The Sporting Sale 2018, Day 2

THE SPORTING SALE 2018 July 20 | Hotel 1620 180 Water Street | Plymouth, Massachusetts

COPLEY FINE ART AUCTIONS

1

2

3

2

THE SPORTING SALE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Auction to be held at Hotel 1620 | 180 Water Street | Plymouth, Massachusetts Wednesday, July 18 Dealer Exhibition Cocktail Preview

3:30PM - 5:30PM 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Thursday, July 19 Dealer Exhibition 9:00AM - 5:00PM Auction Preview 10:00AM - 12:00PM Auction Session III of The Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. Collection 1:00PM Friday, July 20 Dealer Exhibition 9:00AM - 2:00PM Auction Preview 8:30AM - 10:00AM Auction, Day II 10:00AM

CONTACTS THE DAY OF SALE On Site: 617.536.0030

Cinnie O’Brien: 617.501.7544

ABSENTEE & TELEPHONE BIDS Please visit copleyart.com to leave absentee and telephone bids or use the bid forms found in the back of this catalog.

ONLINE BIDDING Live online bidding through Copley Live and Bidsquare

Please review the Terms and Conditions of Sale on page 211 and Important Notices on page 6 of this catalog.

For further information please contact us at 617.536.0030.

3

Front Cover: Lots 195, 235, 255, and 306 Inside Front Cover: Lot 490 Back Cover: Detail of lot 476 Inside Back Cover: Lot 480 Left Schedule of Events: Lot 237 Left Table of Contents: Detail of lot 480 Right Important Notices: Lot 195 Left Properties Page: Lot 255

Catalog by: Stephen B. O’Brien, Jr. Cinnie O’Brien Colin McNair Leah Tharpe Chelsie Olney Amy Lunderville Kate Beckerman Color photography by: Amy Lunderville Design by: Stephen B. O’Brien, Jr. Amy Lunderville Colin McNair Cinnie O’Brien Printed in the USA on recycled paper

© 2018 Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC. All rights reserved.

Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/copleyfineartauctions 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3

Schedule of Events

6

Important Notices

10

Decoys and Folk Art

154

Paintings, Works on Paper, and Bronzes

206

Index of Artists and Makers

209

Buyer Pre-Registration Form

210

Absentee/Telephone Bid Form

211

Terms and Conditions of Sale

213

Authorized Shipping Release Form

5

THE SPORTING SALE IMPORTANT NOTICES 1

lease be advised that all persons wishing to bid at this auction P should read, and be familiar with the Terms and Conditions of Sale in this catalog prior to bidding.

2 Buyer’s premium A buyer’s premium of 20% (23% for online bidding) of the final bid price up to and including $1,000,000, plus 15% of the final bid price over $1,000,000, will be applied to each lot sold, to be paid by the Buyer to Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC as part of the purchase price.

9 Additional images For lots with multiple items and only one shown, please visit copleyart.com for additional images.

10 Stands Please be aware that stands are not included with items purchased.

11 Condition description of wear or gunning wear

3 Consign to our next sale Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC is accepting consignments for our Winter Sale 2019. Please contact us by phone at 617.536.0030, or by email at consignments@copleyart.com.

4 Pre-registration Although you may register at the time of sale, we strongly encourage pre-registration to save you time at check-in. PreRegistration forms are available online, as well as in the back of this catalog.

5 Absentee and telephone bidding If you plan to place absentee bids or to bid by telephone, please make sure that we receive your Absentee/Telephone Bid form at least 24 hours before the start of the sale. It is possible that any bids received after this time may not be accepted. You will receive confirmation of your absentee bid(s) within 24 hours of receipt. If you do not receive confirmation, please call our office at 617.536.0030.

6 Sales tax

12 Condition description of “As found” 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.

All bidders holding a valid Massachusetts or out-of-state resale number must provide their certificate, or copy thereof while registering. Failure to do so will subject the bidder to a mandatory 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax on purchases.

13 Auction results

7 Inspection of items offered at this auction

14 Pick up and shipping

All items are sold as is and should be inspected either personally or by agent before a bid is placed. Prospective buyers should satisfy themselves by personal inspection as to the condition of each lot. Although condition reports may be given on request, such reports are statements of opinion only.

Regardless of whether or not a condition report is given, all property is sold as is. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the property is in good condition. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC reserves the right at its sole discretion to refuse condition requests.

Buyers wishing to pick up items at the sale must do so on the day of the sale. Buyers wishing to pick up items after the auction at our office may do so only by appointment starting five days after the sale. If you would like your items shipped, please complete and return the Authorized Shipping Release form found in the back of this catalog.

On site: 617.536.0030 Cinnie O’Brien: 617.501.7544

8 Flat art dimensions

Auctioneer Peter J. Coccoluto MA License #2428

Please be aware that all flat art dimensions are approximate and are rounded to the nearest quarter inch.

6

ear or gunning wear may include all types of wear and W damage that can be inflicted, and may 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 eyes, shot scars, seam separations, raised grain, rust, filler loss, sap, discoloration, and altered rigging or 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 and restorations may include new material.

Paint listed as “working” or “old” is likely not original. Repairs and construction features that are original to the work, including but not limited to putty, bungs, plugs, patches, and stabilization, may not be mentioned. Replaced and repaired bills may 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.

