Raven’s Way is pleased to offer a Classic New Jersey “Brigantine Bullhead” Plover Shorebird Decoy, attributed in most publications to an Unknown Maker but probably a creation of Bill Harris, circa 1900. These “Bullheads” were meant to represent an Immature Black-bellied Plover and became identified as “Brigantine Bullheads” because of the location of their use and the somewhat larger head type. This Plover displays Excellent Original Paint with some minor shot marks and wear to the wood. The tip of the bill was blunted and has been professionally restored with touch-up to the bill. While unmarked, this decoy was formerly a part of the Jack Conover Collection. See Fleckenstein’s New Jersey Decoys, p. 173 for examples. The decoy measures 12 ½” in length, 2 ½” in width, and 15” in height, including the metal stand. A Great Example for any Shorebird Collector.

(DX237)  Click on Photo for larger image. Contact us for additional photos.

Price $4500 plus shipping

Ruddy Turnstone Shorebird Decoy by Otis Townsend, Townsend’s Inlet, New Jersey, circa 1890. This Ruddy Turnstone is fresh to the market and comes from an early New Jersey collector who obtained it  from Bill Mackey in the 1960s. The Paint is Extremely Old and Reflects the Original Paint Pattern of Otis Townsend’s work; it is likely that it was Repainted in the 1st or 2nd Quarter of the 20^th Century. The Bill also appears to be an early replacement and there is  minor restoration to a knot hole. The “White” lines on either side were added later. The Decoy measures 8 ½” in length, 1 ¾” in width, and 10” in height, including the  stand. This Ruddy Turnstone is extremely rare and the early repaint merely reflects the use of a truly working decoy. See for reference, Johnsgard’s The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form.

(DX251) Click on Photo for larger image. Contact us for additional photos.

 Price $5500 plus shipping

Early Yellowlegs Shorebird Decoy by an Unknown New England Maker, Circa 1900. Found in Maine, But Probably from the North Shore of Massachusetts. Classic Primitive Shorebird with a Flat-Sided Body, Displaying the Original Draw Knife Marks and Strong Original Paint. The Bill has Been Replaced but Represents the same Primitive Form of the Body. The Decoy measures 10 ½” in length, 1 7/8” in width, and 12 ¾” in height, including the stand. Terrific Early New England Shorebird Decoy.

(DX245)   Click on Photo for larger image. Contact us for additional photos.

Price $875 plus shipping

We are pleased to offer a Rare and Early Golden Plover in Winter Plumage Shorebird Decoy historically attributed to Chief Eugene Cuffee (1866-1941), Shinnecock Reservation, Long Island, New York, circa Late 19^th Century – Early 20^th Century. This Plover displays Strong Original Paint with a great patina and has an early Whale Bone Bill, typical of Cuffee’s work. In addition, the complete body appears to be made from one solid piece of wood with carved dropped-wings and carved eyes. The Decoy measures 10” in length, 2 ¼” in width, and 8 1/8” in height, including the original stand found with many Cuffee shorebirds. Chief Eugene Cuffee’s shorebirds are highly collectible as early Native American folk art. Excellent Original Condition.

(DX241)   Click on Photo for larger image.  Contact us for additional photos.

Price $4500 plus shipping