in this country, their beauty and integrity as bird dogs, and what they meant to those of us who care. Each Osthaus portrait of a gun dog went beyondeven that, capturing the individual dog and making him exist after he is gone.”
Provenance: Davison B. Hawthorne Collection Curt Mettam Collection
Literature: Kay and George Evans, “Dogs That Live Forever,” Field & Stream, vol. LXXV, no. 2, June 1970, pp. 234-240.
$10,000 - $20,000
“Thousands of shooting men have formed their tastes in dogs from Osthaus paintings...they know his setters and pointers as real dogs pointing and retrieving real birds...One man called them ‘healthy wet-nosed dogs that hunt, wag, sympathize, and love.’”
— Kay and George Evans
180 Edmund Henry Osthaus (1858-1928)
Setters in the Field,1892
signed and dated “Edm. H. Osthaus 1892” lower left watercolor, 18 1/2 by 25 in.
A well-rendered composition of an English and Irish setter locked on point.
Curt Mettam Collection, acquired from The Sportsman’s Gallery in2010
$8,000 - $12,000
181 Edmund Henry Osthaus (1858-1928)
A Llewellin Setter
signed “Edm. H. Osthaus” lower right gouache on paper, 18 1/2 by 12 3/4 in.
An inscription on the back of the frame reveals this dog to be Caesar, a Llewellin setter who won the American Kennel Club championship in the early 1900s and was “raised by William H. Beazell (cousin Bill’s father) in either PA or AL.”
Billy Beazell was a noted field trial owner and handler who also won the National Championship in 1915 with a setter.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
1860-1935
182 Archibald Thorburn (British, 1860-1935)
Bufflehead signed“A. Thorburn” lower right watercolor, 6 1/2 by 9 1/2 in.
Archibald Thorburn was born in Scotland, the son of a portrait miniaturist who worked for Queen Victoria. Thorburn studied at home with his father before attending the St John’s Wood School of Art in London and studying with Joseph Wolf (1820-1899), a leading animal and natural history artist of the time.
In 1887, Thorburn was commissioned by Lord Lilford to create hundreds of watercolors for Coloured Figures of the Birds of the BritishIsles. Throughout his career, he exhibited attheRoyal Academy and select galleries in London. Thorburn was known for his lifelike scenes, derived from significant time in the field, observing and sketching birds in their natural habitats. An early conservationist, he was an active member and leader of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Provenance: Lord Lilford Collection
Private Collection, acquired from the Moorland Gallery, London, 1976
Curt Mettam Collection, acquired from Copley Fine Art Auctions, Sporting Sale 2010, lot 57
Literature: Thomas Littleton Powys, Lord Lilford, Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands, Vol. 7, London, 1885-1897, p. 117, pl. 49, illustrated.
$2,000 - $4,000
183 Archibald Thorburn (British, 1860-1935)
Tufted Ducks
signed “A. Thorburn” lower right watercolor, 9 1/2 by 6 1/2 in.
Provenance: Lord Lilford Collection
Private Collection, acquired from the Moorland Gallery, London, 1976
Curt Mettam Collection, acquired from Copley Fine Art Auctions, Sporting Sale 2010, lot 55
Literature: Thomas Littleton Powys, Lord Lilford, Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Islands, Vol. 7, London, 1885-1897, p. 113, pl. 47, illustrated.
$2,000 - $4,000
DAVID A. HAGERBAUMER
184 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
Flushing Quail Covey, 1963 signed and dated “David Hagerbaumer 1963” lower right watercolor, 29 1/2 by 39 1/2 in.
This grand-scale Southern scene featuring the bold flush of a covey riserelates closely to Bobwhite Quail, illustrated in Hagerbaumer’s book Selected American Game Birds.Thevividcolors,expert composition, and seamless brush strokes show Hagerbaumer at the height of his abilities.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$5,000 - $10,000
185 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
Short Grass Marsh signed “David Hagerbaumer” lower left watercolor,9by12in.
A watercolor of pintails flying in a western marsh landscape, framedwitha hand-written note that reads:
“If there’s one thing sprig favor it’s plenty of elbow room. Sure, they’ll crowd into sloughs, lakes, and backwater where the other puddle ducks are -- but only if that is where the feed is. Givenachoice,pintailswillseekthewide open marshes. And here I’ve gunned for this grand duck for more years than I can recall. - David Hagerbaumer”
Watercolor vignette of a pintail decoy found in Stillwater, Nevada.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $3,000
186 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
OvertheStoneWall,2002 signed and dated “David Hagerbaumer 2002” lower right watercolor,91/4by121/4in.
A bright watercolor of two grouse flushing through a Fall canopy.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
187 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
In the Willow Brakes -Woodcock-,1981 signed “David Hagerbaumer” lower right oil on canvas, 10 by 8 in. titled and dated on back
An exceedingly rare medium for the artist, of the approximately 350 works of Hagerbaumer’s that have sold at auction, only five have been oils.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
Literature: John Orrelle, The Art of a Sporting Life: The Wildlife Art of DavidHagerbaumer,Vol.II,LaConner,WA,2009,p.167,illustrated.
$2,500 - $3,500
188 Hand-Painted Ceramic Quail
David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014) Santa Barbara, CA, c. 1956 6 by 7 by 4 in.
A rare turned-head painted ceramic sculptural piece by this sporting artist with his signature inscribed on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear and minor loss at reset crack at top of legs.
$400 - $600
DAVID A. HAGERBAUMER
1921-2014
190 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
Mallards in Flight, 1967
signed and dated “David Hagerbaumer 1967” lower left watercolor, 7 1/2 by 9 1/2 in.
Provenance: Margaret and Robert Mayo Collection Curt Mettam Collection
$400 - $600
189 DavidA.Hagerbaumer(1921-2014)
Two Watercolors, Woodcock and Grouse each signed “David Hagerbaumer” lower right watercolor, each 7 by 9 in.
A pair of paintings depicting two of Hagerbaumer’s favorite upland birds in flight.
Provenance: The Estate of Ann Dickinson Dale Curt Mettam Collection
$800 - $1,200
191 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014) Valley Quail, 1967
signed and dated “David Hagerbaumer 1967” lower left watercolor, 8 by 10 in.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
192 Brett James Smith (b. 1958)
October Trout
signed “Brett J Smith” lower right oil on canvas, 17 1/2 by 23 1/2 in. signed and titled on back
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$3,000 - $5,000
193 Brett James Smith (b. 1958) Fall Pheasants
signed “Brett J Smith” lower right oil on canvas, 15 1/2 by 19 1/2 in. signed and titled on back
In this work, two hunters, following the good work of their setters, are rewarded with two high-flying pheasants.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
BRETT JAMES SMITH
right
Brett J. Smith was born on March 19, 1958, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His early introduction to sporting art came from his father, who worked professionally as an illustrator and moonlighted as a fine artist, contributing paintings for covers of the early outdoor and Western magazines. Sportsmen nationwide collect Smith’s work because it is not only visually exciting, but also authentic and brings to bear his intimate knowledge of his sporting experience. Smith’s work has been featured in such publications as Gray’s Sporting Journal, Ducks Unlimited Magazine, Sporting Classics, Shooting Sportsman,and Double Gun Journal. He has also been recognized for his work with such organizations as Gulf Coast Conservation Association, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Ruffed Grouse Society, Ducks Unlimited, and many others.
This fine oil depicts a hunter returning from a successful elk trip.
Provenance: Thomas W. Sheppard Collection Private Collection, Massachusetts, by descent Curt Mettam Collection, acquired from Copley Fine Art Auctions, 2022
$4,500 - $6,500
194 Brett James Smith (b. 1958) Back with Meat signed “Brett J. Smith “ lower
oil on canvas, 24 by 30 in.
195 Brett James Smith (b. 1958) Quail Shooting signed “Brett Smith” lower left watercolor, 13 1/2 by 17 1/2 in.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
196 Brett James Smith (b. 1958) Crossing to Cover,2000 signed “Brett J. Smith” lower left watercolor, 20 by 29 in.
In this bright watercolor, a flushed grouse flies over a stream as a hunter and his two settersapproach.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
197 Liz Lewis (b. 1976)
RuffedGrouse signed “Lewis” on base bronze, 11 by 13 1/2 by 8 in. edition 29 of 30
Lewis is an accomplished bronze sculptor from Montana known for her upland birds and dogs. One of the artist’s most popular works, this life-size bronze captures the essence of this ultimate game bird.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
198 Liz Lewis (b. 1976)
Springer with Pheasant signed and numbered “Lewis 4/10” on base bronze, 8 by 11 by 4 in.
An Orvis exclusive piece, edition 4 of 10.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
199 Liz Lewis (b. 1976)
English Pointer signed “Lewis” on base bronze, 7 by 6 1/2 by 4 in. edition 5 of 30
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
200 Liz Lewis (b. 1976)
English Setter signed “Lewis” on base bronze, 9 1/2 by 8 by 4 in. edition 3 of 25
This work is a completed study for her accomplished life-size setter bronze “Honor.”
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
201
202 Jules Moigniez (French, 1835-1894)
English Setter, c. 1880 signed “J. Moigniez” on base bronze, 12 by 7 1/2 by 4 in.
In addition to sculpting dogs, Moigniez is known for his bronzes of game birds and horses. He worked with his father, who cast all of his pieces in a foundry built specifically for creating his works. This close relationship allowed Moigniez to ensure that the remarkable amount of detail in his models made it into the final product. This attention to detail is apparent in the dog’s lush coat, tense stance, and raised paw.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$800 - $1,200
201 Austin Barton (1927-2017)
Another Day, Another Buck,1995 signed and dated “Austin Barton ‘95” on base bronze, 27 by 11 1/4 by 19 1/4 in.
edition 22 of 25
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
203 R. Phinney Jr. (20th Century)
Bobwhite,1981
signed and dated “R. Phinney Jr. ‘81” on base bronze, 5 by 6 by 5 in. titled and numbered “AP/12” on base
Provenance: Estate of Alfred F. King III
Curt Mettam Collection, acquired from Copley Fine Art Auctions, The Winter Sale 2020, lot 128
$300-$500
204 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
BigFive, 2016 signed “Grant Hacking” lower left oil on canvas, 30 by 40 in. signed, titled, dated, and inscribed “To Curt, Best wishes, Grant” onback
Born in South Africa to two artist parents, Grant Hacking grew up surrounded by the wildlife and landscapes seen in many of his paintings today. During his military service, he restored works in the South African National War Museum. Since movingto the United States in 1990, Hacking has painted a variety of North American and African animals and landscapes. Hacking has won several awards and been
represented in publications, such as Gray’s Sporting Journal, Safari Magazine,and Sporting Classics
This large oil depicts the big five animals of Africa: the elephant, African buffalo, lion, rhinoceros, and leopard.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
“I do not want to be categorized as either a wildlife painter or a landscapist because what I really paint is nature.”
— Grant Hacking
206 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
OldBull, 2015 signed “Grant Hacking” lower left oil on canvas, 11 1/2 by 15 1/2 in. signed, titled, and dated on back
An oil of a large elephant with egrets in a landscape.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$800 - $1,200
205 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
Zebra Pair signed “Grant Hacking” lower left oil on canvas, 11 1/2 by 15 1/2 in.
An intimate portrait of two of nature’s “striped horses."
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$800 - $1,200
207 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
In the Shade signed “Grant Hacking” lower left oil on canvas, 13 1/2 by 17 1/2 in.
In this work an alert leopard awaits its next move.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
209 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
Plains Buffalo, 2018
signed “Grant Hacking” lower left oil on canvas, 10 1/2 by 13 1/2 in. signed, dated, and titled on back
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
208 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
On theVerge - Mountain Goats, 2010
signed “Grant Hacking” lower left oil on canvas, 24 by 30 in. signed, dated, titled, and inscribed “Thanks to Greg Beecham” on back
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
210 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
Cliff Dwellers,2008
signed “Grant Hacking” lower left oil on canvas, 24 by 30 in. signed, dated, and titled on back
Six bighorn sheep graze as the sun hits the cliffs and mountains around them.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
211 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
Hippos and Elephants, 2016 signed “Grant Hacking” lower right oil on canvas, 12 by 26 1/2 in. signed, titled, and dated on back of canvas
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
212 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
Elephant in Tall Grass
signed “Grant Hacking” lower right oil on canvas, 10 1/2 by 13 1/2 in.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$400 - $600
213 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
Sable and Egrets signed “Grant Hacking” lower left oil on canvas, 11 1/2 by 15 1/2 in.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$800 - $1,200
WINSTON GORDON CHURCHILL
1939-2023
214 Winston Gordon Churchill (1939-2023)
Incoming Flight, 1990 signed and dated “W. Churchill, 1990” on trunk bronze, 21 1/2 by 28 by 19 in. edition 10 of 35
Vermont-basedartistWinstonChurchillhadanexceptional career as an exclusive high-end gun engraver. He first engraved for the U.S. Navybefore apprenticing with Josef Fugger at Abercrombie & Fitch. Later, Churchill turned to finely detailed bronze sculptures of wildlife, such as this work depicting a pair of woodcock, one restinginautumnal
leaves and one coming in for a landing. There is a hint of the hunt in the form of a shotgun shell restinginthe foreground.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$4,000 - $6,000
WINSTON GORDON CHURCHILL
1939-2023
215 Winston Gordon Churchill (1939-2023)
Master’s Reward,1994 signed and dated “1994, Winston Churchill” under head bronze, 11 1/4 by 7 1/2 by 7 in.
218 Winston Gordon Churchill (1939-2023) Timber Doodlin’ Down, 1998 signed and dated “1998 W. Churchill” lower right bronze, 9 3/4 by 6 1/4 in. titled lower left
Depicting a trio of woodcock with wings raised as they take flight.
In 2002, sculptor Dave Hodges created an ornament for the White House Christmas tree. His Texas Longhorn steer, Fancy Footwork, is on permanent display at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California. In 2013, he created a monumental panther for the University of Pittsburgh’s Bradford campus.
Dave Hodges became interested in artwork at a young age. He began his professional career as a bronze sculptor in 1982 after graduating with a BS degree from Montana State University in Bozeman. Since then, Hodges has created sculptures of a wide array of subjects in a multitude of sizes, from miniatures to monuments. He also authored Book of Bronze: Creating Sculptures from Clay to Bronze.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$500 - $800
225 Dave Hodges (b. 1949)
Ready to Rumble signed and dated “Hodges 2008” on base bronze, 13 by 18 1/2 by 8 in. edition 13 of 30
A bronze of a Texas Longhorn.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$500 - $800
226 Chet Reneson (b. 1934)
Surprised signed “Reneson” lower left watercolor, 16 by 27 in.
A trio of mallards rise before the hunters have set out their decoys in this classic and relatable Reneson watercolor.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $3,000
227 Chet Reneson (b. 1934)
DuckBlind signed “Reneson” lower left watercolor, 15 1/2 by 26 1/2 in.
A classic early morning “snowy blowy” scene with two hunters in the distance venturing out to the blind. A snow-covered rig of decoys rests in front of the blind.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $3,000
229 Bob Bertram (b. 1960)
Locked Up on the Covey, 2019 signed “Bertram” lower left oil on board, 9 by 12 in. signed, titled and dated on back
A Texas quail portrait of a staunch pointer.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
231 Robert G. Wehle (1920-2002)
Snakefoot,1995 signed and dated “R. Wehle ‘95” on base bronze, 6 by 3 by 6 in. edition 21 of 50 titled and numbered on base
Robert G. Wehle bred champion pointers from 1936 until his death in 2002 at the famed Elhew Kennels in Upstate New York. Wehle was the son of Louis A. Wehle, chairman of the Genesee Brewing Company, and brother of John L. Wehle, founder of the Genesee Country Museum. He was an avid conservationist, with land he preserved as parks bearing his name in New York and Alabama. In New York, the park includes his artist’s studio.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$400 - $600
228 Grant Hacking (b. 1964)
Setter Puppies, 2018 signed “Grant Hacking” lower left oil on canvas, 11 1/2 by 23 3/4 in. titled and dated on back
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$400 - $600
230 Percival Rosseau (1859-1937) Pointer, c. 1925 signed “Percival Rosseau” lower right color print and graphite, 16 1/2 by 23 1/2 in.
Thisprintissignedinpencilby the artist and features a small vignette of a flushing quail covey at the lower left. Copyrighted and published in 1925 by Arthur Ackermann & Son of New York.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
232 Ronald W. Lowery (20th Century) Wood Duck Pair, 1993
signed and dated “’93, R. Lowery” on base bronze, 9 by 9 by 9 1/2 in. edition 4 of 25
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$400 - $600
233 William J. Koelpin Sr. (1938-1996) RuffedGrouse,1987
signed and dated “Wm. J. Koelpin 87” on base bronze, 7 by 9 1/2 by 15 1/2 in. titled and numbered on base edition 8 of 24
A well-executed life-size rendition of a drumming partridge.
235 Six Wedgwood Plates Marguerite Kirmse (1885-1954) each 10 3/4 in.
Each is from The American Sporting Dog Plates series designed by Marguerite Kirmse. Marked with a circular printed “Wedgwood of Etruria and Barlaston, Made in England” and varying impressed “Wedgwood” marks.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $1,500
236 Eldridge Hardie (1940-2021)
FlyingBobwhiteQuail signed “Hardie” lower center graphite on paper, 3 by 4 1/2 in.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
237 Nicholas Coleman (b. 1978)
Scolopax Minor, Woodcock signed and titled “Nicholas Coleman” upper right watercolor, 9 by 9 1/2 in.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
238 George Browne (1918-1958)
Woodcock red encircled “GB” estate stamp lower right pencil, 8 1/2 by 11 in.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
239 Roland Green (British, 1896-1972)
Woodcock signed “Roland Green” lower right etching, 11 by 8 in. numbered lower left edition 40 of 55
Provenance: Estate of Alfred F. King III Curt Mettam Collection, acquired from Copley Fine Art Auctions, Sporting Sale 2020, lot 116
240 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Woodcock watercolor, 4 3/4 by 3 in. with estate stamp on back
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$200 - $400
241 Twelve Wedgwood Plates
Marguerite Kirmse (1885-1954) each 10 3/4 in.
Wedgwood of Etruria and Barlaston, England
Twelve The American Sporting Dog Plates designed by Marguerite Kirmse. Marked with a circular printed “Wedgwood of Etruria and Barlaston” and an impressed “Wedgwood 11 x 51” mark.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $3,000
242 Two Upland Bird Canes largest is 55 in. long
The red grouse cane measures fifty-one inches tall and the phesant cane is fifty-five inches tall. Asfound.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
243 Ronald W. Lowery (20th Century) Bluebirds signed “R Lowery” on base bronze, 20 by 7 1/2 by 8 1/2 in. edition 6 of 25
A trout angler attempts to “unstitch” a trout that has bolted towards a log jam.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
245 Eleven Avian Plates each 11 3/4 in.
Eleven plates depicting various species of waterfowl, upland birds, and songbirds. Eight plates are made by Pickard China from their Lockhart Birds series from the 1970s. Three plates are made by Boehm from their Woodland Birds of America series.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
246 Miniature Barn Owl Pair bronze, 7 by 3 by 1 1/2 in.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
247 Turned-Head Golden Plover
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville,VA,c.1995
11 in. long
One of the artist’s greatest plover designs, inspired by the early Nantucket makers and perhaps a hint of Jackson Pollack’s painting style. The underside of this hollow featherlight carving bears an incised “McNair” signature. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$2,000 - $3,000
Kingston, MA, 2016
9 1/2 in. tall
A miniature king penguin carving with raised wings and an inserted tail. Signed with an incised “C. Mc” on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
248 Humpback Whale
Colin S. McNair (b. 1986)
Kingston, MA, 2015
25 in. long
A humpback whale carving displaying a carved eye, a raised pectoral flipper, and the maker’s incised signature on the flat backside. This species has a distinctive body shape, with long pectoral fins and a small rounded nub of a bone, called a tubercles, on its head. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
249 King Penguin
Colin S. McNair (b. 1986)
250 Preening Pintail Drake
Ian McNair (b. 1981)
Craddockville, VA, c. 2010 18 in. long
A gracefully carved and painted preening pintail bearing a weight and an incised “I McNAIR” signature on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
251 Pintail
Mark S. McNair (b. 1950)
Craddockville, VA, c. 1990 17 1/4 in. long
A hollow pintail inspired by the work of Philadelphia’s A. B. Vance. The underside of the carving bears an incised “McNair” signature. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection Curt Mettam Collection
$1,500 - $2,000
252 Standing Wood Duck Pair
MikeBorrett(b.1960)
Madison, WI, c. 2015 14 3/4 in. long
A pair of carvings signed with an incised “BORRETT” on the underside of the carvings and branded on the bottom of the bases. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
253 Wood Duck
KenHarris
Woodville, NY, c. 1960 13 1/2 in. long
A colorful decoy with a “Made By Ken Harris, Woodville, N.Y.” stamp on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear, touch-up tospotonback, left side, and bottom.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
254 Standard-Grade Blue-Winged Teal Pair
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1910
12in.long
A pair of tack-eye Mason teal with their signature baby-blue wings and an appealing, even patinated surface. Original paint with sealer with wear, including some touch-up to neck putty. Drake with touch-up under bill and an age line on left side of head and through underside.