Unofficial auction results will be available online approximately one week after the auction at copleyart.com.

15 Auction day contact numbers

7

8

Properties from

A descendent of Frank W. Benson A descendent of Dr. E. C. Burhans A descendent of C. K. Davis Donald M. Greenwood Collection Davison B. Hawthorne Collection A descendent of John C. Marsellus K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection Mark Smith Collection Cheryl Sterling Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection A private folk art collection, Colorado Private Collection, California Private Collection, Connecticut Private Collection, Eastern Shore, Maryland Private Collection, Georgia Private Collection, Illinois Private Collection, Maine Private Collection, Maryland Private Collection, Massachusetts Private Collection, Midwest Private Collection, New York Private Collection, Oregon Private Collection, Pennsylvania Private Collection, Texas Private Collection, Vermont Private Collection, Virginia Private Collection, Washington Private Collection, Wisconsin

9

DAY II DECOYS AND FOLK ART JULY 20 | 10 AM

10

MARK S. MCNAIR

B. 1950 | CRADDOCKVILLE, VA

141 Two Peep

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 1990 4 1/2 and 6 3/4 in. long

The feeder is signed with the maker’s incised “McNair” on the underside, the runner is signed with an incised “M,” and there is a small “EAC” collection brand on the underside. Both are in original paint.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection,

Connecticut $800 - $1,000

142 Running Peep

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 1990 8 in. long

141.1

141.2

142

Signed with the maker’s incised “McNair” on the underside. Original paint.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection,

Connecticut $400 - $600

143 Miniature Canada Goose MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 2010 5 3/4 in. long

A Walter-Brady-style miniature decoy, signed by the maker with a lightly incised “M” on the underside. Original paint. $600 - $900

143

11

MARK S. MCNAIR

B. 1950 | CRADDOCKVILLE, VA

144 Wood Duck Drake

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 1990 14 1/2 in. long

A Hudson-style carving with the maker’s incised “McNAIR” on the underside.

Original paint with wear. $1,800 - $2,400

144

145 Redhead Drake

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, 1992 15 in. long

A hollow, Cobb-Island-style decoy with the maker’s incised “McNair” on the underside.

Original paint with wear. $1,000 - $1,400

145

146 Hissing Canada Goose MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 1990 24 in. long

Carved in the Cobb Island style with the maker’s incised “McNair” on the underside.

Original paint with wear. $1,500 - $2,500

146

12

MARK S. MCNAIR

B. 1950 | CRADDOCKVILLE, VA

147 Pintail Drake

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 2000 21 in. long

This hollow pintail has a long inlayed oak tail, nice vermiculation, and a turned head.

It is incised “McNair” on the underside, and features a star nail on the tether.

Original paint with minimal wear. $1,500 - $2,000

147

148 Wood Duck

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 1990 13 1/4 in. long

This decoy was hunted over, retired, and gifted to McNair’s father. Original paint with minimal wear.

Robert A. McNair Collection, gifted by the artist Private Collection, Colorado PROVENANCE:

$2,500 - $3,500

148

149 Canvasback Drake

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 1990 15 1/4 in. long

This decoy displays raised wings and retains an incised “McNAIR” on the underside. Original paint with light gunning wear. $1,000 - $1,400

149

13

MARK S. MCNAIR

B. 1950 | CRADDOCKVILLE, VA

150

152

151

153

150 Early Loon

152 Early Bluebill Drake

A very early loon decoy for the maker signed and dated “Mark S. McNair, Old Lyme, 5-11-74” on the bottom. Original paint with minimal wear.

An early working decoy, signed and dated by the maker with an incised “MSM” and “Mark S. McNair, 1975” signature in ink. Original paint with gunning wear, age lines, checking, and flaking.

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, 1974 18 1/2 in. long

$1,500 - $2,000

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, 1975 14 in. long

$1,000 - $1,400

151 Sleeping Black Duck MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, 1979 15 in. long

An early working black duck decoy with “HUNTING RIG ASSAWOMAN ISLAND 1979” painted on the bottom, along with an incised “McNAIR.” Original paint with minimal gunning wear.

Mark McNair Rig Private Collection PROVENANCE:

$800 - $1,200

14

153 Wigeon

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 1980 15 1/2 in. long

This decoy retains the maker’s incised “McNAIR” on the bottom. Original paint with minimal wear. $1,500 - $2,000

154

155

156

154 Eskimo Curlew

156 Swimming Black Duck

This shorebird, with pronounced shoulder carving, retains the maker’s incised “McNair” on the underside. Original paint with minor wear.

One of the maker’s very best carvings to date, the bird features a thin paddle tail, elegant raised wing carving, a slightly turned head, and stellar paint. This hollow decoy is signed with an incised “I McNAIR” on the underside.

Original paint with minimal wear.

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 2000 11 1/2 in. long

$800 - $1,200

155 Running Robin Snipe

IAN MCNAIR (B. 1981) CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA, 2018 19 3/4 in. long

$400 - $500

MARK S. MCNAIR (B. 1950) CRADDOCKVILLE, VA, C. 1985 9 1/2 in. long

This red knot features a slightly turned head, a pinched breast, and pronounced raised wings. Signed by the maker on the underside with his incised “MSM.” Original paint with minor wear. $500 - $700

15

157

157 Resting Dove

159 Great Blue Heron

A preening or resting dove decoy with the maker’s incised “CTM” on the underside. Original paint with minor wear.

