Rare Example of a Contemporary Standing Curlew with Wire Legs on a Wooden Base by Cameron McIntyre, New Church, Virginia, circa 2007.  Virtually every Carving by Cameron has Some Unique Characteristic and Special Form. In this particular case Cameron has mounted the Curlew on Wire Legs and a Wooden Base. The Idea of Wire Legs came from a Canadian Shorebird from the Toronto area that Cameron had done some restoration to during that period. For Additional Appeal, Cameron Inletted the Head and the Hard Wood Bill. Noted for his “aging” techniques, the Eyes are Shoe Buttons and the Surface is Lightly Worn and shows small shot holes, indicative of early shot. The Split Tail Form and the Ridge Along the Back Surface toward the Tail are characteristics of Early Long Island Shorebirds. The Overall Form is Extremely Pleasing. Signed “CTM” on the Bottom. Measurements: 17 ½” in length, 4” in width (base 4 ¾” in width), and a Total of 12 ½” in height. A Rare Wire Legged Curlew from My Collection.

(DX308)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

Price $2900 plus shipping

Very Early Golden Plover Shorebird Decoy from Long Island, New York, circa 1880s. The Long Body Form and the Separate attachment of the Neck and Head are indicative of the Early Long Island Shorebirds and there is a Slight Ridge along the end of the body by the tail, another early LI characteristic. As an interesting addition, the round belly on the bottom of the decoy is an applied piece of wood, dowelled into position. The Bill appears to be Original but may be a later replacement; it’s early, so it’s hard to tell. The Paint is Worn Original and Very Indicative of other Shorebird Decoys that may be from the same rig or maker. The Decoy is in Untouched Original Condition. Measurements: 12” in length, 2 ¾” in width, and 12 ¼” in height, including the metal stand. This Golden Plover displays the Nice Early Form of Long Island Shorebirds.

(DX306)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

Price $6800 plus shipping

A Rustic Eastern Shore Curlew Shorebird Decoy with the Bill Dowelled through Head by David Bundick, Modestown, Virginia, circa 1970s. The Decoy displays Nice Raised Wing Carving with the Neck reaching forward and the Bill Down in a Feeding Position. Bundick has done that excellent bit of carving; whereas, his wife, Ann-Marie Bundick, then created a Terrific Hand Painted Antique-Style Finish for the Decoy. This Example is in Excellent Original Condition with Some Minor Age Lines and a Couple of Sap Stains. Unfortunately, this fine Eastern Shore carver is no longer carving decoys. The decoy measures 18” in length, 3 ¾” in width, and 12 ½” in height, including the stand. A Fine Contemporary Antique.

(DX302)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

SOLD

Classic Shute Family Black-bellied Plover Decoy in Winter Plumage, (Swainton ?) Cape May Courthouse, New Jersey, circa 1870s-1890s. A small number of Shute Family shorebird decoys have come to market over the years, most are Black-bellied Plovers in different plumages and a couple of Red Knots. Though these decoys were undoubtedly part of a small group, there appears to have been two rigs. The Plover represented here displays a primer under the Heavy Original Paint; whereas, decoys from the other rig has the Original Paint laid directly on the wood. From handling a number of these shorebirds over the years, it also appears that the raised wing carving on both the rigs is also distinguished by the tail carving. The decoys with primer display Strong Raised Wing Split Tail Carving, as is the case with this decoy; the others display a Raised Wing Round Tail Carving. Form is basically the same in both cases. The reason for the differences is unclear. This Plover is All Original, including the bill, and in Very Good Condition for its age. There are a couple of shot marks and flaking to the paint in obvious places. Measurements: 9 ½” in length, 2 ¼” in width, 12 ¼” in height including the stand.

(DX305)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

 Price $2800 plus shipping