Provenance: Davison B. Hawthorne Collection
Curt Mettam Collection
$1,200 - $1,800
255 Challenge-Grade Black Duck
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1910
16 1/2 in. long
A fine, snakey-head black duck with strong swirl paint and an upswept bill. Original paint with some flaking on the underside, light gunning wear, and a tail chip repair.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $1,500
256 Early Premier-Grade Black Duck
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1898
17in.long
An early Mason decoy with bold and slightly oversize form and an “F. BLAKE” rig marking on the underside. Mixtureof original paint and old in-use touch-up with gunning wear and restoration to tail. Reglued neck seam.
Two drakes with hollow bodies and strong swirl paint. As found in original paint with restoration to bill and tail chips.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $1,500
258 Challenge-Grade Black Duck
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1910 17in.long
This decoy has a graceful upswept tail and incised bill detail. Strong original paint with light wearandsmalldarkened chip to right side of bill. Hairline crack at base of neck.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
259 Premier-Grade Mallard Drake
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1910 18 in. long
A nicely painted drake with the “Premier” patent stamp on the bottom. Original paint with gunning wear and various spots of touch-up, including to breast, back of neck, neck seam, and a few filled shot marks.
Provenance: Private Collection, acquired at Lake Geneva Antique Shop, c. 1965 Curt Mettam Collection
Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan G. Haid, MasonDecoys: A Complete Pictorial Guide, Lewes, DE, 2014, p. 21, similar decoy illustrated.
$800 - $1,200
260 Premier-Grade Mallard Hen
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1915 18 in. long
The top has strong swirls in the paint, and the underside has a “F.D.” brand and is stamped “PENN.” Original paint with moderate gunning wear, including some dings, light flaking, and a restored tail chip.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$400 - $600
261 Premier-Grade Mallard Pair
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1910 18 in. long
Old and mostly original paint with heavy gunning wear. Hen has someoldgreywash.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$800 - $1,200
MI, c. 1910
13 3/4 in. long
A standard-grade pair with painted eyes. Each in original paint with gunning wear and restored neck seams. Drake with touch-up to filled crack on right side, and hen has a spot on right edge of bill.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
J. N. Dodge Decoy Factory (1883-1893)
Detroit, MI, c. 1890
16 1/2 in. long
A tack-eyed “No.1” model decoy described by authors Ron Sharp and Bill Dodge as “perhaps the sleekest of any Dodge pintail extant.” Original paint with gunning wear and restoration to neck.
Provenance: Dr. Richard V. Reiswig Collection Curt Mettam Collection
Literature: Ron Sharp and Bill Dodge, Detroit Decoy Dynasty: The Factory Decoys of Peterson, Dodge, and Mason, Lawsonville, NC, 2009, p. 165, photo 5-82, exact decoy illustrated.
$600 - $900
262 Standard-Grade Redhead Pair
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit,
263 PintailDrake
264 MallardDrake
J. N. Dodge Factory (1883-1893)
Detroit, MI, c. 1885 17 1/4 in. long
This early decoy displays a round form, glass eyes, and carved bill detail. Dodge’s mallard drakes were featured in many of the factory’s early sporting magazine ads. Original paint with moderate gunning wear and professional touch-up to neck and shoulder area, top of tail, bill, and back right of underside.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$300-$500
265 Mallard Pair
William Goetz
Clinton River, MI, c. 1940 17in.long
This classic pair of Michigan decoys displays nice clean lines with their raised wings and carved tail details. Original paint with gunning wear and some cracks. Drake has touch-up to reset neck and small area on back, hen has a reset neck.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
266 MallardDrake
Bert Graves (1880-1956)
Peoria, IL, c. 1935 17 1/2 in. long
A hollow Illinois River decoy with fine paint. Original paint with even gunning wear and
some possible gunning touch-up, including head.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$700 - $1,000
267 Bluebill Drake
Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1890 14in.long
This hollow decoy displays a paddle tail, scratch-comb paint detail, and a gracefully arching neck. The underside bears a weight stamped “The Elliston Decoy.” Original paint with gunning wear, a hairline crack in front of neck, a small spot of touch-up on left shoulder, and a one-third lower-bill chip restoration.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,200 - $1,800
268 Black Duck
Nichol Family
Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada, c. 1890 16 in. long
A wide-bodied, hollow black duck with raised wing tips and highly detailed feather painting. Built with two-piece body construction and an inlaid bottom. In working repaint with light gunning wear, some seam separation, a ding to right wing tip, bill is replaced, and there is an age line under tail.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$200 - $400
269 Canvasback
Ferdinand Bach (1888-1967)
Detroit, MI, c. 1940 18 1/2 in. long
This decoy has good bill and tail detail and a painted “W.F. Wagner” marking on the underside. It displays the drake canvasback’s rare grey plumage with a fishnet feather pattern on the back. Original paint with even gunning wear, some cracks including breast, and two dings in back.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
270 Canvasback
The Ward Brothers Lemuel T. (1896-1984) and Stephen (1895-1976) Crisfield, MD, c. 1936 16 3/4 in. long
An early Chesapeake Bay canvasback displaying a slightly turned head and stippled wing paint. In working repaint with areas of original paint and gunning wear. Original tail has been reset and bill is a professional replacement.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
272 English Setter Boot Scraper cast iron, 11 by 16 by 18 in.
This boot scraper features a pair of pointing English setters with straight tails and a raised front foot. The letters “S” and “C” are painted on the front. As found with wearandamissingbrush.
$200 - $400
273
274 Northern Pike
10 3/4 in. long
This mid-century pike plaque has painted metal fins, a raisedtail,andgillandcheekcarving.Thebackisinscribed “Northern Pike #8.” Original paint with light wear, including touch-up to flaking on fins and around screw eye.
271 GreatHornedOwlDecoy
Herters Manufacturing Inc. (est. 1890s) Waseca, MN, c. 1940 20in.tall
This vintage working owl decoy has a pleasing dry weathered patina and is mounted on a removable base. Original paint with gunning wear revealing tan primer and wood, chip under right plumicorn, and back left chunk of original perch is missing.
$800 - $1,200
272
273 Marlin Bookends Philadelphia, PA 8in.tall
A pair of cast-metal, silver-colored bookends with leaping marlin. One has a tag on the underside indicating they were made by Philadelphia MFG. Co. Asfound.
$150 - $250
276 Cast-IronFrog cast iron, 11 1/2 by 11 1/2 by 9 in.
A large green ribbiting frog. As found.
$100-$200
275 Pig Candy Container Germany 3 1/2 in. long
A miniature ceramic pig candy container with a removable head and string tail. Asfound.
277 Bear with Salmon Wood Cut 14 3/4 by 14 in.
A relief-carved bear feasts upon its fresh catch. Asfound.
278 Tenkara Rod Cane Japan, c. 1890 34 in. long
A rare and early cane that houses an extendable Tenkara fly rod. Various species of bugs and animals are carved in relief around the outside of the cane. After unscrewing the metal tip, three sections of bamboo extend from inside the cane to makean83-inch-longrod. Appearsto be in good original condition with a missing rod tip.
$600 - $900
279
Two decorative swords that utilize swordfish bills for their blades. Each features a painted swordfish above their hilt. As found with chips and cracks to bills.
$300-$500
280 Twelve Sporting Plates Arthur Burdett Frost (1851-1928) c.1961 each 10 1/2 in.
A set of twelve plates made by Delano Studios with hand-colored sporting scenes by A. B. Frost. Markings on the bottom of each plate identify that they were made exclusively for the Sportsman’s Gallery of Art and Books of NewYork. As found with dining wear.
$800 - $1,200
Two Swordfish Bill Swords each 30 1/4 in. long
282 RoyMartellMason(1886-1972)
Lying in Wait
signed “Roy M Mason” lower right watercolor, 21 1/2 by 29 1/2 in.
In this bright watercolor, a duck hunter lies in wait as a flock of ducks comes in with their wings set.
Mason, whose father was a farmer and engraver, came to art early in life. He devoted his painting career primarily to outdoor and sporting scenes and was a member of the National Academy of Design as well as the Salmagundi Club and the American Watercolor Society. He ran the family engravingfirm in Batavia, New York, where he wasalsoa supporter of the nearby Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. His work resides in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Art Institute of Chicago, among others. He and his wife, Lena, moved to La Jolla, California, where he died in 1972.
Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts
$3,000 - $5,000
281 James M. Sessions (1882-1962)
Fly Fishing Scene signed “Sessions” lower left watercolor and gouache, 21 by 29 in.
Sessions was born in Rome, New York, and grew up in Chicago, where he studied at the Art Institute for three years before becoming a sailor on the Great Lakes. After serving in World War I, he worked as an illustrator for the ChicagoTribune and as a camouflage expert in World War II. Sessions traveled extensively throughout his life and was known for his sporting and marine scenes. According to the consignor, this work was painted for a sporting magazine.
One of the artist’s most striking compositions, it is likely that this work was made into a print.
signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower right etching, 9 by 14 1/4 in.
titled lower left
Putting together one of the largest Ripley etching collections ever assembled, Chester was a stickler for condition and, as such, had virtually every etching professionally conserved and archivally framed.
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
284 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Covey of Quail
signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower right etching, 8 3/4 by 13 3/4 in.
titled lower left
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
285 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Quail
signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower right etching, 7 3/4 by 10 1/4 in.
titled lower left
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
286 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) SnipeatDawn
signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower right etching, 8 3/4 by 12 in.
titled lower left
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
287 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Woodcock, 1936
signed and dated “A. L. Ripley 1936” lower right etching, 5 1/4 by 7 3/4 in.
titled lower left
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
288 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
APairofGrouse
signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower right etching, 8 3/4 by 13 3/4 in.
titled lower left
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
289 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Grouse and Vines
signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower right etching, 6 1/2 by 8 1/2 in.
titled lower left
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
290 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Startled Grouse
signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower right etching, 7 by 10 in. titled lower left
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
AIDEN LASSELL RIPLEY
291 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Geese signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower right etching, 8 3/4 by 14 in.
signed and dated “A. Lassell Ripley 1936” lower right etching, 6 3/4 by 8 3/4 in. titled lower left
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
293 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Grouse and Wild Apple Trees, 1936 signed and dated “A. Lassell Ripley 1936” lower right etching, 8 by 9 3/4 in.
titled lower left
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
294 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Grouse on a Pine Branch charcoal, 10 1/2 by 15 3/4 in.
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
$800 - $1,200
295 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Big Horn Rams, c. 1927 signed “A L Ripley” lower right charcoal, 22 1/2 by 16 in.
This drawing is featured in John C. Phillips’ ASportsman’s Scrapbook in the chapter titled “The Big Ram of Rockwell Mountain.” Concord, Massachusetts resident Dick Borden, a personal friend of Ripley, gave the work to noted author, artist, and conservationist H. Albert Hochbaum in 1969.
Provenance: Dick Borden Collection H. Albert Hochbaum Collection William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
Literature: John C. Phillips, ASportsman’sScrapbook,Boston,MA, Houghton Mifflin Co., 1928, p. 207, illustrated.
$2,000 - $4,000
AIDEN LASSELL RIPLEY
296 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
American Widgeon with Copper Plate signed “A Lassell Ripley” lower right drypoint framed with a 1941-42 Federal Duck Stamp signed “A. Lassell Ripley” on a 1942 hunting license.
American Widgeon, 1941-1942 signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower right titled lower left drypoint, 6 by 8 1/4 in. framed, 17 1/2 by 17 1/2 in.
Copper Plate for American Widgeon,c.1940 steel-lined copper plate, 6 by 8 1/2 in. framed,111/2by133/4in.
The lot includes the rare and important original steel-plated copper plate used to reproduce Ripley’s Federal Duck Stamp design.
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
$3,000 - $5,000
297 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Indian Traitor, c. 1959 signed and inscribed “Sketch A. L. Ripley” lower right pastel and acrylic on board, 11 3/4 by 9 in.
This work was a preliminary sketch for a painting in Ripley’s Paul Revere Series titled Major Stagg Brings Chief Joseph Brant to General Washington’s House in Philadelphia June 21, 1792.
Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson Wildfeuer, The Art of Aiden Lassell Ripley, Boston, MA, 2009, p. 215, pl. 198, final painting illustrated.
$1,000 - $2,000
AIDEN LASSELL RIPLEY
299 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
By the Well, 1925
signed and dated “A. L. Ripley 1925” lower left watercolor and gouache, 15 3/4 by 19 1/2 in.
It is believed that Ripley gave this painting as a remembrance of Boston and its public garden to his childhood friend Rusty Heurlin, who lived in Alaska and also became a notable artist. In it, Ripley captures dappled sunlight and parkgoers resting in the shade of the grand trees,whileapairofswans float in a pond.
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
300 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
House on a Stream in Late Winter, 1920
signed and dated “A. L. Ripley 1920” lower right oil on canvas on board, 9 by 12 in.
In gilt wood frame by Rhode Island artist, carpenter, and frame maker Paul Carter Goodnow (1958-2012).
A very early work by the artist painted when he was only twenty-four years of age.
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
$300-$500
301 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
The Departure of the Mayflower signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower center pastel, 29 1/2 by 19 1/2 in.
inscribed “The Departure of the Mayflower A Proposed Panel for Mural Decoration by A. Lassell Ripley.” lower center
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
$500 - $1,000
302 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Three Bookplate Etchings (one shown)
Clifford Smith
signed “A.L.R.” lower right etching, 7 3/4 by 5 3/4 in.
Philip C. Beals etching,7by51/4in.
George S. Mumford Jr. signed “A.L.R.” lower right . etching, 6 by 4 3/4 in. estate stamped on back
Threeworksdepictingcanvasbacks,grouse, and a fishing scene.
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
303 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Two Illustrations, 1923 (one shown) each signed and dated “A. L. Ripley 1923” lower right charcoal, each 23 by 16 1/4 in.
This work was created for The Dark Frigate, a 1923 pirate adventure novel by Charles Boardman Hawes that won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1924. It appeared
serially in The Open Road magazine prior tobeingpublishedasabook,withRipley providing illustrations for both.
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
$200 - $400
304 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Fly Reels Study ink and graphite on paper, 10 by 15 in.
A charming study of fly reels and fly lines.
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
$200 - $400
305 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)
Two Illustrations, 1923 (one shown)
Pirate Ship Scene charcoal, 19 1/4 by 13 3/4 in. signed and dated “A.L. Ripley 1923” lower right
TavernScene charcoal, 19 3/4 by 14 in. signed and dated “A.L. Ripley 1923” lower left
This work was created for The Dark Frigate, a 1923 pirate adventure novel by Charles Boardman Hawes that won the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1924. It appeared serially in The Open Road magazine prior tobeingpublishedasabook,withRipley providing illustrations for both.
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
$200 - $400
306 Arthur Burdett Frost (1851-1928) Drawing and Book signed in ink “A. B. Frost” lower left graphite on paper, 7 1/2 by 7 1/4 in.
Likely a self-portrait, this illustration shows a seated man contemplating a glass bottle in his hand. This lot includes a copy of A Book of Drawings by A. B. Frost, published in 1904.
$600 - $900
307 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Night Shooting,1927
signed and dated “A.L. Ripley 1927” lower left charcoal, 21 3/4 by 15 3/4 in.
“At last our straining ears caught the regular swish-swish-swish of advancing ducks, and then suddenly we saw those marvelous black silhouettes as a troop of ‘duskies’ cut in, and with down-curved wings and lowering necks crossed the still rosy band of western sky. Blam-blam, cracked the ten-gauge, and as the sparks blinded you might hear, if you held rightly, the grateful plunk of a duck as it hit the salty mud.” — John C. Phillips writes about night shooting in the chapter of A Sportsman’sScrapbook that features this illustration
Provenance: Alex Chester Collection
Literature: John C. Phillips, ASportsman’s Scrapbook, Boston, MA, 1928, p. 107, illustrated.
$700 - $1,000
308 Roland H. Clark (1874-1957)
Still Waters,1923
signed “Roland Clark” lower right drypoint, 2 1/2 by 5 3/4 in.
Clark #41, edition of 75
Clark rarely added men or manmade objects to his etchings. This tranquil waterfowling scene shows a part of waterfowl history in a bygone era.
$300-$500
309 Marguerite Kirmse (1885-1954)
Hold It!
signed“Marguerite Kirmse” lower right etching, 6 1/2 by 9 in.
titled lower left
A Southern scene, a pointer stalks quail through the tall grass.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$300-$500
310 Prideaux John Selby (British, 1788-1867)
Grey Lapwing, c. 1830 hand-colored engraving, 16 by 21 3/4 in.
Plate35from Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology, published in 1833. This is a highly detailed ornithological engravingofgrey lapwing in summer and winter plumage. The gray lapwing is similar to the European golden plover.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$400 - $600
311 Marguerite Kirmse (1885-1954)
OldBob
signed “Marguerite Kirmse” lower right etching, 12 by 10 in. titled lower left
A portrait of a favorite dog.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$300-$500
312 Henry Emerson Tuttle (1890-1946)
Ruffed Grouse, 1932 signed “H E Tuttle” lower center drypoint, 10 by 9 1/4 in.
inscribed and dated “for Stanley Williams 2 Feb 1932” lower right
A stately grouse etching exquisitely conserved in a gold-leaf frame with silk matte.
314 Remington Arms Advertising Poster 1914
lithograph, 26 1/4 by 18 in. included in Sid Latham’s book Great Sporting Posters of the Golden Age from 1978
After A Chancey Shot, painted by Harry C. Edwards (18681922), depicting a pair of sheep huntersinthehighcountry, published for Remington Arms - Union Metallic Cartridge Company’s 1914 calendar.
$400 - $800
315
316 Sandy Scott (b. 1943)
The Bears of North America,2001 signed “Sandy Scott” lower right etching, 19 by 26 in.
titled and inscribed “Alaskan Brown, Black, Grizzly, Polar” lower center numbered lower left, edition 26 of 100
Provenance: Private Collection, Texas
$200 -$500
313 Currier and Ives (1857-1907)
American Field Sports - Retrieving, c. 1857 printed “Painted by A. F. Tait, on Stone by Ch. Parsons” lower left and “Lith by Currier & Ives” lower right color lithograph, 20 by 27 in.
$300-$500
315 Ogden M. Pleissner (1905-1983)
Blue Boat on the St. Anne, 1959 signed “Ogden Pleissner N.A.” lower right color print, 14 3/4 by 22 3/4 in. published and copyrighted by the Anglers’ Club of New York in an edition of 350
Considered by many to be the most desirable of Pleissner’s prints, the original painting for Blue Boat on the St. Anne resides at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont.
Literature: Peter Bergh, The Art of Ogden M. Pleissner, Boston,MA, 1984, p. 108, illustrated.
$600 - $900
316
TING SALE 2025
LOTS317-638
DAY2| JULY 11 |10AM
Additional images for each lot are available through the online bidding platforms and should be viewed as a part of each object’s description and condition.
317 Flying Woodcock
Josh Brewer (b. 1982)
Little Deer Isle, ME, c. 2007 bird 11 in. long, plaque 16 in. long
A full-bodied, life-size flying woodcock mounted on a walnut plaque, which is signed by the artist. Original paint with light wear, hairline crack on front right primary.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$3,000 - $5,000
318 FlightofDoves
Josh Brewer (b. 1982) Little Deer Isle, ME, c. 2007 45 in. long, 18 in. wide
An ambitious carving, each of the three life-size doves is carved in full and in different flying poses. They are mounted to a beveled backboard, which is signed on the front and bearshangingringsontheback. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$5,000 - $7,000
bird 16 1/2 in. long, plaque 21 in. long
A full-bodied, life-size flying grouse mounted on a walnut plaque, which is signed by the artist. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$3,000 - $5,000
This large, hollow, life-size wood duck carving is signed, dated, and incised “Brewer” on the underside. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Pennsylvania
$1,000 - $2,000
319 FlyingGrouse
Josh Brewer (b. 1982)
Little Deer Isle, ME, c. 2007
320 Preening Wood Duck
Josh Brewer (b. 1982)
Little Deer Isle, ME, 2006 15in.long
321 The Winous Point Black Duck Philadelphia, PA, c. 1860 15 3/4 in. long
This early, hollow example hails from the Winous Point Shooting Club of Port Clinton, Ohio. This black duck has historically been referred to as the “Daguerreotype decoy” because birds of this form are seen in the foreground of an iconic 1861 image of several club members and the clubhouse amidst a variety of hunting accoutrements. Jeff Hay believed this to be an exact decoy in the 1861 image.
As a testament to the importance of this carving, it is given the following extensive description in a 2015 Decoy Magazine article: “A 15-inch long, elegant black duck with a dry, thin-painted surface is believed to be one of the seven decoys in the photo. The head sits on a slight oval shelf, set back about two inches from the breast. It has a pronounced brow, translucent glass bead eyes and cheeks that look to be filled with the wild rice of Sandusky Bay. There is a minimally carved transition from head to bill, carved nostrils halfway down, and a modest incision suggesting the lower mandible. There is a V-carved groove behind the head and a slight ridge on the back that is more pronounced as it reachesthetail.The underside of the tail is spoon-like with roughly gouged lines. The bottom has an egg-shaped flat surface with an empty 2-inch round weight recess. The body is split into equal parts and hollowed with no outward evidence of the connecting method of the body halves or the head. The bird appears to be substantial, but is light in the hand. The only decoy that competes with the
beauty and form of this bird would be the preening pintail hen that remains at the club.”