This early decoy is one of the finest Conklin carvings to ever come to market. A hollow, stick-up confidence decoy with the maker’s “H. CONKLIN” brand on the underside. Original paint with wear, slight seam separation, and a reset neck.

CAMERON T. MCINTYRE (B. 1968) NEW CHURCH, VA, C. 2000 11 1/4 in. long

HURLEY CONKLIN (1913-1983) MANAHAWKIN, NJ, C. 1950 38 1/2 in. long

$1,000 - $1,400

$600 - $900

158 Feeding Plover

CAMERON T. MCINTYRE (B. 1968) NEW CHURCH, VA, C. 1990 8 3/4 in. long

A Seaford, Long Island-style shorebird signed with the maker’s incised “CTM” on the underside. There is a stringing hole in the tail. Original paint with wear. $500 - $700

16

158

159

160

162

161

163

160 Full-Size and Miniature Black Duck

162 Wigeon Pair

Two refined carvings signed by the maker with impressed letters in the weight of each. Original paint with minimal wear.

A baldpate pair signed by the maker with his incised initials in the bottom of each. Original paint with minor wear.

$300 - $500

$600 - $900

161 Green-Winged Teal Pair

163 Black Duck

A rigmate pair signed by the maker on the underside of each, also branded “GS.” Original paint with minimal wear.

A slightly oversize, hollow decoy signed by the maker with impressed letters in the weight. Original paint with minimal wear.

GEORGE STRUNK (B. 1958) GLENDORA, NJ, C. 2000 18 1/2 and 5 1/2 in. long

GEORGE STRUNK (B. 1958) GLENDORA, NJ, C. 1980 10 3/4 in. long

$400 - $600

ANTHONY G. MURRAY (1941-2005) PUNGO, VA, C. 1990 15 3/4 in. long

LENNY MAIORANO (B. 1961) RUTHERFORD, NJ, C. 2000 18 in. long

$400 - $600

17

ROBERT “BOB” WHITE B. 1939 | TULLYTOWN, PA

164 High-Head Canvasback Pair ROBERT “BOB” WHITE (B. 1939) TULLYTOWN, PA, 2000 16 1/4 in. long

Each is signed and dated on the bottom by the maker and has his bobwhite quail weight. Original paint with minimal wear. $1,000 - $1,500

164

165 Redhead Pair

ROBERT “BOB” WHITE (B. 1939) TULLYTOWN, PA, 2000 15 in. long

Each is signed and dated on the bottom by the maker and has his bobwhite quail weight. Original paint with minimal wear. $1,000 - $1,500

165

166 Two Miniature Swans ROBERT “BOB” WHITE (B. 1939) TULLYTOWN, PA, 2013 8 1/2 in. long

A swimming whistling swan and a black swan, both are signed by the maker on the bottom. Original paint with minimal wear. $800 - $1,000

166

18

Lots 167 - 187 are part of

K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection Long before winning the Nobel Prize in chemistry, K. Barry Sharpless was far more interested in spending time on the New Jersey Shore where he enjoyed fishing from a boat. Indeed, a high school yearbook quote simply stated, “I’m going to the Shore.” This love of the Jersey coast and a relationship with the early New Jersey collector and carver Lloyd Johnson initiated the Sharpless Collection. In 1963, the same year Mr. Sharpless received his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth, he acquired his first carvings, several decoratives carved by Johnson. In 1965, while in graduate school, Barry and Janet were married, and the couple continued collecting together. They began acquiring old decoys, including works by Crowell, Burr, and Cobb (lots 167, 168, and 171), among others, from the widow of Lloyd Johnson in 1966. Having connected with the New Jersey collecting community, they acquired decoys from Mort Hanson, and, additionally, had William

Matthews Rig plover (lot 170) and the only shorebird

J. Mackey, Jr. review their acquisitions.

decoy chosen as a cover lot for the eight-session sale,

Mr. Sharpless’ first professorship at MIT in Cambridge,

the Mackey-Wheeler plover (lot 172).

Massachusetts, located the young couple conveniently

The sale of the Sharpless Collection offers an opportunity

near the Bourne auctions of the Mackey Collection on

to acquire decoys that have not been on the market in

Cape Cod in 1973-74. Like many early decoy collectors,

half a century. In addition to excellent provenance and

they had a special affinity for shorebirds. During the

record keeping, some of the lots retain their original

Mackey sessions, their acquisitions included the

Bourne Auction inventory tags.

“Mr. Wheeler’s work represents the highest development yet reached in the American art of decoy making.”

-Joel Barber, Champion Mallard

19

ELISHA BURR

1839-1909 | HINGHAM, MA

167

167 Running Yellowlegs

168 Running Yellowlegs

An expertly carved Massachusetts shorebird decoy by the elder member of this famous bird carving family. This plump yellowlegs was fashioned in an upright-running position with an elongated neck and Burr’s signature wing and tail carving. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Crowell was an expert in capturing the feeling of motion in his decoys. Though created to perch statically on a stick, this well-executed yellowlegs imparts the artist’s intent. Nice dry original paint with minor gunning wear.

ELISHA BURR (1839-1909) HINGHAM, MA, C. 1880 11 1/4 in. long

Lloyd Johnson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the family of the above, 1966 PROVENANCE:

$7,000 - $10,000

20

A. ELMER CROWELL (1862-1952) EAST HARWICH, MA, C. 1915 12 in. long

Lloyd Johnson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the family of the above, 1966 PROVENANCE:

$6,500 - $8,500

168

169 Plover

JOSEPH W. LINCOLN (1859-1938) ACCORD, MA, C. 1900 10 1/4 in. long

Original paint with gunning wear, including a wing-tip chip and a replaced bill.

Lloyd Johnson Collection Mort Hanson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the above, 1970 PROVENANCE:

$600 - $900 169

21

MATTHEWS RIG PLOVER B. 1855 | ASSAWOMAN ISLAND, VA

170

170 Black-Bellied Plover

WILLIAM J. MATTHEWS (B. 1855) RIG ASSAWOMAN ISLAND, VA, C. 1890 8 3/4 in. long

An important early shorebird decoy with raised wings, eye grooves, and pronounced cheeks. The underside bears a Mackey Collection stamp.

The Matthews rig was a dynamic group of carvings with shorebirds by several makers. It was hunted on Assawoman Island, which is located at the southern tip of what is now the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Original paint with gunning wear, and a very old replaced bill.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974 PROVENANCE:

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Bedford, New Jersey, Hyannis, MA, Session VII, Tuesday, August 20, 1974, lot 60, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$10,000 - $15,000

22

NATHAN F. COBB, JR. 1825-1905 | COBB ISLAND, VA

171

171 Curlew

NATHAN F. COBB JR. (1825-1905) COBB ISLAND, VA, C. 1870 15 in. long

This marks the first time this decoy has ever been offered at public auction.

A well-balanced decoy with full cheeks and clean lines. The back of the bird resolves with a chine down the top and refined wing and tail carving. The underside is incised “A” for Albert Cobb’s rig. Albert was the younger brother of Nathan Cobb, Jr. Rigmates of this decoy have been collected by William H. Purnell, Donal C. O’Brien, Jr., Dr. James M. McCleery, and Grant Nelson.

“HUDSONIAN CURLEW, OYSTER, VA, 1880, ALBERT COBB” is written by Lloyd Johnson in ink under the tail.

Original paint with a faint in-use yellow wash and gunning wear, including some roughness to head and underside and the bill is an early replacement.

Lloyd Johnson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the family of the above, 1966 PROVENANCE:

Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., Southern Decoys of Virginia and the Carolinas, Exton, PA, 1983, p. 206, pl. 436, related example illustrated.

Robert H. Richardson, Chesapeake Bay Decoys, Burtonsville, MD, 1991, p. 184, related example illustrated.

Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., Shore Bird Decoys, Exton, PA, 1980, p. 130, pl. 145, related example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$15,000 - $20,000

23

THE MACKEY-WHEELER PLOVER

172

172 Tucked-Head Black-Bellied Plover CHARLES E. “SHANG” WHEELER (1872-1949) STRATFORD, CT, C. 1910 10 in. long

This important plover was illustrated on the front cover of the auction catalog for the final session of the Mackey auctions in 1974. The underside bears the Mackey Collection ink stamp. The auctioneer, Richard A. Bourne, described it as “a superb decoy and one of the most rare shorebirds in the collection.” While Wheeler made decorative shorebirds, this is one of the only working shorebird decoys he is known to have carved.

As seen in the maker’s finest waterfowl carvings, such as the singular O’Brien-Mackey goose, this plover exhibits an original pattern with sophisticated detail, especially in the wing and tail carving. Additionally, the snuggle head rests within the body with the bill nestled into a slight indentation in the breast.

Quintina Colio etched this bird into decoy history and lore when she illustrated it in her 1972 book, American Decoys, not once, but twice. She reported that a “rig of six blackbellied plover in spring plumage are the only known snipe decoys that were ever made by Charles ‘Shang’ Wheeler.”

A close look at the spread in the book, however, reveals only three decoys in the rig, each illustrated twice. In 1974, 24

Richard Bourne clarified Colio’s error citing three actual examples known to exist, not six. Original paint with even gunning wear, one-half bill replacement, and minor touch-up to breast.

Charles E. “Shang” Wheeler gunning Rig William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974 PROVENANCE:

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey, Hyannis, MA, Sessions VII-VIII, 1974, front cover and lot 470, exact decoy illustrated.

Joel Barber, Champion Mallard, 1923, watercolor, The Shelburne Museum, Shelburne, VT. Quintina Colio, American Decoys, Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 56 (bird on right), exact decoy illustrated, p. 57 (center bird), exact decoy illustrated (image reversed).

LITERATURE:

$5,000 - $8,000

173 Curlew

THOMAS GELSTON (1850-1924) QUOGUE, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1890 15 in. long

From the famed New Jersey decoy collection of Lloyd Johnson, this grand carving has a commanding presence. Original paint with gunning wear, a replaced bill, restoration to right side of head, touch-up to neck, and a small patch in back.