A close study of the construction and carving details of this decoy suggests it may have come from the same workshop as the iconic dovetailed geese and shorebirds.
The Earnest-O’Brien Dovetailed Goose sold for $810,000 in 2018 and holds the record for a goose by any maker at auction. This black duck and the dovetailed goose show notable similarities, such as the carving treatment under the tail and behind the neck, and the interior construction.
This exact decoy was selected by Jeff and Joyce Hay for the special Ohio Decoys exhibition in 2015. Original paint with even gunning wear and minor chip to left side of body seam.
Provenance: Porter Rig, Winous Point Shooting Club KangasCollection
Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys flock to the Midwest Show,” Decoy Magazine, January/February 2015, p. 25, exact decoy illustrated.
Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of The Great Lakes,Atglen,PA, 2002, p. 27, exact decoy illustrated.
Gene and Linda Kangas, Decoys: A North American Survey, Spanish Fork, UT, 1983, p. 110 (upper left), exact decoy illustrated.
Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys, St. Charles, IL, April 2015, p. 29, exact decoy illustrated.
$6,000 - $9,000
TheiconicWinousPointShootingClubdaguerreotype, 1861.Infront of the clubhouse are posing membersand neatlyarranged hunting tools,includingsevenproudly displayeddecoys,likelyincludinglot321.
322 Mallard Trio Minnesota, c. 1900 13 1/2 in. long
A dynamic rig of small mallard decoys with hollow bodies. Each is made with inventive laminated construction similar to that seen in works by John Tax. There is a turned head, a preener, and a feeder. The feeder is believed to be the only decoy we have ever offered with a head that was made to stay under the water. The Hays were able to reunite this rigmate trio to the delight of collectors who have enjoyed their animated forms in exhibitions as well as in the Kangas’ Great Lakes Interpretations book. Original paint with gunning wear, even craquelure, some flakes, and newsprint. Feeder has touch-up to reset neck seam. Turned head neck is reset.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations, Concord, OH, 2011, p.232, exact trio illustrated.
$10,000 - $15,000
RARE CACKLING GOOSE
323 Exceedingly Rare Cackling Goose c.1880 17 1/2 in. long
A rare small-bodied goose measuring just sixteen inches from the breast to the tail. The lower edges have sharp chines and the bottom has a hole for use as a stick-up field decoy.
Original paint with even gunning wear and tight cracks to breast. The mortise-and-tenon bill is a replacement.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$4,500 - $6,500
324 Raised-Wing Wood Duck Pair
Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963) Henry,IL,c.1945 9 1/2 in. long
An exceedingly rare pair of three-quarter-size wood ducks with bold raised wings and prominent crests. Only a handful of Perdew wood duck pairs are known to exist. The hen’s head is slightly turned, and each has extra paint treatment, including ornate blue speculums. This pair was acquired approximately forty years ago at the Midwest Decoy Collectors show at Pheasant Run. Excellent original paint with light appealing craquelure and light wear, including minute rub to top of drake’s crest.
Provenance: Private Collection, Midwest
Literature: Zac Zetterberg, ed., American Decoy: The Invention, Peoria, IL, 2020, p. 129, Masterworks pair illustrated. Ann Tandy Lacy, Perdew: An Illinois Tradition, Muncie, IN, 1993, p. 232, Masterworks pair illustrated.
$15,000 - $25,000
325
326 Mallard Hen
Charles Walker (1873-1954) Princeton, IL, c. 1930 16 1/2 in. long
Walker was a member of the Princeton Fish and Game Club of Bureau, Illinois, from 1902-1910. Unfortunately, with a wife and four small children to support, the young painter by trade had to give up the luxury of his duck club membership. However, he continued to hunt there as a guest. After he made a rig of decoys for his host, other club members took note and started placing orders.
This early example was made for Fred Dunbar and bears his “FD” initials painted on the underside of the hollow body. Original paint with even gunning wearandafew stacking marks.
Provenance: Fred Dunbar Rig Alan HaidCollection Private Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, pp. 180-182, similar decoys illustrated. Stephen O’Brien and Julie Carlson, Masterworks of the Illinois River, Boston, MA, 2005, pp. 58-61, related decoys illustrated. RobertShaw, Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery,M.D.,Houston,TX,1992,p.109,relateddecoyillustrated.
$5,000 - $7,000
325 Canada Goose
Owen Gromme (1896-1991)
Fond du Lac, WI, 1944-1945
21 1/2 in. long
Crafted out of his custom, highly durable papier-mâché, Gromme utilizedthesamebodypattern for this rig and then created different head positions to give the groupa more realistic appearance. This bird’s head is conveniently removable for transport. He cast his decoys solely for his own use in the field. At the time this decoy was made (1944-1945), Gromme was the Curator of Birds and Mammals at the Milwaukee Public Museum. He remained with the museum for forty-three years. A fine painter as well as carver, Gromme is considered one of Wisconsin’s greatest sporting artists of all time. Signed and dated “O.J. Gromme 1944-’45” under the tail. Original paint with even gunning wear, a few small flakes have minimal touch-up.
Literature: Joe Engers, ed., “Museum-Style Master Owen Gromme: A Dedicated Champion of Wildlife,” Decoy Magazine,November/ December 2001, pp. 8-11.
Gene and Linda Kangas and Donald Kirson, ed., Bonfire of Swans, Concord, OH, 2012, p. 57, related geese illustrated in Gromme’s basement.
$8,000 - $12,000
326
327 McCleery Redhead Drake
Ferdinand L. Homme (1901-1963)
Stoughton, WI, c. 1930 13in.long
A fine hollow Homme decoy with a turned head and raised wing tips. This gunning decoy features scratch-comb paint detail. The “McCleery” marking designating the James M. McCleery, M.D. Collection is stamped on the underside. Original paint with craquelure, even gunning wear, and minor loss at neck seam.
Provenance: James M. McCleery, M.D. Collection
Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 206, similar decoys illustrated.
Sotheby’s and Guyette and Schmidt, American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, 2000, p. 62, lot 116, exact decoy illustrated.
$2,500 - $4,500
329 Seven Flying Mallard Decoys Midwest 14 in. long, 18 in. wingspan
A dynamic flock of diminutive working mallards by a talented unknown maker. Each has metal wings and tails. They appear to have been made in the early to mid-20th century and are believed to be of either Iowa or Minnesota origin. Their small size was likely to make transport to and from the field less onerous for the hunter. Original paint with wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,200 - $1,800
328 Tucked-Head Mallard Hen
Austin Johnson Colchester, England, c. 1930 12in.long
One of the finest decoys to emerge from the United Kingdom. The underside bears a label from R.N. Myers & Son, The Old Furniture Gallery, Coach St., Skipton, York, England. This tucked-head carving was finished with highly trained brushwork. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland
$2,000 - $4,000
330 Labrador Duck
Davey W. Nichol (1890-1977)
Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada, c. 1940 14 1/2 in. long
A very rare example of Davey Nichol’s memorial representation of this now-extinct species of duck. The last confirmed Labrador duck sighting occurred in 1878. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland
$2,000 - $3,000
331 Black Duck
Davey W. Nichol (1890-1977)
Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada, c. 1940 15 3/4 in. long
AclassicDaveyNicholblackduckwithraisedwingtipsand scratched feather details. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland
$500 - $800
332 Bluebill Ontario, Canada, c. 1920 13in.long
A sleek bluebill with nice form and a pointed tail. Original paint with even gunning wearandareplaced right eye.
$700 - $1,000
333 Redhead
Davey W. Nichol (1890-1977)
Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada, c. 1930 13in.long
A well-executed hunting decoy with vermiculated paint, raised wing tips and primaries, and stamped feather details. Original paint with gunning wear, including shot scars.
Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland
Literature: Bernie Gates, Ontario Decoys, Kingston, Ontario, 1982, pp. 122 and 124, related carving style and redhead illustrated.
$500 - $800
334 Ewoud de Groot (b. 1969)
Reflection, 2016
signed and dated “Ewoud ‘16” lower right oil on canvas, 39 by 39 in.
Ewoud de Groot lives and works in Egmond aan Zee, a coastal village in the Northern Netherlands. After receiving a degree in illustration and painting from the Minerva Academy of Art, he began illustrating nature books for a period before pursuing painting full-time in 1999. Today, de Groot is recognized as a rising star in wildlife painting, bringing a truly unique perspective to the genre. His work strives to find both a balance and a tension between the representational and the abstract, the traditional and the contemporary. For de Groot, painting wildlife is not
an exercise in rendering all the exact details. Instead, his work is an ongoing experiment of composition, color, and technique, concerned with conveying a sense of mood and atmosphere found in the natural world.
A classic de Groot work depicting a swan with dappled light and reflections that the artist is noted for.
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$8,000 - $12,000
335 Ewoud de Groot (b. 1969)
Loons, 2025 signed “Ewoud” lower left oil on linen, 43 1/2 by 43 1/2 in.
This painting shows a pair of loons cruising through the shimmering water.
$8,000 - $12,000
EwouddeGroot in his studio.
336 Ewoud de Groot (b. 1969) Eiders, 2025 signed “Ewoud” lower left oil on linen, 43 1/2 by 43 1/2 in.
$8,000 - $12,000
“My technique is based on the principle of painting in layers, using cold blueish-greys and warm brownish-greys. This delicate balance ensures that they compliment and enhance each other. I start a painting by sketching with big brushstrokes and using the palette knife to look for the right composition, not allowing myself to be distracted by specifics. Once the form of the painting has been established then I begin to work on the birds or a particular detail of the bird(s) themselves.”
— Ewoud de Groot
337 R. E. Carothers (20th Century)
American Bison Bull,1914
signed and dated “RE Carothers 1914” on base bronze, 10 1/2 by 11 3/4 by 4 1/2 in. titled on base
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
338 Michael Sieve (b. 1951) Pronghorn Antelope, 1980
signed and dated “Michael Sieve 1980” lower right oil on canvas, 24 1/2 by 39 in.
Michael Sieve is a Minnesota-based wildlife painter. After studying studio art in college, he worked in a slaughterhouse to support himself, painting at night and hunting on weekends. Since painting full time, he has traveled extensively, studying fauna around the world. His studio in Houston, Minnesota, doubles as a wildlife preserve. Among his honors, he was named Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year in 1992.
Provenance: Private Collection, Indiana
$2,000 - $3,000
339 Luke Frazier (b. 1970)
Bottom - Whitetail, 2025 signed “l.frazier” lower right oil on board, 16 by 20 in.
As a child, Frazier spent countless hours sketching and sculpting wildlife, demonstrating not only a passionate interest, but also an instinctive ability. Later, he received his formal art training at Utah State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in painting and a master’s degree in illustration. Frazier cites the influence of Winslow Homer, Edgar Payne, Bruno Liljefors, Carl Rungius, and Bob Kuhn in his work.
$5,000 - $8,000
340 Luke Frazier (b. 1970)
Winds, 1999 signed and dated “L. Frazier, 1999” on back oil on board, 18 by 24 in.
A western scene depicting a reared-up grizzly bear.
$2,000 - $4,000
Foggy
Canyon
342 Richard Amundsen (1928-1997)
Black Lab and Grouse, 1976 signed and dated “Amundsen ‘76” lower right acrylic on board, 9 by 12 in.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$800 - $1,200
341 Arthur Davenport Fuller (1889-1966)
Pheasant Hunting signed “Arthur D Fuller” lower right oil on board, 16 by 20 in.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$1,000 - $1,500
342
343 GrouseCarving
A very well-executed carved and painted half-size grouse on a large base of knotted wood. Appears to be early to mid 20th century. Original paint with light wear.
$500 - $700
12 in. tall with base
344 Magnus Colcord “Rusty” Heurlin (1895-1986) Willow Ptarmigan,c.1930 signed “C. Heurlin” lower left oil on canvas, 24 by 32 in.
Rusty Heurlin was born in Sweden, but grew up in Wakefield, Massachusetts, where he was a childhood friend of Aiden Lassell Ripley. “Rusty Heurlin recounted, ‘I met him (Rip) out in the woods, he had a .22 and I had a Stevens single barrel shotgun. He was ten years of age and I was eleven… In the years that followed, Rip and I, and his cousin Lank must have tromped thousands of
miles together during fall hunting days.’” The dynamic trio enlisted in the American Expeditionary Force in 1917 during World War I, and all three studied at the Fenway School of Illustration together. After working as an illustrator in New York, where “he did covers for numerous publications, including four covers in the late 1920s and 1930s for Outdoor Life, as well as for Boys’ Life, The Open Road, and for pulp magazines such as Adventure, Flying Aces, The Popular, and Western Story,” Heurlin left that world for the West and moved permanently to Alaska in 1936.
The willow ptarmigan is the state bird of Alaska, Heurlin’s adopted home. He first went to Valdez in 1916 and ultimately lived in Alaska for seventy years. Linking the two important locations in his life, Heurlin hung a watercolor of Boston’s Public Garden by Ripley in his Ester, Alaska, studio for many years. His “Big Stampede” canvases depicting Alaska’s gold rush are on display at the Pioneer Museum in Fairbanks. Among other honors, Heurlin is in the 49er Alaska Hall of Fame and received an honorary doctorate in fine art from the University of Alaska in 1971.
This painterly work by one of Alaska’s best-known artists places two willow ptarmigan, one a breeding male, in a soft, snowy alpine landscape.
Provenance: Private Collection, Texas
Literature: A. J. Chester and R. M. Kahler, “Three Friends: Rip, Rusty, and Lank (Ripley, Heurlin, Lassell),” Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine, November-December 2018, Volume 18, No. 6, pp. 34-39.
$10,000 - $15,000
345 Owen J. Gromme (1896-1991)
Over Lake Wisconsin, Columbia County signed “O. J. Gromme” lower left oil on board, 24 by 18 in.
Owen Gromme was born in Wisconsin in 1896, and he spent much of his childhood hunting in the wetlands and forests near his home. Gromme made his career as the Curator of Birds and Mammals at the Milwaukee Public Museum, staying in this position for over four decades. In this capacity, he traveled across the United States,aswell as to Africa, documenting the wildlife he encountered. Although he was a high-school dropout, by the time of his death in 1991, Owen Gromme had received five honorary doctorates and published Birds of Wisconsin, which he also illustrated. Known for his conservation activism, his paintings reflect his love of the outdoors. This rare landscape captures a cliff face overlooking Lake Wisconsin in Gromme’s home state.
Provenance: Helen and Dr. Stanley Edward Ochsner Collection Heidi Ochsner Mugler Collection Private Collection, Missouri, by descent
$2,000 - $4,000
346 JoAnne Becker (b. 1970)
Turquoise#1,2024 signed “JB” lower left acrylic on board, 36 by 24 in.
JoAnne studied photography at the School of Visual Arts inNewYorkCity.Withaninterestinallmediumsandan impulse to create, her path as an artist has led her from photography to printmaking to painting. The large paintings she creates on boards and canvas are explosions of color that start out as a memory, and, like a photograph, they become a split-seconddetailoftimepast.JoAnneresides in central Virginia and spends time in Maine.
$2,000 - $3,000
347 JoAnne Becker (b. 1970)
The Blue Abyss,2024 signed “JB” lower right acrylic on canvas, 24 by 36 in.
$2,000 - $3,000
“I’ve always been such a purist with photography—photographing real places real people real things. With painting I can make what’s in my head—the fantasy, the explosions of color. The beauty of the unexpected comes to life without the confines of reality.”
— JoAnne Becker
348 Mike Stidham (b. 1954)
Ghosts of the Flats, Bonefish signed“M Stidham” lower left oil on board, 24 by 36 in.
Mike Stidham spent his early years in Palm Desert, California, where he dreamed of becoming a desert painter. As a young teen, he began trout fishing in Colorado, selling his early watercolors through local fly shops, and he worked as a fishing guide in Idaho. Among his honors and accomplishments,in1992theartistproducedtheSaltwater Sportfishing Stamp for Texas and, for a time, held the IGFA record for a hammerhead shark taken on a fly rod. He says, “Tomethepaintingisaboutthesenseofplace, the feeling of being there, the various colors of the rocks and rhythm and movement of the gravel bed.” Today, Stidham paints from his Sandy, Utah, studio as well as on the many fishing trips he takes to see, study, and pursue his subjects in their natural environment.
“It is one thing to paint a fish as if simply describing it. It is something quite different to make a painting about it. My work is of course influenced by years spent in pursuit of fish. But I have recently found new artistic energy studying the likes of John Singer Sargent and Joaquin Sorolla,” Stidham writes.
$6,000 - $9,000
349 Mike Stidham (b. 1954)
Permit signed “M Stidham” lower left oil on board, 20 by 24 in.
$4,500 - $6,500
350 Chet Reneson (b. 1934)
Silver Flyer - Tarpon signed “Reneson” lower left acrylic on board, 21 by 35 in.
Chet Reneson graduated from the University of Hartford, Connecticut, in 1960. Reneson’s art teacher, Henrik Mayer, emphasized the importance of simplicity and taught the values of light, dark, and strong. This laid the foundation for Reneson’s unmistakable style. For the past fifty years, Reneson’s painting has remained true to his early mentor’s teaching, encompassing many subjects, including wildlife, duck hunting, upland bird shooting, big game fishing, fly fishing, and Bahamian scenes. Reneson’s work has graced the covers of Sporting Classics, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and SportsAfield, among others. He is a past member of the ConnecticutWatercolor Association and the Old Lyme Art Association. He was the Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year in 1982, the Atlantic Salmon Federation Artist of the Year in 1982 and 2001, and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Artist of the Year in 2018. There are two books published on Reneson’s work, Shadow on the Flats and The Watercolors of Chet Reneson.
In this dynamic Reneson tarpon fishing scene, the acrobatic fish flies out of the water, giving the angler all he can handle.
$5,000 - $7,000
351 Chet Reneson (b. 1934)
Surprise Flush, Pheasant Hunting signed “Reneson” lower right acrylic on board, 21 by 35 in.
$5,000 - $7,000
352 Chet Reneson (b. 1934)
Incoming Grouse signed “Reneson” lower left acrylic on board, 21 by 35 in.
Depicting a driven grouse shoot from a stone butt, this classic sporting scene captures the colors and landscape of a European hunt.
$5,000 - $7,000
“As runners, pheasant have a way of busting at the strangest times in the strangest places even fooling the best dogs. It is one of the things that makes harvesting a wild pheasant so rewarding.”
— Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. discussing this work
354
Cleon Crowell (1891–1961)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1955
9 3/4 in. long
This dramatic preening form displays Cleon’s best work and the shop’s rectangu-
353 Exceedingly Rare Bluebird
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1930
3 1/4 in. tall
This exquisite life-size carving has exceptional blended paint and raised wing tips. The underside of the base is signed with Crowell’s rectangular stamp.
Though hugely popular among bird lovers today, the early Massachusetts master is known to have carved few life-size examples. Original paint with light wear and replaced tip of bill.
$6,000 - $9,000
Wing-Up Preening Yellowlegs
355 Miniature Pintail
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, 1939 3 3/4 in. tall
The bird displays the maker’s rectangular stamp, his rarely seen signature, and the date on the bottom. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$600 - $900
356 Miniature Canvasback
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1935 2 1/2 in. tall
The bird displays the maker’s rectangular stamp and species identification on the bottom. It has rare shoulder separation and eye groove carving. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$600 - $900
357 Miniature Wigeon
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1935 3 in. tall
The bird displays the maker’s rectangular stamp and species identification on the bottom. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$600 - $900
358 Miniature Woodcock
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1940 3 1/2 in. tall
The bird displays the maker’s rectangular stamp and species identification on the bottom of the chip-carved base. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$1,000 - $2,000
359 Miniature Song Sparrow
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952)
East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 1 1/2 in. tall
A very good and early example displaying the maker’s circular “MFR” ink stamp on the bottom. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, ElmerCrowell: Father of American Bird Carving, Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 238, related examples illustrated.
$600 - $900
JOSEPH W. LINCOLN
360 Miniature Hissing Goose
Joseph W. Lincoln (1859-1938)
Accord, MA, c. 1920 6 1/4 in. long
This miniature decoy displays Lincoln’s classic and elegant lines. A related life-size hissing goose set a world record for any Lincoln decoy at auction, selling for $299,000. Original paint with light wear and dings to tail edges.
$2,000 - $3,000
361 Miniature Wood Duck
Joseph W. Lincoln (1859-1938)
Accord, MA, c. 1920 3 3/4 in. long
A bright miniature with a thin crest and wide body. Original paint with some wear.
$2,000 - $3,000
362 Miniature Mallard
Joseph W. Lincoln (1859-1938)
Accord, MA, c. 1920 4 in. long
Original paint with some wear and tight tail crack.
$1,000 - $2,000
GeraldW.Hazardwithoneof hisbeloveddogs.
Dr. Hazard was married to Anne, the love of his life, for sixty-seven years and together they raised five children on Cape Cod. His obituary reads, “He enjoyed havinga glass of wine with his loved ones, spending time outdoors, especially hunting and camping in the woods of Vermont and Maine, and walking his Boykin Spaniels.” Later in life, his passion for upland hunting translated into his collecting manyfineminiature woodcock and grouse carvings.