Lloyd Johnson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the family of the above, 1966 PROVENANCE:

$2,500 - $3,500 173

174 Black-Bellied Plover

OBEDIAH VERITY (1813-1901) SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1880 9 1/4 in. long

A plump plover with an incised “GV” under the tail.

Old paint mostly worn to wood with gunning wear and a replaced bill.

Lloyd Johnson Collection Mort Hanson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the above, 1970 PROVENANCE:

$600 - $900

175 Yellowlegs

MASON DECOY FACTORY (1896-1924) DETROIT, MI, C. 1910 11 in. long

174

Obtaining near mint Mason shorebirds with Mackey provenance is exceedingly difficult, making this yellowlegs a rare find.

This marks the first time that this decoy has been offered for sale in forty-five years. Outstanding original paint with very minimal gunning wear.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974 PROVENANCE:

LITERATURE: Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and

Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey, Hyannis, MA, Session IV, 1973, lot 41, exact decoy illustrated. $800 - $1,000

175

25

IRA D. HUDSON

1873-1949 | CHINCOTEAGUE, VA

176 Bluebill Hen

IRA D. HUDSON (1873-1949) CHINCOTEAGUE, VA, C. 1920 14 1/2 in. long

A very plump bluebill hen with a paddle tail and the Mackey Collection ink stamp on the underside. Original paint with gunning wear.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974 PROVENANCE:

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey, Boston, MA, Session IV, 1973, lot 240, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

176

$1,200 - $1,800

177 Bluebill Drake

IRA D. HUDSON (1873-1949) CHINCOTEAGUE, VA, C. 1920 13 1/4 in. long

A bluebill drake with a pronounced forehead, fluted paddle tail, and the Mackey Collection ink stamp on the underside. Original paint with gunning wear, a crack in head, some touch-up to black paint, and a bill repair.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974 PROVENANCE:

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey, Boston, MA, Session IV, 1973, lot 245, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

177

$1,200 - $1,800

26

LLOYD JOHNSON

1910-1965 | BAY HEAD, NJ

178

178 Green-Winged Teal Pair LLOYD JOHNSON (1910-1965) BAY HEAD, NJ, 1963 10 in. long

A fine pair of Johnson decoys with tucked and turned heads, carved wing detail, and very fine paint. The undersides are branded, identified, dated, and signed by the maker. Original paint with minimal wear, a small spot of dripped white paint on the

breast of the hen.

K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired directly from the maker, 1963 PROVENANCE:

$2,000 - $2,500

179 Two Pectoral Sandpipers LLOYD JOHNSON (1910-1965) BAY HEAD, NJ, 1963 6 1/2 IN. TALL

Both are identified, signed, and dated by the maker on the underside of the base. This pair depicts spring and fall plumage and is labeled accordingly. Original paint with minor wear, two small spots of flaking on head of spring plumage bird.

179

K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired directly from the maker, 1963 PROVENANCE:

$1,000 - $1,400

180 Piping Plover

LLOYD JOHNSON (1910-1965) BAY HEAD, NJ, 1963 5 3/4 IN. TALL

This shorebird is identified, signed, and dated by the maker on the underside of the base. Original paint with minor wear.

K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired directly from the maker, 1963 PROVENANCE:

$500 - $800

180

27

181 Robin Snipe

WILLIAM J. MATTHEWS (B. 1855) RIG ASSAWOMAN ISLAND, VA, C. 1890 9 in. long

In old working repaint with gunning wear and damage to the top of the head.

Lloyd Johnson Collection Mort Hanson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the above, 1970 PROVENANCE:

$300 - $500

181

182 Small Sandpiper

CAPT. JOEL W. BARKALOW (EST. 1853-1931) FORKED RIVER, NJ, C. 1890 6 1/2 in. long

A plump little shorebird with a notably long bill. Original paint with gunning wear, white wash may be gunning touch-up.

Lloyd Johnson Collection Mort Hanson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the above, 1970.

PROVENANCE:

William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 120, pl. 102, rigmates illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$800 - $1,200

183 Black-Bellied Plover 182

JOE KING (1835-1913) MANAHAWKIN, NJ, C. 1880 9 in. long

183

The underside retains the Mackey Collection ink stamp.

This bird was found in Virginia, where the Cobb family was known to have hunted over Joe King decoys. Original paint with wear, a gunning repair to a reset neck, and a shortened bill.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection, acquired in Virginia K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974 PROVENANCE:

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey, Hyannis, MA, Sessions VII-VIII, 1974, lot 101, exact decoy listed.

LITERATURE:

$500 - $700

28

184

186

185

187

184 Yellowlegs

THOMAS GELSTON (1850-1924) QUOGUE, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1890 11 1/4 in. long

A cork-bodied shorebird decoy with a Mackey Collection stamp on the underside. Original paint with some touch-up.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr., of Bedford, New Jersey, Hyannis, MA, Session VII, Tuesday, August 20, 1974, lot 405, exact decoy listed.

LITERATURE:

$300 - $500

PROVENANCE:

Quintina Colio, American Decoys, Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 52, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Bedford, New Jersey, Hyannis, MA, Session VII, Tuesday, August 20, 1974, lot 84, exact decoy listed. $200 - $300

185 Robin Snipe

J. N. DODGE DECOY FACTORY (1883-1893) DETROIT, MI, C. 1890 10 1/4 in. long

An early example with a Mackey Collection stamp on the underside. Original paint with heavy even gunning wear to the wood.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the auction of the above, 1974 PROVENANCE:

186 Red Knot

JOHN DILLEY QUOGUE, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1880 8 3/4 in. long

In a mix of original and working repaint with heavy gunning wear, repairs to head, and a replaced bill.

Lloyd Johnson Collection Mort Hanson Collection K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired from the above, 1970 PROVENANCE:

$300 - $500

187 Bluebill Hen

MASON DECOY FACTORY (1896-1924) DETROIT, MI, C. 1910 13 1/2 in. long

A standard-grade, painted-eye decoy. In a mix of original and old working paint; head is loose.

K. Barry and Janet Sharpless Collection, acquired 1973 PROVENANCE:

29

CHARLES HART

1862-1960 | GLOUCESTER, MA

188 Black Duck

CHARLES HART (1862-1960) GLOUCESTER, MA, C. 1920 17 1/2 in. long

Hart ranks among Massachusetts’ most important makers, and this stellar black duck is one of the carver’s best efforts. The bold bird displays carved detail and highly defined raised wings and primaries. The body was hollowed out to one-halfinch thickness and no bottom board was applied, leaving it open. This unusual construction was designed to create a suction on calm gunning waters.

Original paint with even gunning wear, age lines, and a short crack in the bottom edge.

188

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood Collection

George Ross Starr, Jr., M.D., Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway, New York, NY, 1974, p. 178, fig. 88, related examples illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$3,500 - $4,500

189 Turned-Head 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.

Charles H. Hart Rig Peter Brams Collection Private Collection, Pennsylvania Donald M. Greenwood Collection PROVENANCE:

189

George Ross Starr, Jr., M. D., Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway, New York, NY, 1974, p. 178, fig. 88, related decoys illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$1,500 - $2,500

30

JOSEPH W. LINCOLN

1859-1938 | ACCORD, MA

190 Rare Turned-Head Black Duck JOSEPH W. LINCOLN (1859-1938) ACCORD, MA, C. 1910 16 1/2 in. long

A turned-head example by this maker, who is known for creating, almost exclusively, straighthead decoys. The large body also exhibits raised wing tips. A paper label affixed to bottom reads “From the Adams rig, Lily Pond Club, Cohassett, MA, ca. 1920s-1930s.” In original and working paint with gunning wear and some restoration.

Adams Rig Private Collection, Connecticut PROVENANCE:

John and Shirley Delph, New England Decoys, Exton, PA, 1980, p. 134, related straighthead examples illustrated.

LITERATURE:

190

$1,500 - $2,500

191 Canada Goose

JOSEPH W. LINCOLN (1859-1938) ACCORD, MA, C. 1900 24 in. long

A classic Lincoln goose decoy, this nice dry example retains much of its original paint including the maker’s “cut brush” pouncing along each side.

Though Lincoln produced hundreds of goose carvings, it is fairly difficult to find examples that retain their original bill, head, and paint, such as this one.

The bottom retains an old “RWO” auction tag. Worn original paint with gunning wear, a reset neck, some minor darkening, a few age lines on body, and a few cracks on the bottom.

John and Shirley Delph, New England Decoys, Exton, PA, 1980, p. 137, similar decoys illustrated.

LITERATURE:

191

$1,000 - $1,500

31

192 Gen. Patton Rig Canada Goose GEORGE H. BOYD (1873-1941) SEABROOK, NH, C. 1920 26 3/4 in. long

In 1910, future World War II General George S. Patton (1885-1945) married Beatrice Ayer, in Beverly Farms, Massachusetts. Together they owned a farm in nearby Hamilton, Massachusetts, where his son (1923-2004) lived and his daughter-in-law still resides. In the summer of 1923, Patton was assigned to the General Staff Corps in Boston. At that time, Patton purchased a rig of goose decoys from George Boyd. A few years later he was transferred to Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

His goose decoys were given to his cousin, William Gordon “Gus” Means.

Means was born in Boston in 1884. In 1906, he graduated from Harvard University and joined the ranks of that University’s sportsmen and sporting authors.

After college, Means settled north of Boston in Beverly, Massachusetts. In 1941, he authored My Guns and in 1953 wrote My Bird Dogs and Hounds. Both were recollections of his earlier sporting exploits.

192

This fine example bears the “W. G. MEANS” rig brand and exhibits a high-head and a stretched-canvas body.

Original paint with gunning wear, slight darkening, and craquelure.

General George S. Patton Rig William G. Means Rig Private Collection PROVENANCE:

Jim Cullen, Finely Carved and Nicely Painted: The Life, Art and Decoys of George H. Boyd, Seabrook, NH, 1873-1941, Rye, NH, 2009, pp. 49 and 50, rigmate illustrated.

John and Shirley Delph, New England Decoys, Exton, PA, 1980, p. 41, similar decoys illustrated.