Dr. Gerald W. Hazard (1935-2025)
363 Miniature Woodcock Pair
Allen J. King (1878-1963)
North Scituate, RI, c. 1940 1 1/2 in. tall
An exquisite miniature woodcock pair. Signed on the edge of the base. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$1,500 - $2,500
364 Rare Miniature Robin Snipe
George H. Boyd (1873-1941)
Seabrook, NH, c. 1920
2 3/4 in. tall
The underside of this carving’s base bears a Donald Kirson Collection sticker and is identified as a “Robin fall.”
This dowitcherhasrarely-seen red and black feathering.
Illustrating its rarity, the 1977 Wentworth-by-the-Sea Boyd Miniature auction only had a single dowitcher in a very different plumage. Original paint with light wear and some minor flaking.
Provenance: Donald Kirson Collection
Literature: M.D. Straw, Jr. & Emory Sanders Auctioneers, Important Auction Boyd Miniature Decoys, Wentworth-by-the-Sea, NH, October 17, 1977, no matching birds illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,500
365 Miniature Woodcock Wendell Gilley (1904-1983)
Southwest Harbor, ME, c. 1960 2 3/4 in. tall
After hunting in Maine in a downpour one afternoon in the late 1970s, Gilley reached into his game pouch and pulled
out a single soaked woodcock. He laid it down on the Jeep’s tailgate, turned to Donal C. O’Brien Jr., and pronounced, “I’m done woodcockin’.” The underside of the base has a faint pencil signature. Original paint with light wear and one-third bill tip repair.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$300-$500
366 Miniature Woodcock George Strunk (b. 1958) Glendora, NJ 3 3/4 in. tall
Signed with the maker’s “Strunk” stamp on the bottom of the chip-carved base. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$200 - $400 Aloverofdogs,GeraldW.Hazard
367 MiniatureGrouse Stan Sparre (1923-2011) East Falmouth, MA, c. 1990
4 1/2 in. tall
Signed on the underside. Original paint with light wear, including some chipping to fine feather edges.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$200 - $400
368 Woodcock
Roger C. Mitchell (b. 1944) Kingston, MA
6 1/2 in. tall
Carved in the Crowell style, this example bears a red-ink stamp signature on the underside. Original paint with light wear, including small crack on left shoulder.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$200 - $400
369 Woodcock
David B. Ward (1947-2020) Essex, CT
5 1/2 in. tall
A rare species for the maker, the underside of the carving bearsthemaker’s“DBW”stamp. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$300-$500
370 Miniature Flying Mallard James Lapham (1909-1987) Dennisport, MA, c. 1960 bird is 9 in. long
An unusual full-bodied flyer, the underside of the base is signed “J. Lapham.” Original paint with minimal wear.
$300-$500
371 Miniature Woodcock EddieWozny(b.1959) Cambridge, MD, 2018 4 1/2 in. long, 3 3/4 in. tall
A well-executed woodcock with a carved raised tail and the maker’s incised “W,” signature, and date on the bottom. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$200 - $400
372 Twelve Miniature Carvings
This lot includes flying geese, teal, and mallards. Two of the mallards are signed and dated “W. T. Case, 1941.” The standing goose, pintail, and canvasback are also signed and dated by W. J. Case from 1943 or 1944. As found with wear andlosses.
$300-$500
373 Hooded Merganser Pair
John A. Jarosz (1915-2008)
Minneapolis, MN, c. 1970
2 in. tall
A small miniature decorative pair with a signature on the side of the base. Original paint with light wear.
$200 - $400
374 Two Miniature Waterfowl Carvings
James Lapham (1909-1987)
Dennisport, MA, c. 1960
4 in. tall
A Barrows goldeneye and hooded merganser, both signed by the maker on the underside. Original paint with light wear.
$200 - $400
375 Chickadee
Ernest F. “Ernie” Muehlmatt (1927–2016)
Springfield, PA, 1979
5 in. long, bird is 3 in. long
A small decorative chickadeewiththemaker’s signature and date on the underside of the base. Original paint with light wear, including minor paint crack on breast.
Provenance: Estate of Gerald W. Hazard, M.D.
$300-$500
376 Baltimore Oriole
Peter Peltz (1915-2001)
Sandwich, MA, c. 1970 3 1/2 in. tall
A half-size carving signed on the underside of the branch base. Original paint with light wear.
$200 - $300
377 Miniature Black Duck Benjamin Schmidt (1884-1968) Centerline, MI, c. 1930 8 1/2 in. long
Signed by the maker on the bottom. Original paint with light wear.
$200 - $300
378 Chickadee 5 1/4 in. tall
A decorative chickadeeonabirdhouse-style plaque. Original paint with touch-up to reset crack in tail.
$400 - $600
379 McCleery Lapwing Pair
European 12in.long
This striking plover, common in Europe and a rare visitor to North America, is easily recognizable by its regal crest. This rigmate pair has split wing tips. Original paint with even gunning wear.
Provenance: Cathy McCleery Bauguss Estate
$1,500 - $2,500
380 McCleery WoodenClogswithBird Heads
Europe, 19th century 13in.long
A pair of bird-themed wooden clogs. Original paint with even wear from use.
Provenance: Cathy McCleery Bauguss Estate
$300-$500
381 High-Head Brant
Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949)
Chincoteague,VA,c.1930
16 1/4 in. long
The sleek body has a raised neck seat and strong swirl paint along the sides. This rare high-head brant’s crown stands nine inches tall from the table up. Original paint with even gunning wear, neck has some flaking, a restored chip at bottom right edge of reset base, and tight cracks.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$600 - $900
382 Mackey Shorebird
Dave “Umbrella” Watson (1851-1932)
Chincoteague,VA,c.1890
11 1/2 in. long
As found with removed paint and replaced bill.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
$400 - $600
383 FiveShorebirds
Five birds with no paint. One Virginia shorebird with no bill and incised “WM,” possibly for William Matthews rig. Two flat-sided reaching curlews, one Jonas Sprague curlew, and one contemporary snakey head bird. All as found with bare wood and stripped paint.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1950
Peter Carton Collection, by descent from the above
$200 - $400
“Fox On Alert II portrays a Red Fox that has had something pique its keen senses. Is it a predator? Prey? Or possibly a companion?”
— David Turner
384 David H. Turner (b. 1961)
Fox on Alert II,2009 signed and dated “D. H. Turner 2009” near tail bronze, 15 1/2 by 11 1/2 by 10 in.
David has been sculpting for a living for over forty-two years. He casts his sculptures in his personal foundry on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where he is continually inspired by nature. He is a Signature Member of the Society of Animal Artists and a Fellow of the National Sculpture Society.
$2,500 - $4,500
385 David H. Turner (b. 1961) CanvasbackBust, 2011 signed and dated “D. H. Turner 2011” on base bronze, 10 in. high edition 40 of 300
Living near the heart of canvasback country, Turner pays tribute to the “king of ducks” in this bronze.
$450 - $650
387 Lee Stroncek (b. 1952)
Autumn in Gallatin Canyon, 1996 signed “L. Stroncek” lower right oil on board, 10 by 12 in. signed, dated, and titled on back
Stroncek was born in Minnesota and currently resides in Montana. Always drawn to the outdoors, he pursued undergraduate studies in wildlife biology in Montana and Alaska followed by art instruction at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. His artwork has appeared in classic sporting periodicals like SportsAfield, Fly Fisherman, and Sporting Classics, as well as in the Birds in Art exhibition attheLee Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wisconsin and in the National Wildlife Art Museum in Jackson.
$500 - $800
386 Adriano Manocchia (b. 1951)
Deer in the Mist signed “Adriano Manocchia” lower left oil on board, 24 by 36 in.
Manocchia began his creative work as a photojournalist before turning to painting full time. An avid sportsman, he lives in New York and travels extensively. Sales of his work have helped support many conservation organizations, including Ducks Unlimited and the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and his paintings have been included in shows at the National Wildlife Art Museum in Jackson, Wyoming, and the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, Vermont, among others. He is also a member of the Society of Animal Artists.
Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts
$1,000 - $2,000
388 Peggy Watkins (b. 1963)
Reflecting, 2024 signed “Watkins” lower right oil on canvas, 30 by 24 in.
Peggy Watkins was drawn to animals from a young age. She studied at the Atlanta College of Art and lives and works in the Carolinas, creating sporting and wildlife art paintings in the “impressionistic realism” category. Among other honors, her work is in the permanent collection of the Bennington Center for the Arts in Vermont.
This painting of a pointer with a pheasant captures a proud sporting dog resting after a successful hunt.
$2,000 - $4,000
389 Chet Reneson (b. 1939) Setting Out Decoys signed “Reneson” lower left watercolor, 17 1/2 by 27 1/2 in.
Provenance: Private Collection, Texas
$2,000 - $4,000
390 John Loren Head (1913-1997) Why Quit Now signed “John Loren Head” lower right acrylic on canvas, 18 by 24 in.
Provenance: William J. Butler Jr. Collection William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
The
By Chelsie Olney
Jeffrey Dennis Hay (1967–2022) was born in Bellevue and grew up near the southern shores of Lake Erie. At Ohio State University, Hay held many student leadership positions before graduating with a bachelor’s degree. A natural facilitator with a strong work ethic and keen business acumen, Jeff received OSU’s prestigious “Young Professional Achievement Award” in 1999 for his work in the animal sciences field.
After dating in college, Hay married Joyce Ellen Scott in 1991. As newlyweds living in Kansas, researching genealogy and delving into the history of artifacts became a cornerstone of their lives together and fueled their interest in collecting decoys along with other hunting and fishing antiques and artwork. Over the decades, the couple developed an informed admiration and respect for Midwestern carvers and Ohio waterfowling history and decoys in particular, as both Jeff and Joyce were natives of northern Ohio. Jeff once explained, “Like many new collectors, we were encouraged to focus on the area we knew.” Little did the couple realize at that time that they would proceed to collect hundreds of decoys and become the leading figures of Ohio decoy collecting.
In 2009 the couple welcomed their daughter Taylor Ellen into the world. According to Jeff’s obituary, having and raising Taylor was “on a grander scale of joint projects.” Jeff, Joyce, and Taylor, as well as their English setter dogs, were beloved staples at Ohio decoy shows and meetings. Jeff often quibbed that his decoy acquisitions were intended to fund Taylor’s college education some day. True to his words, the proceeds from this sale will go towards precisely that.
Hays collected some of the best carvings by Ohio makers as well as top Philadelphia makers whose carvings found their way to Ohio by rail. A testament to their expertise on Ohio carvings and folk art, the couple conducted a seminar and displayed their decoy collection to lasting acclaim at the 50thAnnual North American Vintage Decoy and Sporting Collectibles Show in 2015. According to Joyce’s article in the Midwest Decoy Collectors Association Newsletter, showcasing their collection provided an opportunity for the couple to develop a deeper understanding of the makers and Lake Erie’s historic hunting clubs, including the Winous Point Shooting Club, the Ottawa Shooting Club, the DeMars Point Hunting and Fishing Club, and the Toussaint Shooting
When the couple identified a pinnacle work, they went after it with determination and, as a result, the
Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Jeff,Taylor,andJoyceHay.
Club. Many of the decoys featured in that 2015 display are on offer in the upcoming Sporting Sale, including the front-cover feature, a singular Winous Point mallard drake. The decoy collecting community is fortunate that Jeff and Joyce
Early photo of WinousPointShootingClub.Seelots321, 391-395,398,399, and 473-475.
meticulously researched and cataloged so much decoy history over the decades; their combined knowledge of Ohio, Philadelphia, and Midwest decoys and heritage is vast and their willingness to share their findings is admirable. The documentation
of their discoveries about the decoys, the makers, and the bygone shooting clubs has preserved a part of Ohio history that might otherwise have been lost.
With his hearty handshake, friendly smile, and fun-loving attitude, Jeff was roundly liked and respected at decoy events across the country, and is now sorely missed by the collecting community. Copley is honored to present this important collection of bird carvings and collectibles, curated by two of the region’s most knowledgeable historians and acquisitors.
TheiconicWinousPointShootingClubdaguerreotype, 1861.Infront of the clubhouse are posing membersand neatlyarranged hunting tools,includingsevenproudly displayeddecoys.
Copley Fine Art Auctions would like to thank Joyce Hay for graciously sharing her photographs for this biography.
SOURCES:
JoyceHay. “Ohio Seminar and DecoyDisplay.” Midwest Decoy Collectors Association Newsletter, Summer2015. JoyceandJeffHay. OhioDecoys. St. Charles,IL,April2015. JoyceandJeffHay. “Ohio DecoysflocktoMidwestShow.” Decoy Magazine,Jan/Feb2015. The Obituary of Jeffrey Dennis Hay.
Jeff and TaylorwiththeirsetterZekeona successfulhunt.
391 The “Ohio Decoys” Mallard Hunted at WPSC, Ohio, c. 1870 17in.long
The Winous Point Shooting Club of Port Clinton, Ohio, was founded in 1856 and is considered to be America’s oldest continuously operated hunting club. This iconic carving epitomizes the best of the Winous Point Shooting Club’s decoys. It is closely related to decoys from the George A. Stanley rig and those illustrated in the club’s famous 1860s daguerreotype.
This exact decoy was selected by Jeff and Joyce Hay for the cover feature of their special Ohio Decoys booklet and was showcased in the 2015 exhibition. The decoy has a sleek body, upturned bill, shoulder carving, and exceptional paint with tight stippling. The strong condition suggests light, if any, hunting use. A painted inscription on the underside appears to read “UKK / IS.” Excellent original paint with very light gunning wear. Hairline crack in top of bill and neck.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys, St. Charles, IL, April 2015, cover and twice on p. 7, exact decoy illustrated. Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys flock to the Midwest Show,” Decoy Magazine, January/February 2015, p. 27, exact decoy illustrated.
$6,000 - $10,000
392 Stanley Rig Blue-Winged Teal Pair Ohio, c. 1855 10 in. long
This fine pair hails from not only the Winous Point Shooting Club, but also the esteemed George A. Stanley rig. The undersides bear the GAS stamp twice, once under the tail and once on the weights. The weights have an ingenious line-tie hole. Each also has the Stanley painted stencil and a Kangas brand. Each has shoulder carving. This pair was selected by Jeff and Joyce Hay for the special Ohio Decoys exhibition in 2015. Original paint with even gunning wear. Some traces of black overpaint. Tail chips have been restored.
Provenance: George A. Stanley Rig, Winous Point Shooting Club KangasCollection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys, St. Charles, IL, April 2015, p. 4, exact pair illustrated. Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of The Great Lakes,Atglen,PA, 2002, p. 27, exact drake illustrated.
$7,000-$10,000
GEORGE A.STANLEY RIG
This teal hails from the esteemed George A. Stanley rig, which was used at the Winous Point Shooting Club of Port Clinton, Ohio. The undersides bear the GAS stamp twice, once under the tail and once on the weight. The weight has an ingenious line-tie hole. It also has the rare Stanley painted stencil, a Kangas brand, and shoulder carving. Original paint with even gunning wear. Some traces of black overpaint.
Provenance: George A. Stanley Rig, Winous Point Shooting Club KangasCollection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys, St. Charles, IL, April 2015, p. 4, rigmate blue-winged pair illustrated.
Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of The Great Lakes,Atglen,PA, 2002, p. 27, exact decoy illustrated.
$2,000 - $3,000
393 Stanley Rig Green-Winged Teal Ohio, c. 1855 10 in. long
394 Green-Winged Teal
Philadelphia, PA, c. 1855 11 in. long
This exceptional low-bodied teal from the Winous Point Shooting Club has been photographed and described in DecoyMagazine as being of the Philadelphia School. The underside bears the “BB” stamp for the Bernard “Barney” Blee Rig, a painted “R.H.N.” rig marking, and the Kangas collection brand. This decoy was selected by Jeff and Joyce Hay for the special Ohio Decoys exhibition in 2015. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Bernard “Barney” Blee Rig, Winous Point Shooting Club
Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys, St. Charles, IL, April 2015, p. 18, exact teal illustrated.
Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys flock to the Midwest Show,” Decoy Magazine, January/February 2015, p. 29, exact teal illustrated.
$3,000 - $5,000
395 Canvasback
Philadelphia, PA, c. 1855 15in.long
This thin-necked decoy has a very wide body, pronounced breast, and is marked with the Charles Clarke rig brand and a collection signature. Old repaint with heavy gunning wear, one-third bill tip restoration.
Provenance: Charles Clarke Rig, Winous Point Shooting Club
Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys, St. Charles, IL, April 2015, pp. 9-10, exact decoy illustrated.
Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys flock to the Midwest Show,” Decoy Magazine, January/February 2015, p. 27, exact decoy illustrated (Clarke misspelled as Clark in caption).
$600 - $900
396 TealHen
Philadelphia, PA, c. 1880 12 1/2 in. long
Old paint with gunning wear and some restoration to head and neck area. Some tight cracks to end grain.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
397 Canvasback
Ohio, c. 1880 16 in. long
This Ohio decoy displays an early and distinct form that places it as not only one of the region’s best, but as one of the Midwest’s finest canvasbacks. Indeed, in many ways,itechoestheclean,crisplinesoftheUpper Chesapeake Bay’s carvings. The long body has a deep V-hull, pronounced breast profile, and a paddle-thin tail. The head has sharp eyebrows and an exceptionally thin and flared bill. Seen from above, the decoy has a pinch breast and an appealing feather design above the tail. The underside bears an “M.S.N.” brand. Old repaint with heavy gunning wear, one-third bill tip restoration.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$4,000 - $6,000
398 Calling Bluebill 12 1/2 in. long
This pert little decoy hails from the Winous Point Shooting Club of Port Clinton, Ohio. In addition to its lively profile, it has a thin neck, fatcheeks, and spade tail. The underside bears a “GTA” brand and is impressed “W” twice. This exact decoy was selected by Jeff and Joyce Hay for the special Ohio Decoys exhibition in 2015. Original paint with even gunning wear, tight crack in back, and minor darkening to flakes on back.
Provenance: Winous Point Shooting Club
Tom Burrier Collection
Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys flock to the Midwest Show,” Decoy Magazine, January/February 2015, p. 25, exact decoy illustrated.
$2,000 - $4,000
399 Clark Rig Canvasback
R.F.ClarkRig
Port Clinton, OH, c. 1880 17in.long
An early canvasback decoy with combed paint on the back and “R. F. Clark” branded twice on the underside. Original paint with gunning wear and some restoration, including to reset neck crack, repaintedbill,andtouch-up to top of tail tip and vertical line on right breast.
Provenance: R. F. Clark Rig, Winous Point Shooting Club
401 Flapping Bluebill Ohio (attr.), c. 1900 12 1/2 in. long
This flapping mechanical bluebill has an ingenious system mounted on the decoy’s back to move the wings from afar with the pull of the included string. The body has a pinched breast fitted with a scribe-line inlaid head. A brass plate is fitted on the bottom for rigging; the maker of this bird appears to have been a trained engineer. Original paint with even wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$2,000 - $3,000
402 The Stausmyer Rig Goose Ohio, c. 1880 23 1/2 in. long
This exceedingly rare hollow example hails from the historic DeMars Club and is the best-known goose decoy from Ohio. Established in 1883, this is one of Ohio’s oldest waterfowl hunting clubs. The decoy is branded “C.G.S.” three times on the bottom and once on the underside of the bill, denoting the rig on Christian G. Stausmyer (18471920), one of the founding members of the club.
As a testament to the importance of this carving, it is given the following extensive description in a 2015 Decoy Magazine article: “The goose has a distinctive angular neck, moderately pinched breast and a two-piece, hollow constructed body. The black glass bead eyes are ringed with paint...Stausmyer was a native of rural Sandusky County but moved to Fremont in 1872. He owned and operated the Stausmyer Drug & Jewelry Store. He took an extended tour through Germany, England and France in 1878 and attended the Paris Exposition.”
This exact decoy was selected by Jeff and Joyce Hay for the special Ohio Decoys exhibition in 2015. Old working paint with light gunning wear and an old dent on the left side.
Provenance: Christian G. Stausmyer Rig, DeMars Club Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys, St. Charles, IL, April 2015, p. 17, exact decoy illustrated.
Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys flock to the Midwest Show,” Decoy Magazine, January/February 2015, p. 29, exact decoy illustrated.
$5,000 - $8,000
403 Mallard Ohio, c. 1900 14 1/2 in. long
The underside displays a debossed “W” twice. This decoy was selected by Jeff and Joyce Hay for the special Ohio Decoys exhibition in 2015 and illustrated twice in the Decoy Magazine article on the collection. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, including some flaking and putty loss on right side. Neck is restored.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys, St. Charles, IL, April 2015, pp. 11-12, exact decoy illustrated.
Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys flock to the Midwest Show,” Decoy Magazine, January/February 2015, pp. 24 and 28, exact decoy illustrated twice.
$1,000 - $1,500
404 High-Head Canvasback Pair
Conrad Jacob Klopping (1894-1985) Toledo, OH, c. 1930 15in.long
Both are branded “C. Klopping” on the underside, under the removed keel. Each in original paint with light gunning wear and possibly replaced right eyes. Drake with some flaking to back of head. Trace of glue at hen’s neck seam.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys flock to the Midwest Show,” Decoy Magazine, January/February 2015, p. 31, related example illustrated.
Gene and Linda Kangas, Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations, Concord, OH, 2011, p. 137, related pair illustrated.
Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 23, related drake illustrated.