Copley Fine Art Auctions, The Sporting Sale 2013, July 31, 2013, lot 129, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$5,000 - $8,000

193 Stick-Up Canada Goose C. 1900 33 1/2 in. long

193

This field decoy is a true piece of American folk art with a fully extended neck, a grand body, and creatively inset thighs. As found with large check down one side. $1,000 - $2,000

32

AUGUSTUS “GUS” AARON WILSON 1864-1950 | SOUTH PORTLAND, ME

194

194 Early Surf Scoter

AUGUSTUS “GUS” AARON WILSON (1864-1950) SOUTH PORTLAND, ME, C. 1890 16 1/2 in. long

Exhibiting a wide body with efficient clean lines, this Wilson sea duck showcases one of the maker’s best scoter forms and features a fine surface.

An inscription by early decoy collector and author Harrison Huster is written on the bottom, “Purchased 1961 Beals ME from Harvey Alley, Same maker as in Joel Barber 1934 ‘Wild Fowl Decoys’ H. Harrison Huster.” Original paint with gunning wear, touch-up to head.

H. Harrison Huster Collection Private Collection PROVENANCE:

Joel Barber, Wild Fowl Decoys, New York, NY, 1954, pp. 51 and 92, pl. 42 and pl. 75, related examples illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$6,000 - $9,000

33

PHILLIPS RIG FEEDING YELLOWLEGS C. 1890 | BEVERLY, MA

Dr. John C. Phillips (1876-1938) Dr. John C. Phillips was the son of a prosperous shipping merchant and his great-grandfather was the first mayor of Boston. He grew up in Boston, summered on Wenham Lake in Beverly, and graduated from Harvard and then Harvard Medical School around the turn of the century. In addition to serving as a surgeon in World War I, Phillips made significant contributions to science, including the discovery of eleven previously unknown bird species.

A true Renaissance man, Phillips was a prolific author in addition to all his other talents. He published over 200 books and articles on a myriad of subjects. In the mid1920s, Phillips published his four-volume opus, A Natural History of The Ducks, illustrated by the top artists of the day: Frank W. Benson (1862-1951), Allan Brooks (1869-1946), and Louis Agassiz Fuertes (1874-1927). The hunting world owes Phillips a debt of gratitude for his 1929 Shooting Stands of Eastern Massachusetts, illustrated by Aiden L. Ripley (1896-1969), which chronicles classic gunning stands that have now all disappeared.

One of the featured stands was his own Wenham Lake camp. In addition to being an excellent location from which to shoot waterfowl, this 250 acre lake once held crystalclear water renowned for its purity. Beginning in the early 1840s, blocks of Wenham Lake ice, packed in sawdust, travelled by ship to New Orleans, Cuba, Jamaica, England, India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and other ports all over the world. Queen Victoria (1819-1901) demanded Wenham Lake ice; author Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) wrote about the startling experience of swallowing Wenham Lake ice for the first time in far-off Bombay. Although three-quarters of the cargo typically melted before arriving at its final destination, the venture was still profitable thanks to the high prices buyers were willing to pay for the remaining ice.

To wit, The Kipling Journal states, “By 1845, no dinner party in London, England, of social consequence, was considered

“...You should observe his eyeball protrude beyond his eye.

He drops his pipe, he grabs a gun, and taking deadly aim He knocks that tender Duckling My goodness! what a shame.

complete without ice shipped 3,000 miles from Wenham Lake.”1 This famous lake provided Phillips with an ideal setting to cultivate his love of the natural world.

Beginning in his early teenage years, Phillips was keenly interested in hunting wildfowl. He shared this passion with a young carver from East Harwich, A. Elmer Crowell (18621952). As a lad of twelve or thirteen armed with a twelve gauge, Crowell recalls shooting his first black duck in Eugene V. Connett’s, Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater. He reports that shortly thereafter his father purchased a large tract of lakeside property from which he shot ninety-seven black ducks the following fall. These impressive statistics indicate that the maker quickly became a masterful guide.

Phillips sought out Crowell and hired him to run his hunting camps on Wenham Lake and Oldham Pond.

The role that John C. Phillips played in promoting Crowell’s carving career cannot be overstated. By hiring him as a gunning stand manager, the doctor provided the young carver with a steady job that offered ample downtime to carve as well as a ready market for his wooden creations.

In addition to buying some of Crowell’s earliest working decoys, Phillips commissioned a set of Crowell miniatures around 1902, according to a 1914 Boston Globe article on the carver. These turn-of-the-century acquisitions make Phillips one of the earliest known collectors of bird carvings. The decoys that Crowell carved for Phillips included a worldrecord-setting black duck (lot 14) and pintail. Phillips did not, however, hunt exclusively over Crowell decoys; the world-record-setting Phillips-Teiger running curlew and this feeding yellowlegs also emanated from the rig. The Phillips rig birds are not only among Massachusetts’ finest, but they are also considered among the greatest decoys ever carved.

No matter if he's flying fast or diving with a vim Young Crowell's sure to stop him, There are no flies on him.

So here's to Cape Cod Crowell, The man behind the gun, We’ll drink our glasses empty and hope he's on the run.”

-Dr. John C. Phillips, Wenham Lake Shooting Record And The Farm Bag, 1897-1925

1. The Kipling Journal, No. 154, London: the Kipling Society, June 1965, p. 6. 2. A. E. Crowell, “Cape Cod Memories,” Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater, ed. Eugene V. Connett (New York: William Morrow and Company, 1947), p. 56. 3. “Master Decoy Maker,” The Boston Globe, September 20, 1914, p. 61.