$1,200 - $1,800
405 William H. Machen (1832-1911)
Hanging Mallards signed “Machen” lower right oil on canvas, 30 by 25 in.
Knownforhisfinelyrenderedsportingstilllifes, Machen, along with Alexander Pope, R. LeBarre Goodwin, and George Cope, painted some of the finest game paintings of the 19th century.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$3,000 - $5,000
406 William H. Machen (1832-1911)
Green-Winged Teal
An exquisitely rendered and rare “living bird” depiction by this widely acclaimed painter of hanging game.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$3,000 - $5,000
signed“Machen” lower left oil on canvas, 13 3/4 by 17 3/4 in.
408 Edmund Henry Osthaus (1858-1928)
Setter Trio, c. 1892
signed “Edm. H. Osthaus 1891” in plate lower left color print, 21 1/4 by 16 1/2 in.
An advertising poster of three sporting dogs by Osthaus showing a pointer and two setters. Made for the Austin Powder Company of Cleveland, Ohio, copyrighted in 1892, and printed by The Gray Lithograph Company of New York.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$800 - $1,200
407 King Powder Co. (1850-1958)
Quick Shot lithograph, 23 1/2 by 17 in.
Depicting a mallard drake and the successful hunter, this image graced many King Powder Co. tins. Printed by the Strobridge Litho Company of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,200 - $1,800
409 Edmund Henry Osthaus (1858-1928)
Austin Cartridge Co. Advertisement, c. 1901
signed “Edm. H. Osthaus” in plate lower right lithograph, 22 1/2 by 16 1/2 in.
This Austin Powder Company ad depicts two hunting dogs and a sportsman after a successful grouse hunt. It was copyrighted in 1901 and printed by The Gray Lithograph Company of New York.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
410 Joseph Charles Godfrey Jr. (1900-1972)
Illustrated Map of Dogs, 1936 color print, 39 1/2 by 37 3/4 in. numbered 241 in a limited edition
412 Richard E. Bishop (1887-1975)
This print was designed and created by Joe Godfrey Jr. from original oil paintings by illustrator Ole Larsen (1898-1984).
Godfrey, who was from Illinois, also wrote The Blue Book of Fresh Water Fish in 1939, hunted and fished in Wisconsin with Ted Williams of Boston Red Sox fame in 1947, and co-edited Brown & Bigelow’s Lure of the Open and The Great Outdoors: The Where,When,andHow of Hunting and Fishing in 1949.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
411 Joseph Charles Godfrey Jr. (1900-1972) BigGameFishMap, 1936 color print, 37 by 40 in.
A large map illustrating the fresh and salt water game fish of North America and some Pacific Islands. The original map was designed and copyrighted by Joe Godfrey Jr. of Chicago in 1936.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
Two Waterfowl Maps Map of the Diving Ducks, Eiders, and Mergansers of North America, 1937 edition 546 of 1000 color print, 30 1/2 by 26 1/4 in.
MapoftheSurfaceFeedingDucks,Swans,andGeeseofNorthAmerica, 1937 edition 547 of 2000 lithograph, 30 by 26 in.
Designed by Richard E. Bishop and cartographer Joseph P. Sims, these maps depict breeding areas, migration patterns, and species information for the birds shown.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
413 GunClubSign painted metal, 32 by 36 in.
As found with wear and repaint.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
414 ThreeCornDecoys
John Newt Rule (1870-1949) and others c. 1920 largest is 12 in. long
Thesewoodenearsofcornaredesignedtobescatteredamong decoys to simulate a feeding flock and lure in wary waterfowl. These are choice examples of this rare decoy form. Original paint with gunning wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, pp. 172-173, related Rule examples illustrated.
$800 - $1,200
415 Miniature Canada Goose
James E. “Jim” Hazeley Lancaster, PA, c. 1985 5 in. tall
A decorative sentinel goose mounted on a beveled-edge woodenbase,whichhasbeensignedontheunderside. Original paint with light wear. Tightly reset right thigh putty.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$200 - $300
416 Call, Decoy, and Miniature
Jack Rider (1881-1967)
Port Clinton, OH, c. 1930 canvasback is 16 1/2 in. long
Rider was a decoy maker, call maker, and miniature carver. This lot includes a Rider call, a “JFR” branded canvasback decoy, and a miniature Canada goose. The five-inch-long call is stamped with the maker’s full name. The miniature goose is seven andone-halfincheslong. Canvasback is in original paint with a
possible spot of touch-up on each wing. Miniature has tight neck cracks.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes,Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 23, Jack Rider pictured painting related miniature.
$300-$500
417 Rare Miniature Canvasback
Ned John Hauser (1826-1900) Sandusky, OH, c. 1860 8 in. long
This important hollow miniature decoy is by the “Father of the Ohio School.” Hauser is the earliest documented carver from Ohio. This is his only known miniature to have survived. Original paint with flaking. Some glue residue at seam of loose bottom board.
Provenance: Betty Dorrow Collection Dan Yundt Collection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 22, related Hauser examples illustrated.
$400 - $600
418 Salesman’s Shell Boxes
Peters and Austin Ohio
largest box is 6 1/2 in. long
One sample shell box from the Austin Cartridge Company of Cleveland, OH. One Peters salesman’s sample “Dummy Shells” boxandthree catalogs, one reading TalkingPoints for Salesmen. Peters Cartridge Company was formed in 1887 in Cincinnati, OH, and was purchased by the Remington Arms Company of Bridgeport, CT, in 1934. As found.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$200 - $400
419 Two Eagle Plaques
American Artistic Carving Co. (attr.) Boston, MA, c. 1950 26 1/2 in. long
Two eagle plaques modeled after the work of John Haley Bellamy (1836-1914). Original paint with light wear. Darker eagle has reset lower left feather.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$700 - $1,000
420 Two Bronze Signal Mortars
18th Century largest is 6 1/2 in. tall
Also known as “thunder mugs,” these signal mortars were essential communication tools before the advent of radio. They would be used if flags or other beacons weren’t visible due to bad weather, such as thick fog, or cannon fire. These mortars have also been used for testing black powder formulas, as firework launchers, and as smokestack cleaners for centuries. Asfound.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
421 Two Black Powder Tins
The King Powder Co. (1878-1954)
Kings Mills, OH, c. 1900 largest is 6 in. tall
The larger tin has a label reading “High Velocity-Low Pressure Semi-Smokeless.” The other has a label that reads “Quick Shot.” Asfound.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$200 - $400
422 Wooden Bobbers and Minnow Trap c. 1920 trap is 12 in. long, 5 1/2 in. tall
Over two dozen painted wooden fishing bobbers and a McSwain minnow trap. The McSwain Glass Company specialized in producing lamp chimneys, which are cylindrical or bell-shaped glass forms used to protect the flame of oil lamps. Asfound.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
423 Austin Shell Box
The Austin Cartridge Co. (1895-1907) Cleveland,OH
4 3/4 in. long, 3 in. tall
A rare Austin “Crack Shot” 10 ga. black-powder shotgun shell box with setters. Asfound.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$600 - $900
424 Two Smokeless Shell Boxes
4 1/4 in. long, 3 in. tall
One “Wards Red Head” long-range shotgun shell box manufactured by Montgomery Ward U.S.A. and one “HiPower” shot shell box manufactured by Federal Cartridge Corp.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$200 - $400
425 Pike Plaque
George H. Meyers (attr.) plaque is 34 in. long
An animated and full-bodied pike carving with a lifted tail. Every scale on the twenty-seven-inch-long fish is painstakingly carved, giving it a textured surface. Below the fish is painted “Geo. H. Meyers,” which could be a signature or an advertisement. Original paint with light wear, mostly to fins. Reset fins and upper tip of tail.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$600 - $900
426 Four Trout Plaques largest plaque is 6 1/2 in. long
Four trout carvings mounted on figured-walnut plaques. As found with some loss to fins and original paint.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$500 - $700
427 Three Trout Plaques
John C. Eddy (1913-1993) Indian River, MI, c. 1945 longest plaque is 12 3/4 in. long
Three carved trout with two inscribed “John Eddy” and one denoted as from the Cap Vinal Collection on the back of their mounts. All in original paint with light wear and reset pectoralfins.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$500 - $700
The carvings displayfinepaintblending,have mounting rings attached, and are signed and dated by the maker on the top of the wings. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
428 Flying Wood Duck Pair Mike Borrett (b. 1960) Madison, WI, 2002 19 1/2 in. long, 19 1/4 in. wingspan
429 Decorated Fishing Box
13 in. long, 6 in. wide, 5 3/4 in. tall
An antique tackle box with three carved fish on the outside of the box.Insideisared tray with an assortment of carved and painted wooden lures and bobbers. Also inside is a green wooden box with “Lures” painted on the removable lid and several small wooden flies or lures inside. Asfound.
Provenance: Joseph Tonelli Collection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
430 Darkhouse Fish Box
John Greer
Minnesota, c. 1950
17 in. long, 8 1/2 in. wide, 5 in. tall
A tackle box with a hand-painted fish, deer, and “John Greer” on the top. The box holds sixteen spearing decoys, one large hand spool, and three smaller spools, all with line attached. Among the fish made by John Greer are a crappie, minnows, and evenaperch “cheater” with illegal snagging hooks. Asfound.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 255, exact box and some contents illustrated.
$2,500 - $4,500
431 Pintail Pair and 1936 Hunting License
William “Billy” T. Enright (1913-1979) Toledo, OH, c. 1940 18 in. long
A pair of oversize pintails with cork bodies and the maker’s Ohio hunting license. Original paint with light gunning wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
432 Fishing Chest with Carved Lures 14 in. long, 8 in. wide, 6 3/4 in. tall
A leather tackle box with two wooden removable internal trays containing an
assortment of carved and painted fishing lures, including bugs, frogs, a mouse, and a duckling. Asfound.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$800 - $1,200
433 Eel Fishing Lure
Elman G. “Bud” Stewart (1913-1999) Flint, Michigan, c. 1940 10 in. long
A rare and exceptional lure by this early hall of fame lure artisan. This serpentinelureisinexcellentcondition with blended paint and red accents. Original paint with even fishing wear and some wear around rear hook.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$800 - $1,200
434 Bass Decoy Trio
Michigan largest is 7 in. long
These three decoys illustrate the pinnacle of refinement for this important fish carving region. Each has a wide body with carved gills and split tails. Original paint with light fishing wear. Tail chip on smallest was repaired by Russ Allen.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,800 - $2,400
435 Early Fish Decoy
Oscar W. Peterson (1887-1951)
Cadillac, MI, c. 1920
5 1/8 in.long
A rare early fish with tack eyes, a rounded tail, a single lead chamber,andblackandredtrim. Original paint with fishing wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
436 TroutDecoy
Oscar W. Peterson (1887-1951)
Cadillac, MI, c. 1925 5in.long
An exquisite small-size Peterson fish carving with black and redspotsandblackstripes.The mouth and gills are carved and painted red. The body curves to the left and has metalfins. Original paint, repair to lower third of caudal fin.
Provenance: Donal C. O’Brien Jr. Collection
Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$800 - $1,200
437 FancyPerchDecoy
Oscar W. Peterson (1887-1951)
Cadillac, MI, c. 1925 5in.long
A small perch with extra paint, including gold bars and face details. Original paint with fishing wear and restored chip on bottom of tail.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$800 - $1,200
438 Trout Decoy
Pearl Bethel (1894-1960)
Park Rapids, MN, c. 1930 9 1/4 in. long
Donna Tonelli selected this exact fish for Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, in which she reports Bethel “sold his decoys through the Earl Fuller Tackle Shop in Park Rapids for $1.00-1.50 per dozen.” Original paint with fishing wear and some paint flaking.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes,Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 252, exact fish illustrated. Donna Tonelli, Top of the Line Fishing Collectibles,Atglen,PA,1997, p. 33, exact fish illustrated.
$400 - $600
439 Cross-Hatched Perch Decoy 6 1/2 in. long
A well-made decoy with tight crosshatching in the paint and painted pearlescent eyes. Original paint with fishing wear. Some restoration and rough spot to caudal fin.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
440 FishDecoy
Isaac Goulette
New Baltimore, MI, c. 1940 5 1/2 in. long
Original paint with fishing wear, some rust.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 69, related perch illustrated.
$300 -$500
441 Silver Fish Decoy 7 1/2 in. long
Written on the underside of one fin is “Later Leo Harson.” Original paint with light fishing wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$100-$300
442 Black, Yellow, and Orange Fish Decoy
Frank Mizera (1898-1969)
Ely, MN, c. 1930 9 1/4 in. long
Frank Mizera was regarded as one of the best fishing guides in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota. He supplemented his income by carving decoys when fishing was slow, selling them in hardware stores for $1.35 a piece.
This black decoy features Mizera’s abstract “fish-on-fish” design down its sides and back. Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 264, similar example illustrated.
$1,000 - $1,500
443 TwoFishDecoys
Frank Mizera (1898-1969)
Ely, MN, c. 1930 larger is 7 1/4 in. long
A red-and-white fish and a silver decoy with orange and black. Original paint with light fishing wear. Red-and-white fish with touch-up to red on tail, mouth, and pectoral fins.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 264, related red-and-white fish illustrated.
$500 - $800
444 PerchDecoy 5in.long
A perch with yellow paint, orange highlights, and green bars. Original paint with fishing wear, including flake on back left side.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
445 White Fish Decoy
Isaac Goulette
New Baltimore, MI, c. 1940 4 3/4 in. long
A white fish with carved gills and painted tack eyes. Original paint with fishing wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$250-$450
446 FishDecoy 7 1/4 in. long
A well-made fish decoy with carved mouth, eyes, and gills. Original paint with even fishing wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$600 - $900
447 World’s-Fair Miniature Canoe Paddle with Brook Trout
Seth Wyman Steward (1844-1927)
Monson, ME, 1904
30 1/2 in. long
A fly rod painted on the handle along with “Eastern Brook Trout,St.Louis -1904-.” Painted on the paddle is a red line leading from the fly rod, down the shaft, to a fly which is about to be eaten by a brook trout.Steward put special care into this paddle, making it for and exhibiting it at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.
Inscribed “S. W. Steward, Monson, ME.” on reverse. Original paint with light wear consistent with age.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
448 Miniature Canoe Paddle with Moose Head
Seth Wyman Steward (1844-1927)
Monson, ME, 1903
30 1/2 in. long
A play on words referencingMooseheadLake, which lies just north of Monson, next to the moose head is painted “Lake, ME. ‘03.” The paddle’s handle features a painted lever-action rifle with a series of dots, or bullets, going down the shaft. Original paint with light wear consistent with age.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
449 Two Miniature Paddles W. Maywald 12 1/4 in. long
Two small paddles with red diamond accents and “W. Maywald”signaturesontheirshafts. Originalpaintwithlight wearandcraquelure.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
450 Two Miniature Canoe Paddles 21 3/4 in. long
One paddle has an applied bass decal, and the other paddle has a painted moose head. Each paddle has light wear, bass decalhassomeflakingandinpaintingandchipto side of handle.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
451 Three Native American Paddles largest is 27 1/2 in. long
Three miniature paddles with applied decals of Native Americans. The largest paddle has a small decal of a Robin Hood-like figure along with the word “Archer” on the reverse. All appear to be original with some wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
452 ThreePromotionalSamplePaddles c. 1925 largest is 27 1/2 in. long
Three miniature canoe paddles with applied logo decals from Walter Dean Canoes & Boats (1888-1931) in Toronto, The Lakefield Canoe Company (1892-1938) in Lakefield, Ontario, and Rice Lake Canoe Company (1862-1956) in Cobourg, Ontario. All appear to be original with light wear to decals. Lakefield decal is stable with some fracturing.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
453 Four Vintage Duck Calls largest is 6 1/4 in. long
From left to right, the first call is illegibly signed and dated “88.” The secondisby Frank James Noe (1881 1960), Columbus, OH. The third call is marked “50 360.” The fourth is by Jack Rider (1881-1967), Port Clinton3, OH. As found.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
454 Five Duck Calls largest is 6 1/2 in. long
From left to right, these duck calls were made by Roger Lavers in 2008, an unknown maker, Matt and Lynn Pierce in 2019, Matt Pierce in 2016, and Ryan Roosa in 2018. As found.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
455 Four Calls largest is 8 3/4 in. long
From left to right, these calls were made by Matt Pierce in 2019, Rick Kagerer in 2018, Bernie Forte, and Matt Pierce in 2017. Asfound.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
456 Five Duck Calls largest is 6 1/2 in. long
From left to right, these calls were made by Bob Wiseman in 2009, Don Faigley in 2006, Wes Townzen, Matt Pierce in 2016, and Matt Pierce again. Asfound.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
457 Four Duck Calls largest is 6 1/2 in. long
From left to right, these calls were made by Matt Pierce in 2016, Terry Norris, Matt Pierce in 2019, and Jim Hall. As found.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
458 Redhead Pair
George Warin (1830-1905)
Toronto Islands, Ontario,Canada, c. 1880 14 in. long
Both bear the “C.H.G.T.”brand, indicating that they are from therig ofCharles H. Gooderham, a member of the St. ClairFlatsShooting Company from 1883-1895.The drake also has “McKenzie” written in the paint on the bottom. Original paint with even gunning wear.Drakehas screw inbackof neck. Hen has restored grain patch on left wing.
Provenance:Charles H. Gooderham Rig, St. Clair Flats
Shooting Company
Jeff and JoyceHay Collection
$2,500- $4,500
459 Redhead Pair
ThomasChambers (1860-1948)
Wallaceburg, Ontario,Canada, c. 1910 16 in. long
Thesehollow decoysareeach branded “J.T.N” for John T. Nichols, who was a St. ClairFlats Shooting Companymember from1901 to1935. Original paint with even gunning wear. Hen has tight original crack in neck. Drake has a couple original knots and touch-up to sides of bill and tail tip. Both have touch-up to undersides.
Provenance: John Nichols Rig Jeff and JoyceHay Collection
$3,000 - $5,000
460 HollowBluebill
Toronto,Ontario,Canada, c. 1880 15 in.long
Ahollow decoysimilar to,orpossibly by,George Warin. A mix of original and working repaintwith gunning wear,including paint loss to bill, hairline crack at base of neck, and small loss to lowerleft edge.Small areas of touch-up toback of neck and back.
Provenance: Jeff and JoyceHay Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
461 Bufflehead Pair
Ontario,c.1900 13in.long
A hollow duo with long bodies and thin bottom boards. The hen has subtle comb feathering. Original paint with even gunning wear. A few minor spots of touch-up on drake’s bill.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
462 Black Duck Ontario, Canada, c. 1900 14in.long
This decoy has excellent head posture, soft scratched paint on head, and a fanned tail. Possibly made by Ivar Gustav Fernlund (1881-1933), this black duck is closely related to his carvings. Original paint with gunning wear and craquelure.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
463 Redhead Pair Ontario,c.1900 14 1/2 in. long
A featherweight pair of carvings with tacked bottom boards. Each bird bears an “MCC” stamp on the underside. Each in original paint with moderate gunning wear, including rubs and paint loss to heads. Drake with fill to breast and under tail. Hen has tight breast crack.
Provenance: Blair Leddingham Collection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
464 Bufflehead Pair
Ontario,c.1920 12in.long
A long-bodied pair with upswept tails and serrated bill detail. Old paint with moderate gunning wear. Drake’s head swivels.
Provenance: Peter Brown Collection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$700 - $1,000
465 Humpback Bufflehead
Ontario,c.1920 12in.long
This old gunning bird stands out for its bold form and sweeping lines. Original paint with light gunning wear and touch-up to underside of bill tip.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$800 - $1,200
466 Oversize Canvasback Midwest 22 in. long
An oversize and very hollow canvasback with an upswept bill. The underside has what appears to be “Morris Taylor Thorpe” inscribed in ink. In old gunning paint with
even hunting wear, including a crack to left side of neck and chips to tail tip.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$500 - $800
467 Bufflehead
Ontario, Canada, c. 1900
11 1/4 in. long
A hollow flats decoys with pronounced head carving. Original paint with gunning wear, including some rubs. Touch-up to various parts, including along bottom board seam, back of head, and to old fill around loose neck seam.
Provenance: Jeff Seregni Collection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$800 - $1,200
468 Snakey-Head Canvasback
Tobin Meldrum
Fair Haven, MI, c. 1880
16 1/2 in. long
A hollow, wooden decoy bearing a stamped “DWS.” twice on the underside. Old paint with heavy gunning wear including some craquelure, old tail chips, and a neck crack.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Clune Walsh Jr. and Lowell G. Jackson, Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the St. Clair Region, Detroit, MI, 1983, pp. 6-7, pl. 17 and inside cover, related decoy illustrated.
Gene and Linda Kangas, Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations, Concord, OH, 2011, p. 158, related decoys illustrated.
$500 - $700
469 Rare Bufflehead
Christie Brothers Au Gres, MI, c. 1920 12in.long
Working repaint with moderate gunning wear, some tight cracks, and restored bill.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
470 Bullneck Canvasback Pair
Ralph Reghi (1910-1995)
Detroit, MI, c. 1935 17 1/2 in. long
These bold carvings are branded “Laurie” on the undersides. Both appear to be in mostly original paint with some overpaint taken off of drake’s back. Moderate gunning wear, including rubs and cracks in left side of drake’s neck.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Clune Walsh Jr. and Lowell G. Jackson, Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region, Detroit, MI, 1983, pp. 4, 5, 40, 41, related decoys illustrated and discussed.
$1,000 - $2,000
471 Canvasback Trio
Gordon “Pecor” Fox Mt. Clemens, MI, c. 1940 15 1/2 in. long
A rare cedar-bodied trio with the hen and drakes in differing plumages. In addition to being a duck and fish decoy carver, Fox built sneak boats out of Sitka spruce that were highly regarded on Lake St. Clair. Original paint with even gunning wear. Hen has original imperfections to head, and touch-up to bill. Light drake’s bill has touch-up and a crack. Feeding drake appears to have touch-up to crown wear.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$600 - $900
472 SleepingRedhead Pair
Ralph Reghi (1910-1995) Detroit, MI, c. 1945 13in.long
These balsa-bodied decoys have wooden keels with inset weights. Original paint with light even gunning wear. Some flaking to right side of drake’sneckseamanddingsto hen’s tail.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$400 - $600
473 Redhead Drake
Edmund G. Gardiner (1844-1923) (attr.)
Norwalk, OH, c. 1870 15 1/2 in. long
This decoy exhibits a high wing chine tapered to its flat bottom. The back has a large original circular inset. The underside is branded “E. G. Gardiner” for Edmund G. Gardiner (1844-1923). According to a 2015 Decoy Magazine article on Ohio decoys, Edmund, the son of Winous Point Shooting Club founder John Gardiner, carved his own decoys. Strong original paint with even gunning wear, craquelure, and a crack through back from tail to breast.
Provenance: Gardiner Rig, Winous Point Shooting Club
Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys, St. Charles, IL, April 2015, p. 29, exact decoy illustrated. Jeff and Joyce Hay, “Ohio Decoys flock to the Midwest Show,” Decoy Magazine, January/February 2015.
$600 - $900
474 Pintail Pair
Portland, OR, c. 1850 15 3/4 in. long
A pair of “West Coast Dodge” decoys with the drake bearing a “W. J.” painted notation for 1859 Winous Point Club member W. J. Boardman. Original paint with heavy gunning wear. Hen has neck crack and chip from crown. Drake has areas or restoration to bill, crown, and neck.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Jeff and Joyce Hay, Ohio Decoys & Waterfowling Artifacts Calendar, St. Charles, IL, 2007, vol. 2, October cover shot, exact decoy illustrated twice.
$600 - $900
475 Green-Winged Teal Pair
Portland, OR, c. 1860 10 1/2 in. long
“These are significant decoys, with a somewhat stately air,” write the Detroit Decoy Dynasty authors discussing birds by this unnamed Portland, Oregon, areamaker, who was inspired by the work of Jasper Dodge. The drake is unrigged and bears a “W.J.” marking on the underside for 1859 Winous Point Club member W. J. Boardman. Original paintwithlightgunningwear.Drakehasdarkeningtotwosmall spotsonneckseamandsmallspotonrightwing.Henhassmall touch-up under chin and some darkening on right wing. Both have bill restorations.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
Literature: Ron Sharp and Bill Dodge, Detroit Decoy Dynasty: The Factory Decoys of Petersen, Dodge, and Mason, Lawsonville,NC, 2009, pp. 250-251, related examples illustrated.
$800 - $1,200
476 Green-Winged Teal Philadelphia, c. 1880 10 in. long
A featherweight hollow teal with doweled construction. Displaying exceptional wing patterns, the bird was likely finished by one of Philadelphia’s professional painters. Appears to be original paint with moderate gunning wear. Restored chip on crown.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$600 - $900
477 Blue-WingedTealDrake
Paul Lipke (1892-1970)
Whiting, IN, c. 1940 13in.long
Only one rig of Lipke decoys has ever surfaced, and they have found their way into top collections. This very hollow drake displays the maker’s best form with fatcheeks, a refined bill, and a slightly turned and uplifted head. The underside has “PL” stamped in the weight. Lipkes are among the finest decoys from the state of Indiana. Original paint with light wear.
$1,000 - $2,000
478 Broadbill Pair
Paul Lipke (1892-1970)
Whiting, IN, c. 1940 hen is 13 in. long
The turned-head drake has been featured on the front cover of DecoyMagazine. Both hollow bodies bear the maker’s “PL” stamp on their circular weights. Original paint with light gunning wear, including a few rubs.
Literature: TheDecoyHunterMagazine, Nov-Dec 1985, front cover, exact decoy illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,000
479 Bluebill Hen
Paul Lipke (1892-1970)
Whiting, IN, c. 1940 14 1/4 in. long
This hollow bluebill bears the maker’s “PL” stamp on the circularweight. In Lipke paint with even gunning wear and a hairline crack through tail.
$600 - $900
480 Canada Goose
Walter J. Ruppel (1902-1999)
Sheboygan, WI, and Portland, OR, c. 1940 19 1/2 in. long
An early feeding goose that was never rigged with deep, raised wing carving. Ruppel was a supplier of decoys to Abercrombie & Fitch, Von Lengerke & Antoine, and MarshallFields. Original paint with light wear. Drips on right side of breast.
$2,000 - $3,000
481 Oversize Bluebill
Frank Strey (1890-1966)
Oshkosh, WI, c. 1920 15 1/4 in. long
A large hump-backed decoy with tight stippling. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear.
Literature: Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 223, related decoys illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,500
482 Black Duck
Benjamin S. Schmidt (1884-1968)
Centerline, MI, c. 1930 17in.long
This decoy has extensive chiseled feather detail. Original paint with gunning wear, touch-up to brown strip on head, and some cracks to endgrain.
$200 - $400
483 Premier-Grade Blue-Winged Teal Drake
Mason Decoy Factory
Detroit, MI, c. 1905 12 1/4 in. long
A blue-winged teal with bright accents. Original paint with gunning wear, showing wood on the lower sides, small bill tip chip, and short cracks on front and back of reset neck. Touch-up to white on face.
Provenance: Private Collection, Maryland
$2,500 - $3,500
484 MackeyPerdewMallard
Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963)
Henry,IL,c.1935 15 3/4 in. long
A near-mint example that appears to have avoided the rigors of hunting. Original paint with very light wear, including minor rub to top of tail tip.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection
Lawrence A. Carton Jr. Collection
Peter Carton Collection, acquired from the above
$1,500 - $2,500
485 Mackey Dodge Robin Snipe
J.N. Dodge Decoy Factory (1883-1893)
Detroit, MI, c. 1890 10 in. long
This carving bears thick stippled paint and the William J. Mackey Jr. Collection ink stamp on the underside. Original paint with even gunning wear, paint loss to crown, and possible touch-up to bill and small spot on left side of neck.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Private Collection
$2,000 - $4,000
486 Yellowlegs
J.N. Dodge Decoy Factory (1883-1893)
Detroit, MI, c. 1890 12 1/2 in. long
A rare early decoy with strong stippled paint. Original paint with moderate gunning wear and original knot in front of neck.
$1,500 - $2,500
The Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
Trenton “Trent” Spolar grew up in Depue, Illinois. During Trent’s youth, his father, John, was the caretaker for the Depue Rod and Gun Club and the family lived in the clubhouse. With hunting literally at his doorstep, Trent was indoctrinated into the sport at a very early age. After learning the ropes from his father, Spolar soon began “pushing” or guiding clients on his own. With the tacit blessing of an accommodating teacher, the twelve-year-old pusher would often guide club members from 7am until noon and then attend school in the afternoons. This scheme ended abruptly in 1950 when local reporter Murray Crowder published an article about the club which included a photo of Spolar and two other guides holding their feathered quarry. Other teachers read the article, noted that Spolar was often caught napping during class, and the jig was up.
During Spolar’s tenure as a guide, he and the club’s gunners often shot over stools from the workshops of Robert Elliston (1847–1925) and Charles H. Perdew (1874–1963). Trent’s first foray into decoy collecting occurred as a result of his father tapping him to be the “pusher” for Mr. Worley, the oldest member of the Dupue Club. Trent’s knowledge of the hunting grounds and his duck-calling ability enabled him to effectively draw in the ducks, which made Worley successful in the field despite his poor eyesight and advanced age. Upon her father’s death, Worley’s daughter delivered Trent a gunny sack full of Perdew decoys that they had hunted over as a token of Worley’s appreciation for the young pusher’s efforts.
Receiving his client’s stools helped spark Trent’s decoy collecting passion which has spanned over half of a century and traveled with him to Washington state.
In addition to collecting decoys, Spolar credits his work as a hunting guide for providing opportunities in life that he would not otherwise have had. Notably, a client loaned Spolar the money to attend Notre Dame University, and subsequently tore up the note of obligation after Spolar graduated at the top of his class. Spolar went on to graduate from medical school and practiced as a doctor for many decades.
Spolar is among the very last of the collectors whose experiences reach back to the golden age of waterfowling over wooden decoys by the old masters. His connection to Perdew and his decoys was particularly notable, with many of his sports using Charlie’s rigs. On one occasion, while attempting to acquire decoys from Perdew, the old carver told a young Spolar that his decoys weren’t ready simply because he was going fishing for bullhead. On another occasion Trent witnessed a rig of exceptional pintails being destroyed after being caught in an ice sheet. Spolar also recalls what he terms “the sound of a Perdew,” referencing the signature resonance and reverberation made by a stack of Perdew decoys with their hollow bodies and thin weights humming distinctly on the bow of a running boat.
Copley Fine Art Auctions would like to thank Trent Spolar for graciously providing information for this biography.
Trent Spolar and friend afterasuccessfulhunt.
487 Mallard Pair
Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963) Henry,IL,c.1940 16 in. long
A near-mint and perfectlymatched pair, both bear Perdew weights on the undersides. Original paint with hairline crack in left side of hen’s neck.
Provenance: Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
$4,500 - $6,500
487
488 Pintail Pair with Raised Wings
Charles H. Perdew(1874-1963)
Henry,IL,c. 1945
16 in. long
A rare rigmate pair of hollow pintails with raised wings. Theundersides retain their original “..PERDEW..” weights. Original paint with even gunning wear. Hen has some uneven varnish and weartobilledges.
Provenance:Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
$4,000 - $6,000
489 Mallard Pair
Charles Walker (1873-1954) Princeton, IL, c. 1948 16 in. long
This pair displays early flat bottoms, turned heads, and good feathering. The hen has “14” and “43” written on the underside. Original paint gunning wearandadarksurface patina.Henhastail tip chip.
Provenance: Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
$3,500 - $5,500
490 PintailDrake
Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1890 17 1/2 in. long
AnIllinoisRiverclassicwithCatherineElliston’sexceptional plumage. The underside has an incised “K” rig marking. Original paint with even gunning wear, some old wash to the white, and a tight crack in neck.
Provenance: Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
$2,500 - $3,500
491 Bluebill
Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1900 14in.long
A classic Illinois river decoy with Catherine Elliston’s best paint. The underside has “Carson” and “FSH” brands. Original paint with even gunning wear, restored chip along right edge of bill. Flakes to original fill on right body seam. Minor darkening includes flakes on breast and around reset crack at base of neck.
Provenance: Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
$1,800 - $2,400
492 Premier-Grade Black Duck
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1915 17in.long
This carving has the “Premier” paint stamp on the underside and strong swirl feathering on the top. Original paint with gunning wear, a restored tail chip, and touch-up to neck seam and spots of paint wear.
Provenance: Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
$1,800 - $2,400
493 Premier-GradePintail Pair
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1905 drake is 18 in. long
A fine pair of snakey-head pintails with curved necksand an “S” rig marking on the underside of the hen. Original paint with even gunning wear.Drake has touch-up to white and hen has a tight crack along back.
Provenance: Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
494 MallardBookends
Enoch Reindahl (1904-2000) Stoughton, WI, c. 1950 6 in. tall
Anexceptional life-size pair of mallardbookends showcasing the Midwest’s best detailed carving and painting. Each has a folding metal tab in the bottom for holding tight to books. Original paint with minimal wear. Hen’s bill crack wasprofessionally reset.
Provenance: Private Collection, California Private Collection, Midwest
Literature:DonnaTonelli, Fish and FowlDecoys of the GreatLakes, Atglen,PA, 2002,p. 216, similar carvings illustrated.
$5,000-$8,000
493
494
495 Rare and Early Sleeping Black Duck
Ferdinand Bach (1888-1967)
Detroit, MI, c. 1925 16 in. long
As Bach is known primarily for his canvasback decoys, this exceptionally rare decoy was made for the rig of John “Buck” Bockhausen Sr. It has been widely featured, with appearances in Johnsgard’s TheBirdDecoy book and exhibition, Walsh and Jackson s Michigan book, and at least twice inside, and once on the cover of, DecoyMagazine. Bach was a professional draftsman in the automotive industry and expertly appliedhistalents and creative designs to decoy making.
The turned, resting head and body feature intricate carving, including a detailed bill and crossed and raised wing tips. The underside has “Buck” and “Detroit” painted on either side of the weighted wedge keel. Original paint with even gunning wear.
Provenance: John “Buck” Bockhausen Sr. Rig, acquired from the carver
Jerry J. Catana Collection KangasCollection Private Collection
Literature: Paul A. Johnsgard, The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form, Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 94, fig. 98, exact decoy illustrated.
DecoyMagazine, May/June 2019, p. 28, exact decoy illustrated. Gene Kangas, “Bach: The Beginning,” Decoy Magazine, July/August 2014, p. 24 and front cover, exact decoy illustrated.
Clune Walsh Jr. and Lowell Jackson, Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region, Detroit, MI, 1983, pl. 59, exact decoy illustrated.
$5,000 - $8,000
496 Turned-Head Canvasback
August “Gus” Moak (1852-1942)
Tustin, WI, c. 1920 17 1/2 in. long
The animated swimming pose, high back, and thin tail of this decoy elevates it to be among the maker’s best work. This decoy has a hollow body and exhibits Moak’s finest paint. Original paint with even gunning wear, a couple of rubs to left side, end of bill has filled chip and touch-up.
Provenance: Private Collection, Midwest
Literature: Robert Shaw, Bird Decoys of North America, New York, NY, 2010, p. 226, similar decoy illustrated.
$8,000 - $12,000
497 Canada Goose Pair
Hurley Conklin (1913-1983) Manahawkin, NJ, 1952 swimmer is 27 1/2 in. long
This early pair represents a superior quality of decoy to Conklin’s standard models. The preening goose is very rare. Each bird is signed and dated on the underside and the preener has a “Kross” collector’s sticker under its tail.
Original paint with light wear. Swimmer with two small paint flakes on back with minor darkening.
Provenance: Bill Kross Collection Private Collection, Maryland
$1,500 - $2,500
498 Swan
Bob Biddle (b. 1937)
Landenberg, PA, c. 1980 37in.long
This is one of the finest Biddle decoys we have handled. Bob Biddle switched to carving full time at the age of fifty-three and has since produced a variety of carvings in different styles. His work was featured in the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum in 2022-2023. Signed by the artist on the underside. Original paint with light wear.
$1,200 - $1,800
499 Canvasback Hen
William Heverin (1860-1951)
Charlestown,MD,c.1920 15in.long
Original paint with even gunning wear, including two small chips to crown.
$1,000 - $1,500
500 Miniature Goose
Oliver “Tuts” Lawson (b. 1938) Crisfield, MD, c. 1960 8 1/2 in. long
The underside bears the “Duck House” sticker. Original paint with light wear, including a few dings to lower sides.
$800 - $1,200
501 Canvasback Pair
Charlie “Speed” Joiner (1921-2015)
Chestertown,MD,c.1950 16 in. long
Signed and dated on the undersides. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, including scrape to left side of hen’s bill tip.
$500 - $800
502 Wood Duck Pair
Oliver “Tuts” Lawson (b. 1938)
Crisfield, MD 14in.long
The turned-head carvings bear the maker’s signature on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear.
$1,000 - $1,500
503 Surf Scoter
Oliver “Tuts” Lawson (b. 1938) Crisfield, MD, 1981 14in.long
The turned-head carving bears the maker’s signature and date on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear.
$400 - $600
504 Dove
Grayson Chesser (b. 1947)
Sanford,VA 11 in. long
A dove decoy signed with the maker’s incised “C” on the underside. Original paint with light wear and tight crack to knot on right wing.
$600 - $900
505 Black Duck
James “Corb” Reed (1897-1987)
Chincoteague,VA,c.1975 19 in. long
A black duck with soft painting throughout and raised primaries. Marked “J C R REED” on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear.
$400 - $600
FRANK W. BENSON
507 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Wildfowler, 1923
signed “Frank W Benson” lower left etching, 7 3/4 by 11 3/4 in.
Paff #220, edition of 150 titled on M. Knoedler & Co., New York label onback
$1,000 - $2,000
506 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Woodcock, 1930
signed “Frank W Benson” lower left drypoint, 11 3/4 by 9 1/2 in.
Paff #292, edition of 150
$1,000 - $2,000
508 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
PointerDog, 1925
signed “Frank W. Benson” lower left etching, 5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in.
Paff #251, edition of 150
Togo, Benson’s pointer, was one of Benson’s favorite dogs, appearing in some of the artist’s most important oils.
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$600-$800
506
507
508
FRANK W. BENSON
510 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Yellowlegs No. 2,1919
signed “Frank W Benson” lower left drypoint, 8 by 10 in.
Paff #162, edition of 150
Sessler’s Book Shop, Philadelphia label on back
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D.
Collection
$500 - $800
512 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Baldpates,1924
signed “Frank W. Benson” lower left drypoint, 7 3/4 by 8 3/4 in.
Paff #235, edition of 150
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$200 - $300
509 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Winter Yellowlegs,1918
signed “Frank W Benson” lower left drypoint, 6 3/4 by 10 3/4 in.
Paff #142, edition 102 of 150 numbered lower right
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$500 - $700
511 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Two Etchings of Geese (one shown) each signed “Frank W. Benson” lower left
Incoming Geese,1917 etching, 4 by 6 in.
Paff #114, edition 79 of 136 numbered “79” lower right
Two Geese, 1931 etching, 5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in. Paff #310, edition of 75
$400 - $600
513 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Here They Come!, 1928
signed “Frank W. Benson” lower left drypoint, 13 3/4 by 11 1/2 in.
Paff #278, edition of 150
One of the artist’s best large-scale waterfowl plates.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$700 - $1,000
514 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
SingleDuck,1917
signed “Frank W. Benson” lower left drypoint,4by51/4in.
Paff #123, edition of 95 appears to be numbered “56” lower right
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$200 - $300
515 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Springing Teal, 1930
signed “Frank W. Benson” lower left drypoint, 13 3/4 by 9 3/4 in.
Paff #306, edition of 150
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$400 - $600
516 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Two Geese, 1931
signed “Frank W. Benson” lower left etching, 5 3/4 by 7 3/4 in.
Paff #310, edition of 75
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$300-$500
517 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)
Nascaupee Indian, 1921
signed “Frank W Benson” lower left etching, 7 3/4 by 6 in.
Paff #210, edition of 150
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$300-$500
518 Robin Snipe
Capt. John Haff (1868-1909)(attr.)
Cobb Island, VA, c. 1890
8 1/4 in. long
A smooth and wide-bodied shorebird with a red breast. A mix of original and working repaint with gunning wear, a tight original crack on right side, and bill appears to be a gunning replacement.
$2,000 - $3,000
519 Red Knot
John Dilley
Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1890
9 3/4 in. long
Dilley carvings stand firmly as some of the most recognizable and sought-after shorebird decoys available. This red knot features clean lines and maintains warm tones on its breast and some featherpaintonitsback.
Original paint with gunning wear and replaced bill. Very minor touch-up under bill and to small ding on left side of tail.
Provenance: Acquired at Julia Guyette auction, 1984 Private Collection, Connecticut Private Collection
$2,500- $3,500
520 RunningYellowlegs
William H. Southard (1874-1940)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 12 1/4 in. long
This racy Seaford classic has Southard’s quintessential long-bodied form and carved wing tips and shoulders. This bird has a folky flair and dotting all over its body. Original paint with gunning wear, some fill and touch-up to head, and replaced bill.
Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, New York, NY, 1971, pl. 20, related example illustrated.
Timothy R. Sieger, The Decoys of Long Island, Water Mill, NY, 2010, p. 37, related decoys illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,500
521 Peep
Captain Al Ketchum
Amityville, Long Island, NY, c. 1900 8 in. long
A rare Long Island carving with a nice dry original surface. Original paint with gunning wear and chip to tip of bill.
$1,000 - $1,500
522 Early Roothead Golden Plover Vanderwater(attr.)
Freeport, Long Island, NY, 19th Century 11 in. long
The head is inset into the body with a mortise-and-tenon joint. The white on the underside is early paint by the hunter. Depending on the flight of golden plover expected, it was common for hunters to transition their rigs between dark adults and young “palebellies” as seen here. Mix of original and old working paint with moderate gunning wear and a crack up the right side of the neck. Replaced bill.
Literature: Guyette and Schmidt, Inc., NorthAmericanDecoysat Auction, July 2002, p. 71, lot 328, rigmate illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,500
523 Plover
Obediah Verity (1813-1901)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 11 in. long
A classic Seaford plover with plump form. As found with weardowntobarewood.
Jamaica Bay, Long Island, NY, c. 1870 8 3/4 in. long
A distinct red knot whose moniker comes from the related examples with the Rogers brand. Taken down to mix of old and original paint with heavy wear and replaced bill.
$800 - $1,200
525 Yellowlegs
Alonzo Verity (1872-1938)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1900 9 3/4 in. long
Araredecoywithgoodwingcarvingandtightstipplingbythe son of Smith Clinton Verity. Strong original paint with gunning wear and shot on right side.
Provenance: Richard LaFountain Collection Private Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
526 Yellowlegs
Delancey Nichols (1890-1977)
Jamaica Bay, Long Island, NY, c. 1910 12in.long
A large yellowlegs with carved wing-tip detail. Mix of original and repaint with gunning wearandareplaced bill.
$1,000 - $2,000
527 Rare Peep
Thomas H. Gelston (1851-1924)
Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 7 1/4 in. long
A very rare species for Gelston, this cork peep sports raised wings, tack eyes, and a nail bill. A collector’s note is penned on the underside. Original paint with even gunning wear and professional touch-up, including to reset neck, behind left eye, andontail.
Provenance: Richard LaFountain Collection Private Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
528 Yellowlegs Silhouette
Andrew “Grubie” Verity (1881-1976)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1910 10 3/4 in. long
A Long Island shorebird silhouette with carved eyes, raised wings, and a through-splined bill. Original paint with gunning wear and touch-up to left side of head, right wing, and replaced bill. Original knot indentation past wing tips.
$1,000 - $2,000
529 Feeding Robin Snipe
Capt. George W. Combs Sr. (1911-1992)
Freeport, Long Island, NY, c. 1950 8 in. long
This carving was done with inspiration from the Theodore Rogers Rig of Jamaica Bay. Original paint with even wear and flaking.
$1,000 - $1,500
530 Plover
Verity Family
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 9 1/2 in. long
Original paint with gunning wear exposing some wood, darkened breast, and replaced bill.
$800 - $1,200
531 Two Silhouette Shorebird Decoys largest is 10 1/2 in. tall
A Judge Malatrope Kovenhoven ruddy turnstone from Raritan, NJ, and an unknown yellowlegs. Both are in original paint with gunning wear.
$600 - $900
532 Rare Cork Dunlin
Thomas H. Gelston (1851-1924)
Quogue, Long Island, NY, c. 1900 11 1/2 in. long
A rare dunlin carved from cork with a supporting nail in its tail. Strong original paint with gunning wear, including light paint loss to tail and bill. Original indentation to right side.
$600 - $900
533 Two Ketcham Farm Plovers
Long Island, NY, c. 1890 longest 11 in. long
Acquired from “Ketcham Farm” on the border of Amityville and Copiague. They may have been made by Capt. Albert Ketcham (1845-1926) or perhaps Lafayette (1823-1910) and Ichabod (1821-1907) Seabury. As found with old paint and heavy gunning wear. White bird’s head is loose.
Provenance: Ketcham Farm, Copiague, New York
Ron McGrath Collection Private Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
534 Black-Bellied Plover
William H. Southard (1874-1940)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1890 10 1/2 in. long
An old Long Island gunning warrior that retains its clean lines and sharp wing carving. Old paint with heavy gunning wear down to wood and scuffs on wings and left side of head, loss to tip of old bill.
$800 - $1,200
535 Two Crow Calls Perdew call is 5 1/4 in. tall
The larger call was made by renowned carver and call maker Charlie Perdew and is stamped with his name, hometown, and “Pat. Nov. 2, 1909.” The smaller is unmarked and still produces a loud “caw.” Asfound.
$150 - $250
536 Pintail
Stephen Verity (1865-1950)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1880 15 1/2 in. long
A rare hollow decoy that was likely made for gunning clubs in the Carolinas. This proudbird has a high and turned head with strongcheekcarvingandadeepgroove behind the neck. In working repaint with light gunning wear.
$1,500 - $2,500
537 Merganser Hen
SmithClinton Verity (1845-1920)
Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1900 16 1/2 in. long
A rare Long Island merganser hen with a full body and cleanlines. A mix of original and working repaint with some old overpaint taken down from white areas. Gunning wear and restored bill.
Literature: Geoffrey K. Fleming, TheDecoysofLongIsland, Long Island Decoy Collectors Association, Walter Mill, NY, 2010, p. 43, exact decoy illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,500
538 Bluebill
Verity Family
Long Island, NY, c. 1880 13 3/4 in. long
An early and pert decoy with clean lines and a full body. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, hairline crack in neck, and slight chip in tail from shot.
$600 - $900
539 Black Duck
Captain Ben Rhodes Seaford, Long Island, NY, c. 1900 17in.long
A rare Seaford black duck with carved eyes. Original paint with even gunning wear. A few age lines and original crack in left side. Restored patch of popped grain in back.
$400 - $600
540 Merganser
Maine, c. 1900
16 1/4 in. long
A long-bodied decoy with raised wings and a thin crest. Original paint with even gunning wear.
$1,500 - $2,500
541 Tucked Head Bluebill Hen
Martha’s Vineyard (attr.)
12 1/2 in. long
Many of the surviving decoys from Martha’s Vineyard were heavily gunned and often repainted. This bluebill is in excellent condition and features sweeping lines and a long, narrow tail. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Robert Congdon Collection Private Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
542 Canvas-Covered Slat Goose
Joseph W. Lincoln (1859-1938)
Accord, MA, c. 1910
25 1/2 in. long
Lincoln was a distinguished canvas decoy maker, and examples can be seen on both the front and back covers of Cap Vinal’s monograph on the maker. The underside is branded “CEE.” Old working paint with even gunning wear and touch-up to black on head and neck. Restored bill tip.
$600 - $900
543 Canada Goose
Joseph W. Lincoln (1859-1938)
Accord, MA, c. 1910 24 in. long
A sleek goose exhibiting Lincoln’s clean lines. The underside has a “Leon Hatch” brand. Appears to be in original feathering with working wash to white and black and gunning wear. Crack to left side of neck and along underside.
Provenance: Leon Hatch Rig Private Collection
$600 - $900
544 Slat Goose
George H. Boyd (1873-1941)
Seabrook, NH, c. 1920 26 in. long
A classic canvas-over-slat goose with a slightly turned head. The underside has a Jackson Parker merganser ink stamp. A paper label suggests this came from the Carter Collection. Original paint with gunning wear, some loss to canvas mostly around nails, and spots of touch-up. Tip of bill restored.
Provenance: Jackson Parker Collection Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$1,500 - $2,500
545 Plump Black Duck
Cassius Smith (1847-1907) Milford, CT, c. 1880 14in.long
This hollow black duck has a wide, upswept body, puffed cheeks, and a vertically pegged construction. In old working paint that has worn to original paint in some areas, with even gunning wear. Crack in neck, and most of bill restored.
Provenance: Jeff and Joyce Hay Collection
$800 - $1,200
546 Golden Plover Massachusetts, c. 1900 9 1/2 in. long
A golden plover in winter plumage with black and yellow stippling. This decoy is believed to be of Nantucket origin. Original paint with moderate gunning wear.
$1,500 - $2,500
547 Plover in Winter Plumage Massachusetts, c. 1900 11 1/2 in. long
An upright plover with broad shoulders and a tight stippling pattern. Original paint with even gunning wear.
Provenance: Linda E. Johnson Collection, acquired from Stephen O’Brien Jr. Fine Arts, 1999 Private Collection
Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr., American, Sporting & Western Paintings, AntiqueAmericanBirdDecoys, 1999 Catalog, Boston, MA, 1999, p. 34, lot 74, exact bird illustrated.
$1,800 - $2,400
548 Tucked-Head Goldeneye Drake
Luther M. Nickerson (1874-1951) Cotuit, MA, c. 1900 14in.long
A well-made and well-gunned decoy with excellent wing carving and design. The underside has collector markings. A rigmate to this decoy was featured on the 1977 Massachusetts Duck Stamp. Working repaint with heavy gunning wear, chip missing at top of breast and wing tips.
Provenance: Dr. George Ross Starr Collection KangasCollection Private Collection, Maryland
Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, Decoys: A North American Survey, Spanish Fork, UT, 1983, p. 97, exact decoy illustrated.
$1,500 - $2,500
549 Turned-Head Redhead Pair
Henry Keyes Chadwick (1865-1958)
Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard, MA, c. 1930 drake is 14 1/4 in. long
A pair of rigmate redheads with a “Foote” rig brand on the bottom of each. Enoch Warren Foote (18611934) and his son Robert Foote (1901-1953) used this rig of decoys from their farm in West Tisbury, Massachusetts. Original paint with even gunning wear. Drake with crack through underside from tail to breast and hairline crack on right side of neck. Hen’s head swivels and has touch-up to crown.
Three canvasbacks on an expandable frame. The underside has a painted “O.H.L.” Original paint with even gunning wear, including some rubs between birds.
$400 - $600
553 Hollow Black Duck Ontario, Canada, c. 1900 15 1/2 in. long
A tucked-head decoy with blended paint and featherlight construction. Original paint with light wear and two scratches on the right side.
$800 - $1,200
554 High-HeadBlackDuck Ontario,c.1900 16 in. long
A large, refined, and hollow decoy with a high head, distinct weights, and a spade-shaped tail. Unique weights on the underside. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, including a rub on back, appealing craquelure, and some old fill to shot marks.
$600 - $900
555 MallardDrake
George Strunk (b. 1958)
Glendora, NJ
17 1/4 in. long
Signed “G. Strunk” and bears the maker’s name-stamped lead weight on the bottom. The weight is also stamped “R Kobli.” Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Ron Kobli Collection Private Collection
$300-$500
556 Green-Winged Teal Pair
Chris T. Sprague (1887-1983) Beach Haven, NJ, c. 1955 9 1/2 in. long
Stamped “S” and “DWS” on the undersides. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Bruce Williams Collection Private Collection, New Jersey
$600-$800
557 Black Duck Pair
R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993)
Havre de Grace, MD 16 1/2 in. long
Original paint with light wear and tight cracks to front of necks.
$600 - $900
558 Cinnamon Teal and Black Duck
Ken Harris (1905-1981) Woodville, NY 17in.long
The oversize, bottom-hollowed black duck bears the maker’s white-ink stamped signature. The teal has remnants of the maker’s stamp. Original paint with some wear from handling.
$600 - $900
559 Green-WingedTealBox
Wildfowler Decoys (1939-1957) OldSaybrook,CT,c.1940 12 1/2 in. long
A dresser or jewelry box by Edward “Ted” Mulliken (1896-1964) of Wildfowler Decoys. Original paint with even wear and no left eye.
$200 - $400
560 Merganser Drake
Harry V. Shourds (1861-1920) Tuckerton, NJ, c. 1890 17in.long
Restored.
$100-$300
HARRY CURIEUX ADAMSON
1916-2012
561 Harry Curieux Adamson (1916-2012) Canada Geese in Flight signed “Harry Curieux Adamson” lower left oil on canvas, 19 by 25 in.
Harry Adamson was one of the premier waterfowl painters of the last fifty years. Born in Seattle in 1916, he studied under Paul J. Fair, who is best known for his wildlife photography. Adamson began painting after serving in World War II, selling a painting to the president of Mexico within the first decade of his career. His success continued, and he was honored as the first California Waterfowl Association Artist of the Year, as well as the 1979 Ducks
Unlimited Artist of the Year. His works have been included in shows at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the British Museum, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Admired by his fellow artists, Adamson had a knack for capturing birds in their natural habitats, including the sky.
Provenance: Private Collection, Indiana
$6,000 - $9,000
DAVID A. HAGERBAUMER
1921-2014
562 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
Pintails Taking Off From a Marsh, 2003
signed and dated “David Hagerbaumer 2003” lower left watercolor,9by12in.
Provenance: Private Collection, Indiana
$1,500 - $2,500
563 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
Flying Woodcock, 1967
signed and dated “David Hagerbaumer 1967” lower left watecolor, 16 1/4 by 21 1/4 in.
A large-scale watercolor by this master watercolorist of a towering timberdoodle.
Provenance: Private Collection, Indiana
$1,500 - $2,500
564 David A. Hagerbaumer (19212014)
Two Watercolors each 3 by 4 in.
Mallard signed “David Hagerbaumer” lower left
Pintail
signed “David Hagerbaumer” lower right
Provenance: Private Collection, Indiana
$300-$500
JOHN CYRIL HARRISON
British,1898-1985
566 John Cyril Harrison (British, 1898-1985)
Woodcock Leaving Cover signed“J. C. Harrison” lower right watercolor on paper, 13 by 9 in.
Provenance: Private Collection, Indiana
$800 - $1,200
565 John Cyril Harrison (British, 1898-1985)
Grouse Over the Moor signed “J.C. Harrison” lower right watercolor, 13 by 18 1/2 in.
Harrison was one of Britain’s most highly esteemed modern bird painters, following in Archibald Thorburn’s footsteps. He trained at the Slade School of Art in London, studied taxidermy, and worked for many years from his studio in Norfolk. He exhibited with the Tryon Gallery and was a strong supporter of the Norfolk Wildlife Trustduringhis lifetime.
Provenance: Private Collection, Indiana
$1,000 - $2,000
567 John Cyril Harrison (British, 1898-1985)
Turning Teal Over the Reeds signed “J.C. Harrison” lower right watercolor,9by13in.
Provenance: Private Collection, Indiana
$400 - $800
569 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
Flying Pintails, 1964
signed and dated “David Hagerbaumer 1964” lower right watercolor, 18 1/2 by 27 1/2 in.
Provenance: Private Collection, Connecticut
$2,000 - $4,000
568 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
Wood Duck, 1961
signed and dated “David Hagerbaumer 1961” lower right watercolor, 7 3/4 by 9 3/4 in.
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$600 - $900
570 David A. Hagerbaumer (1921-2014)
Canada Geese, 1960
signed “David Hagerbaumer” lower right watercolor, 17 1/2 by 22 1/2 in.
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$1,000 - $2,000
569
570
571 Francis Lee Jaques (1887-1969)
Swans and Snow Geese oil on board, 10 1/4 by 30 1/2 in.
Francis Lee Jaques was born on September 28, 1887, in Geneseo, Illinois. As a boy, he loved duck hunting and spent many hours hunting with his father. When Jaques was twelve, his family moved to Kansas to farm corn. His background in agriculture and hunting taught him a great deal about birds, which he translated into the stunning realism he was able to capture on canvas.
Patricia Johnston writes, “Lee and Florence were avid birders and often invited friends along on their bird-watching trips. ‘We would go on the annual Christmas bird count in Washington County,’ one former North Oaks neighbor remembers, ’You could learn an awful lot just standing close to Lee.’” Jaques’s dedication to close observation in the field bestows authority and authenticity to his ornithological paintings.
Provenance: Brown & Bigelow Co. Private Collection, Maine Private Collection, California
$2,000 - $3,000
572 Roland H. Clark (1874-1957)
Pintails at Sunset signed “Roland Clark” lower right watercolor, 17 1/2 by 23 in.
Roland Clark was born in New Rochelle, New York, and studied at the Art Students League in Manhattan. After
living in the Tidewater region of Virginia for several years, where he was able to enjoy hunting and other outdoor pursuits, Clark returned to New York City and devoted himself to painting and illustrating full time.
In 1938, one of Clark’s images of pintail ducks was chosen as the fifth Federal Duck Stamp design. Clark’s devotion to and execution of waterfowl subjects place him among the elite depicting the genre.
$2,500 - $3,500
573 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974)
Bluebills Over the Bay signed “M.C. Weiler” lower right watercolor, 5 1/2 by 16 in.
Provenance: Curt Mettam Collection
$600 - $900
575 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974)
Early Flight signed “M.C. Weiler” lower right watercolor, 14 by 18 in. titled on The Sporting Gallery and Bookshop, New York, NY, label on back
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$2,000 - $3,000
574 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974) MallardsOvertheMarsh signed “M.C. Weiler” lower right watercolor, 15 by 21 1/2 in.
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$1,500 - $2,500
576 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974)
Chasing the Flight - Broadbills signed “M. C. Weiler” lower right watercolor, 18 by 24 1/2 in.
A hunter’s dream, Weiler painted close to two hundred broadbills tofillthesky in this scene. On the horizon, two hunters can be seen poling a boat.
$2,000 - $4,000
574
575
576
THOMAS AQUINAS DALY
578 Thomas Aquinas Daly(b. 1937)
Summer Ducks
signed “TA Daly” lower right watercolor, 15 1/2 by 11 in. titled on back
A well-executed watercolor of wood ducks.
Provenance: Private Collection, New York
$2,500- $3,500
577 Thomas Aquinas Daly(b. 1937)
A Wild Fish at Pete Jones signed “TA Daly” lower left watercolor, 12 3/4 by 19 1/4 in. titled on back
This scene depicts Atlantic Salmon fishing on the St. Jean River on the north shore of Quebec, east of the Moisie River. Daly’s distinctive watercolors and oils capture the light and moods of hunting and fishing. Two books are dedicated to his body of work: Painting Nature’s Quiet Places and The Art of Thomas Aquinas Daly. His paintings have appeared in many magazines and sporting art publications, including Sporting Classics and Gray’s Sporting Journal, among others.
Provenance: Private Collection, New York
$2,000 - $3,000
579
by 12 in. titled and signed on back
A fine oil of a wood ducks.
$1,500 - $2,500
Thomas Aquinas Daly(b. 1937) Summerduck signed “TA Daly” lower right oil on board, 10
581 RoyMartellMason(1886-1972)
Whistling into the Wind - Canvasbacks signed “Roy M. Mason” lower right watercolor, 21 by 29 in. titled on artist’s label on back
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$2,000 - $3,000
580 RoyMartellMason(1886-1972)
Lone Hunter signed “Roy M. Mason” lower right watercolor, 14 3/4 by 21 1/2 in.
A duck-hunting scene, which the artist was known for.
Provenance: Private Collection, California
$2,500 - $3,500
582 RoyMartellMason(1886-1972)
OffHatteras signed “Roy M. Mason” lower center watercolor, 22 by 30 in. American Watercolor Society label on back
This work depicts a flock of Canada geese flying through darkening clouds on the Outer Banks.
Provenance: Private Collection, California
Exhibited: American Watercolor Society, Members’ Exhibition, 1946
$1,800 - $2,400
581
582
584 Francis Golden (1916-2008)
Canadas in Flight
signed “Francis Golden” lower right watercolor, 22 1/4 by 16 in.
Francis Golden graduated from the School of the Museum of Fine Art in Boston in 1939 and shortly thereafter was hired to paint the background for Salvador Dali’s work
The Dream of Venus for the World’s Fair in New York. He worked steadily for many years, creating commissions for magazines such as Collier’s, The Saturday Evening Post, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and many others. Golden’s exuberant, colorful paintings appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and he was voted one of their top ten artists of all time. A member of the Webster family writes, “I remember when the first batch of Frank Golden paintings arrived for my dad to look at. Golden had illustrated articles in Sports Illustrated magazine. Being a sports nut, I thought that was pretty cool.”
Canada Geese, 1971 signed and dated “Gary E. Neel 71” lower right watercolor, 27 by 35 in.
Provenance: Private Collection, Freehold, New Jersey, purchased from the Crossroads of Sport Private Collection, California
$500 - $700
586 Tom Hennessey (1937-2018)
The Heartstopper signed “Tom Hennessey” lower right watercolor,163/4by263/4in.
The viewer can feel the tension in Hennessey’s watercolor as a large Atlantic salmon boils at the fly at the tailout of the pool.
Tom Hennessey was a sporting artist from Maine and a long-time outdoors writer for the BangorDailyNews. He penned three books: Feathers ‘n Fins, Handy to Home,and Leave Some for Seed, and exhibited and sold his paintings through Crossroads of Sport in New York for many years. He died in 2018.
His obituary notes, “Hennessey’s work was a testament to timeless values that he held strong, and defended fiercely, depicting the Maine he grew up with, knew well and loved.” They “depict scenes that reflected some of the things he liked best. Hunting with a well-trained bird
dog, fishing from a vintage canoe, sharing time with a special hunting buddy.” The artist said, “When I’m out fishing or hunting, or just out around with the dog, I’ll see something, something will happen, and that will inspire [the art]”—such as this classic sporting scene.
Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts
$1,000 - $2,000
587 Tom Hennessey (1937-2018)
At the Lower Ledges signed “Tom Hennessey” lower right watercolor, 19 by 25 1/2 in.
A watercolor depicting an angler who is hooked up to an Atlantic Salmon in a blue canoe with rod in hand and pipe in mouth as his salmon guides pole through the shimmering water.
Provenance: Private Collection, New Jersey
$1,000 - $2,000
588 William Goadby Lawrence (1913-2002) TigerMuskellunge,1964 signed “Wm Goadby Lawrence” lower right oil on canvas, 16 by 20 in. titled on back
This work was published as the July/August entry for Seagram’s Sportsman’s Calendar in 1964.
Provenance: Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc.
Private Collection, Massachusetts, acquired from Skinner, Inc., November 19, 2004, lot 81
Private Collection, acquired from Eldred’s
Exhibited: Canadian Wildlife: An Exhibition of the Seagram Collection of Wildlife Paintings, Canadian National Exhibition, 1965.
$3,000 - $5,000
589 John Atherton (1900-1952) Freshwater Fish and Lures, c. 1955 watercolor, 16 by 30 in.
An illustration showing a pike, muskellunge, pickerel, and several of the best lures to catch them. An inscription on the back indicates that the illustration was made for Fortune magazine in the 1950s.
John Atherton, best known for his genre scene illustrations, wasalsoanavid fisherman and wrote The Fly and the Fish in 1951.
$1,000 - $1,500
590 Eric Forlee (b. 1949)
TheHorizon,2001
signed and dated “Forlee ‘01” lower right oil on canvas, 13 1/4 by 21 1/4 in.
Eric Forlee is a self-trained artist based in Davis, California. Forlee visits Africa regularly to study and experience his preferred subject matter, African game. “You have to experience the wild before you work. You can’t just study photos — or your work will be dead, static. You can tell a good painting or bad painting by whether it is charged with life or not,” he says.
A pair of majestic lions gaze off into the distant horizon of this well-rendered oil.
Provenance: Private Collection, Texas
Literature: Janet Paulson, “Eric Forlee: A Painter Charged with Life,” Sporting Classics Daily, November 4, 2022.
$2,000 - $3,000
591 Martin Koch (South African, b. 1940)
On the Move, 1973
signed and dated “Martin Koch ‘73” lower right oil on canvas, 33 by 55 in.
Martin Koch is a noted African painter who was born, raised, and currently works in Pretoria, South Africa. He was drawn to art as a child and studied commercial art for a time before embarking on his storied career capturing the fauna of Africa. In addition to many South African honors and shows, Koch exhibited with KennedyGalleryandSportsman’s Edge in New York beginning in the 1970s. He is also a life member of the Rhino and Elephant Foundation in South Africa.
In this surf fishing scene, the stalwart fisherman casts his line into the breakers.
592.2
593
595 Arthur M. Cook (1931-1993)
Feeding Grounds - Honkers signed“Art Cook” lower right oil on canvas, 24 by 36 in.
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Cook grew up in Minneapolis. He studied art at Hamline University and the Minneapolis School of Art before embarking on a career as a commercial artist, including many years as Industrial Art Director at Honeywell. He created the 1972 Federal Duck Stamp Design and was an active hunter, fisherman, and conservationist who supported Ducks Unlimited, the National AudubonSociety,andTroutUnlimited,among other groups. A flock of Canada geese alight into a field in this large-format oil.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
$500 - $800
594 Ron Jenkins (b. 1932)
Pintails, 1995 signed and dated “R. Jenkins ‘95” lower right oil on board, 12 by 16 in.
Ron Jenkins is best known for his wildfowl and bird paintings, winning the 1965-1966 Federal Duck Stamp Competition. His work has been featured in National Geographic and Modern Game Breeding magazines.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$1,000 - $2,000
596 Lee Cable (b. 1943) Easin’Down,1983 signed “L Cable” lower left watercolor on board, 24 by 30 in.
Depicting Canada geese landing in the corn.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
$500 - $800
594
595
596
WILLIAM HAROLD ZIMMERMAN
597 William Harold Zimmerman (1937-2011) Merriam’s Wild Turkey oil on canvas, 13 by 18 in. titled and inscribed “Meleagris Gallapayo Merriami” on back
William Zimmerman was born in 1937 in Indiana. Inspired by John James Audubon, as a young man he was drawn to art and the outdoors and consequently studied at the Cincinnati Art Academy.
As a conservationist, he was a supporter of Sycamore Land Trust and Sassafras Audubon Society in Indiana. Named in his honor, the Zimmerman Wetland Bird Habitat in Brown County is where the Zimmerman Wetlanders, a groupofvolunteers, conduct a monthly bird survey.
As an artist, he was a peer of Roger Tory Peterson and John Ruthven, with whom he published Top Flight: Speed Index to Waterfowl Identification in 1965. During his early career, he also exhibited with Abercrombie & Fitch in Chicago and New York. His major work was Waterfowl
of North America, published in 1974, depicting all forty-two species of American waterfowl to much acclaim. Zimmerman illustrated The Birds of Indiana in 1984, and these originals are on display at Indiana University in Bloomington. Birds of Illinois, Birds of Ohio, Birds of Kentucky,and Woodpeckers of North America are among his other publications. Today, his paintings are in the collection of the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis and the Zimmerman wing of the Brown County Art Gallery in Nashville, Indiana.
This work was Zimmerman’s submission for the National Wild Turkey Federation’s stamp contest. It is considered to be one of the artist’s best works.
Provenance: William Zimmerman Collection, by descent in the family
598 William Harold Zimmerman (1937-2011)
Wood Ducks, 1999 signed and dated “Wm Zimmerman 1999” lower right acrylic on paper, 9 by 12 1/2 in.
Provenance: William Zimmerman Collection, by descent in the family
599 William Harold Zimmerman (1937-2011)
Hooded Merganser,c.1971 signed “Wm Zimmerman” lower right acrylic on board, 20 1/2 by 26 1/2 in. titled on back
This finely detailed painting of three hooded mergansers flying by a blossoming tree was created by the artist for Waterfowl of North America
Provenance: William Zimmerman Collection, by descent in the family
Literature: William Zimmerman, WaterfowlofNorthAmerica, 1974, pl. 40, p. 86, illustrated.
597
598
601 American School (19th Century)
Salmon and Rod signed “C Locke” lower left oil on canvas, 17 1/2 by 22 1/2 in.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$1,000 - $1,500
602 John Bower (19th Century)
Jumping Brook Trout, 1891 signed and dated “Bower 1891” lower right pastel, 20 1/2 by 14 in.
John Bower is predominantly known for his still-life paintings of fruit. The dynamic nature of this painting allows it to stand out as one of the best Bower works to surface.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$400 - $600
600 William Harold Zimmerman (1937-2011)
Black Duck signed “Wm Zimmerman” lower left acrylic on board, 20 by 26 1/2 in. titled on back
Created by the artist for Waterfowl of North America
Provenance: William Zimmerman Collection, by descent in the family
Literature: William Zimmerman, Waterfowl of North America, 1974, pl. 13, p. 32, illustrated.
603 Arthur A. Staigh (1891-1954)
Hunter in Canoe with Mountain Lion signed “Arthur A. Staigh” lower left oil on board, 17 1/2 by 21 1/2 in.
This California artist was born in Ontario, Canada, but lived in Los Angeles for many years.
Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection
$600 - $900
FRANK S. FINNEY
604 Black-Headed Grosbeak
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
3 1/4 in. tall
A rare carving by the maker of a grosbeak holding a green fruit in its bill. The underside bears the maker’s incised “F” signature. Original paint with minimal wear.
$600 - $900
605 American Tree Sparrow
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
3 3/4 in. tall
The underside bears the maker’s incised “F” signature. Original paint with minimal wear.
$600 - $900
606 Miniature Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
3 3/4 in. long
The underside bears the maker’s incised “F” signature. Original paint with minimal wear.
$600 - $900
607
Frank
Capeville, VA
3 in. tall
The underside bears the maker’s incised “F” signature. Original paint with minimal wear.
$600 - $900
608 Miniature Northern Cardinal
Frank
Capeville, VA
3 1/2 in. tall
The underside bears the maker’s incised “F” signature. Original paint with minimal wear.
$600 - $900
609 WhiteBird
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA
8 1/4 in. long
Possibly a type of tern, this white bird has a wide, upswept tail and is signed and stamped by the artist on the underside of its stand. Original paint with minimal wear.
$500 - $800
Miniature Scarlet Tanager
S. Finney (b. 1947)
S. Finney (b. 1947)
610 Miniature Cat
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA 4 in. tall
The underside bears the maker’s black “Finney” stamped signature. Original paint with minimal wear.
$600 - $900
611 Bald Eagle Plaque
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947) Capeville, VA 15 in. long, 28 3/4 in. wingspan
Bears the maker’s signature on the back side. Original paint with minimal wear and spot of touch-up on breast.
Provenance: Private Collection, acquired from the artist
$400 - $800
612 Hummingbird
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA 8 1/4 in. long
A whimsical interpretation of a hummingbird, this carving is signed and stamped by the artist on the underside of its stand. Original paint with minimal wear.
$500 - $800
613 MiniatureGreatBlueHeron
Frank S. Finney (b. 1947)
Capeville, VA 8in.tall
A rare boxwood carving, the underside bears the maker’s incised “F” signature. Original paint with light wear.
$600 - $900
WILLIAMGIBIAN
614 Miniature Curlew
William Gibian (b. 1946) Onancock, VA 8 1/4 in. long
This carving is signed by the maker with an incised “WG” signature on the bottom. Original paint with light wear.
$600 - $900
615 Miniature Red Knot
William Gibian (b. 1946) Onancock, VA 5in.long
This carving is signed by the maker with an incised “WG” signature on the bottom. Original paint with light wear.
$600 - $900
616 Miniature Yellowlegs
William Gibian (b. 1946) Onancock, VA 7in.long
This carving is signed by the maker with an incised “WG” signature on the bottom. Original paint with light wear.
$600 - $900
617 Dowitcher
William Gibian (b. 1946) Onancock, VA 11 in. long
This dropped-wing carving is signed by the maker with an incised “GIBIAN” on the bottom. Original paint with light wearandminorsapspotson endgrain.
$800 - $1,200
618 Valley Quail
William Gibian (b. 1946) Onancock, VA 10 1/2 in. tall, bird is 12 1/2 in. long
A California quail carving with a leather plume and “Gibian” incised on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear, including verysmallchipatstickhole.
$1,000 - $1,500
619 Running Curlew
Marty Hanson (b. 1965) Prior Lake, MN, c. 2000 19 1/2 in. long
The bottomsbearthe maker’s incised “MH” signature. Original paint with minimal wear.
$1,000 - $2,000
620 Curlew
David A. Rhodes (1933-2019) Absecon, NJ, 2013 15 1/2 in. long
Dave Rhodes was an accomplished decoy, decorative, and competition carver who dedicated over fifty years
to the field. In addition to winning several world championships, Rhodes was named the New Jersey Decoy Collectors Association 2004 Carver of the Year and the 2007 Artist of the Year by the Noyes Museum in Oceanville, NJ.
This curlew exhibits carved wings and stippled back paint, and is signed, dated, and marked with a fingerprint on the underside of thetail. Original paint with light wear.
$200 - $300
621 Miniature Pintail Pair
Andrew “Tan” Brunet (1938-2019) Galliano, LA, 1987 and 2003 drake is 8 1/2 in. long
This pair exemplifies the finely detailed carving and painting that Brunet is known for. The underside of each bird is signed and dated by the artist. Original paint with minimal wear. Drake with veryminordarkening to small loss at tip of one tail feather.
Literature: Anne Small, Masters of Decorative Bird Carving, Tulsa, OK, 1981, pp. 112 and 120, related pintail illustrated and Brunet discussed.
$1,500 - $2,500
622 Red-Winged Blackbirds
DanBrueggeman Henley, MO, 2001 25by171/2by8in.
A male and femaleonacattail,thisspecieslikes to nest overwater. Original paint with light wear, including some damage to hen’s feet and a reed tip is dented.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
$600 - $900
622
623 PintailDrake
Ma Hai Feng (b. 1945) HongKong,1985 15 1/2 in. long
Ma Hai Feng’s family of artists reached back over 900 years. The artist was recognized and trained by the Chinese government as a child prodigy. At age fourteen, he was marked by his teachers to become a head of one of the four art schools in the country. After fleeing mainland China and setting up an art school in Hong Kong, the artist traveled to the United States. He entered his pieces in the Bird Carving World Championships and won many awards in the professional class in the 1980s. He also won the Ward Foundation’s “Best in World” award in 1985. The Smithsonian held a one-man exhibition of his
work that same year, and he has been collected by Prince Philip, CarolineKennedy, and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum.
Inscribed on the underside “To the Needlework Guild,” signed, and dated. Original paint with light wear, including small flakes to tip of bill.
$1,000 - $2,000
624 Greater Prairie Chickens
William J. Koelpin Sr. (1938-1996) Wauwatosa, WI, 1979 13 by 29 1/2 by 15 1/2 in.
William Koelpin was an avid hunter and fisherman from Wisconsin. He went on to become a celebrated sporting artist who excelled in a number of mediums, including bronze, paint, and wood. Throughout his career, he displayed his passion for the outdoors through his accurate and detailed works. His first sold-out exhibit was at the Midwest Decoy Collectors’ annual show in the mid-1970s.
This pinnacle work stands as one of the grandest Koelpin carvings ever to come to market. The carving was
featured in both Anne Small’s book, Masters of Decorative Bird Carving, and a 1980 Smithsonian Exhibition on bird art. It has since remained in a private collection, now being offered at auction for the first time. Original paint with minimal wear, including a broken flower and small crack to left foot of one bird.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
Literature: Anne Small, Masters of Decorative Bird Carving,Tulsa, OK, 1981, pp. 93 and 95, exact carving discussed and illustrated in full-page feature.
Exhibited:Washington,D.C., Exhibition of Art Depicting Birds, National Collection of Fine Arts in the Smithsonian Institution, 1980.
$3,000 - $5,000
625 Grouse Pair
Jim Foote (1925-2004)
Pt. Mouille and Gibraltar, MI, 1997 21 by 22 by 15 in. signed and dated “Jim Foote ‘97”
Original paint with minimal wear and some seams showing.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
$2,500 - $4,500
626 Blue-Winged Teal Pair
DanWilliams Reisterstown,MD,1982 151/2by23by14in.
The underside of the hen is signed, dated, and inscribed as “Exhibited Easton Waterfowl Festival 1982.” The drake is signed on the underside of one foot. Original paint with light wear. Drake has neck seam showing and minor chips to onewingtip.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
$800 - $1,200
627 Canada Goose & Goslings
Cindy Lewis & Mark Holland 14 1/4 by 33 by 23 in.
Mark Holland and Cindy Lewis spent over thirty years travelling North America in an RV, studying the flora and fauna while carving and painting from their mobile workshoporinthefield.Thecarvingduoandtheirarthave been featured at the Waterfowl Festival, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, NatureWorks Wildlife Art Show and Sale, and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum’s Birds in Art
This is one of the largest carvings to come to market by this duo, with a full-size goose family being displayed. The mother goose is finely detailed, and her goslings are made from a straw-like material, giving them a wonderful, fluffy appearance. Signed by the artists on the underside of the goose. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
$1,200 - $1,800
628 Mallard Hen with Ducklings
Jeanne B. Hiss Reisterstown, MD, c. 2000 15by221/2by14in.
A life-size carving titled Please Don’t Eat the Daisies Original paint with minimal wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
$800 - $1,200
627
628
629 Flying Green-Winged Teal Pair
Russell Martin
Louisiana
24 1/2 by 22 by 22 in.
Original paint with minimal wear, including crack to drake’s left leg.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
$800 - $1,200
630 “Trading Places” Kestrels
Cindy Lewis & Mark Holland
Chiloquin, OR
37 by 22 by 25 in.
A pair of well-carved life-size kestrels spreading their wings while perched on a branch. Signed “Lewis and Holland” on base. Original paint with light wear.
Provenance: Private Collection, Kansas
$1,500 - $2,500
631 Black-Capped Night Heron
David W. Martinez (1922-1987)
Shinnecock,NY,c.1959
8 1/2 in. tall, 16 in. long
A half-size heron with very good carved details, mounted on a driftwood base. Original paint with light wear, some discoloration, and very tight age line in breast.
Provenance: Silver Sands Motel, Greenport, New York
Private Collection, by descent from the former Silver Sands owners
$100 -$200
632 Soaring Gull
David W. Martinez (1922-1987)
Shinnecock,NY,c.1959
9 1/2 in. long, 21 1/2 in. wingspan
A flying gull with a more than twenty-inch wingspan and excellent carved detail. Signed on the metal feet. Original paint with some discoloration and wear including two paint flakes on left side and a chip along three right wing feather tips.
Provenance: Silver Sands Motel, Greenport, New York
Private Collection, by descent from the former Silver Sands owners
$200 - $400
David W. Martinez (1922-1987)
633 Flying Pelican
David W. Martinez (1922-1987)
Shinnecock,NY,c.1959
9 in. long, 14 1/2 in. wingspan
A white pelican with excellent carved detail. Under the left wing is a hole for a wall-mounted rod. Original paint with light wear, some discoloration, and a few chipped wing tips.
Provenance: Silver Sands Motel, Greenport, New York
Private Collection, by descent from the former Silver Sands owners
$300-$500
634 Osprey
David W. Martinez (1922-1987)
Shinnecock,NY,c.1959
9 in. long, 25 1/2 in. wingspan
A soaring fish hawk with a more than two-foot wingspan and exceptional and delicate wing detail. Original paint with even wear from age, one loose left wing feather tip.
Provenance: Silver Sands Motel, Greenport, New York
Private Collection, by descent from the former Silver Sands owners
$200 - $400
Copley is pleased to introduce David W. Martinez (1922-1987) to the decoy collecting community. Martinez is the grandson of legendary carver and guide Charles Sumner Bunn (1865-1952). Both were of Shinnecock/Montauk descent. These works demonstrate that Martinez is among the earliest and most advanced decorative carvers from any region.
632
634
635 Canvasback Pair
David W. Martinez (1922-1987)
Shinnecock,NY,c.1959
drake is 8 in. long, 11 1/2 in. wingspan
A flying one-third-size pair with signatures on the bottom of the feet. Wall-mounting holes by the right legs. Original paint with some discoloration and wear, including wing tip chips and flaking at wing seams.
Provenance: Silver Sands Motel, Greenport, New York
Private Collection, by descent from the former Silver Sands owners
$400 - $600
636 Screech Owl
David W. Martinez (1922-1987)
Shinnecock,NY,c.1959
7in.long
A life-size owl with a balsa body and turned head. Original paint with wear, including chipping to feather tips.
Provenance: Silver Sands Motel, Greenport, New York
Private Collection, by descent from the former Silver Sands owners
$200 - $400
637 Flying Canada Goose Pair
David W. Martinez (1922-1987)
Shinnecock,NY,c.1959
8 in. long, 17 in. wingspan
A well-carved decorative miniature pair with signatures on themetalfeet. Original paint with wear, including some flaking to heads and loss to wing tips. One old spot of touch-up to a wing feather and one stick hole is filled.
Provenance: Silver Sands Motel, Greenport, NY
Private Collection, by descent from the former Silver Sands owners
$400 - $600
638 Calling Gull
David W. Martinez (1922-1987)
Shinnecock,NY,c.1959
10 in. long
A standing herring gull with excellent carving, an open bill, and dropped wings. Signed on the bottom of the metal feet. Original paint with wear including a bill tip chip, some discoloration, and a loose leg.
Provenance: Silver Sands Motel, Greenport, NY
Private Collection, by descent from the former Silver Sands owners
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13 Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. Upon request, we will provide a list of shippers who deliver within the United States and overseas. Once your payment has cleared, 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.
14 Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC may, at its discretion and at the buyer’s request, package and ship sold items as directed bythepurchaser. In such instances 1) the buyer shall prepay all related expenses, and 2) the buyer agrees that all packaging, handling, and shipment is at the sole risk of the purchaser, and Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items. Buyer should allow up to four to five weeks for shipment.
15 Some property sold at auction can be subject to laws governing export from the United States, such as items that include material from some endangered species. Import restrictions from foreign countries are subject to these same governing laws. Granting of licensing for import or export of goods from local authorities is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Denial or delay of licensing will not constitute delay or cancellation in payment for the total purchase price of these lots.
16 Bidding increments will normally follow the pattern below, but may vary at the sole discretion of the auctioneer:
Estimate Increment
To 950 50
1,000 – 2,400 100
2,500 – 4,750 250
5,000 – 9,500 500
10,000 – 24,0001,000
25,000 – 47,5002,500
50,000 – 95,0005,000
Over 100,000 at auctioneer’s discretion
17 Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC is the owner of the images of each lot offered for sale, and may use such images at any time at its sole discretion for advertising, publicity, and for archival purposes.
18 If you are bidding as an agent for another individual or company, and you execute a bid on behalf of someone else under your bidder number, then you are responsible for the settlement of that account.
19 In no event will the liability of Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC to any purchaser with respect to any item exceed the purchase price actually paid bysuchpurchaserforsuchitem.
20 Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
OUT-OF-STATE DELIVERY AND AUTHORIZED SHIPPING RELEASE FORM
Shipping may be arranged with the shipping company of your choice. Below is a list of shippers that we frequently work with. Please email them directly if you would like a quote. Once you have decided on a shipper, please return this form with your payment or email to info@copleyart.com. If you need help filling out this form, wearehappytoassist.
TheUPSStore#4423
Wakefield, MA
781.224.2500 or store4423@theupsstore.com
The UPS Store #2631
Kingston,MA
781.585.0602 or upskingston2631@gmail.com
Boston Pack and Ship
781.849.8696 or 1.800.400.7204 info@bostonpackandship.com
Print Name:
Shipping Address:
Scott Cousins Art Handling
Hand-delivery service
978.491.9353 or scottcousins22@aol.com
U.S.Art - Specializing in high-value art, large works, and specialty items
781.986.6500 or 1.800.872.7826
PeterCoccoluto
Hand-delivery service
508.560.8631 or manateeriverauctions@gmail.com
Shipper:
Sale Date:
Lot#s:
Phone:
Email:
Signature:
If Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC is required to deliver the items to a purchaser outside of Massachusetts or to an interstate carrier for delivery to the out-of-state destination, the sale is exempt from Massachusetts Sales Tax under MGL 64H §6(b).
Received by shipper:
Print Name:
Signature:
Date:
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