34

35

PHILLIPS RIG FEEDING YELLOWLEGS C. 1890 | BEVERLY, MA

195 Feeding Yellowlegs DR. JOHN C. PHILLIPS RIG BEVERLY, MA, C. 1890 13 in. long

This decoy’s rich history, animated form, and unique execution place it among the most important shorebird decoys ever offered for sale.

Carved with confidence and originality, the maker effectively captured this species in a complex pose. The reaching body has raised wings that are complemented by two carved primaries on each side. A channel down the back furthers the body definition, resolving at the base of the elegant scalloped tail which also displays incised feather carving.

The reaching head is turned 15 degrees to the side and its low bend suggests a “minnow-in-throat.”

The form of this decoy has virtually no comparables by any maker, and additionally no other examples of its type out of the Phillips rig have surfaced. The most closely related carvings are perhaps those of A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952), who was also a contributor to the Phillips rig. Crowell’s

“dust-jacket” plover, with their incised primaries, animated poses, and raised wings, possess the very specific traits also identifiable in this singular yellowlegs. Crowell’s first known plover rig does not display the animated form or wing carving displayed in this carving, or Crowell’s subsequent “dust-jacket” birds. Crowell very likely gunned over this decoy at Phillips’ Wenham Lake camp, and it is possible that it served as an inspiration for his later masterworks.

Original paint with even gunning wear, bill tip professionally added, and minor touch-up to rub on right wing.

Dr. John C. Phillips Rig Collection of Phillips’ guide, Massachusetts Private Collection, by descent from the above Private Collection Mark Smith Collection PROVENANCE:

Joe Engers, ed., “1987 Year in Review,” Decoy Magazine, Lewes, DE, 1987, front cover, rigmate illustrated, p. 18, exact decoy illustrated.

Joe Engers, ed., “1997 Year in Review,” Decoy Magazine, Ocean City, MD, 1997, front cover, exact decoy and rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$75,000 - $95,000

36

195

“...still in the Autumn, more frequently if the water is low, the merry whistle of the Winter Yellow-leg is heard in the the frosty air.�

-Dr. John C. Phillips, Wenham Lake Shooting Record And The Farm Bag, 1897-1925

37

196 Sanderling

NANTUCKET, MA, C. 1890 7 1/4 in. long

This peep exhibits painted eyes, pronounced wing paint, and a delicate split tail. Important rigmates were collected by Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. and Robert Congdon on Nantucket, and at least one example resided in the collection of Dr. James M. McCleery. Original paint with light gunning wear and very small wing-tip chips.

Private Collection, Massachusetts, acquired from Alan Haid PROVENANCE:

Sotheby’s and Guyette & Schmidt, American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, 2000, lot 290, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

196

$5,000 - $7,000

197 Two Early Yellowlegs

DAVID S. GOODSPEED (1862-1943) (ATTR.) DUXBURY, MA, C. 1890 10 1/2 in. long

A nicely matched rigmate pair, with one in a more forward-reaching pose. Old paint with light gunning wear and touch-up to a reset neck.

Copley Fine Art Auctions, The Winter Sale 2012, Boston, MA, January, 2012, lot 93, exact pair illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$4,000 - $6,000

197

38

GEORGE H. BOYD

1873-1941 | SEABROOK, NH

198 Yellowlegs

GEORGE H. BOYD (1873-1941) SEABROOK, NH, C. 1910 10 1/2 in. long

A classic New England shorebird with Boyd’s fine wet-on-wet stippled paint.

Original paint with touch-up to neck seam and a small wing-tip restoration.

Jim Cullen, Finely Carved and Nicely Painted: The Life, Art and Decoys of George Boyd, Seabrook, NH, 1873-1941, Rye, NH, 2009, p. 20, related decoys illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $3,000

198

199 Black-Bellied Plover GEORGE H. BOYD (1873-1941) SEABROOK, NH, C. 1900 11 in. long

A classic Boyd plover in breeding plumage with shoe-button eyes. Original paint with light gunning wear and touch-up to bill.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood

Collection Jim Cullen, Finely Carved and Nicely Painted: The Life, Art and Decoys of George H. Boyd, Seabrook, NH, 1873-1941, Rye, NH, 2009, pp. 22 and 23, similar decoys illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $3,000 199

39

200 Golden Plover

E. FRANK ADAMS (1871-1944) WEST TISBURY, MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA, C. 1910 9 in. long

A golden plover in breeding plumage with green stippled paint along the back. This rig is featured in Stanley Murphy’s book on Martha’s Vineyard, which features very few shorebirds by known makers. Original paint with gunning wear and very minor traces of blue overpaint.

Stanley Murphy, Martha’s Vineyard Decoys, Boston, MA, 1978, pp. 2021, rigmates illustrated.

LITERATURE:

200

$1,200 - $1,800

201 Greater Yellowlegs

ANSELL FOLLETT WEST BARNSTABLE, MA, C. 1890 14 in. long

A full-bodied decoy with shoe-button eyes, used at a turn-of-the-century gunning stand on Barnstable marsh. Old paint with heavy gunning wear and some touch-up.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood

Collection $600 - $900

201

202 Turned-Head Golden Plover NANTUCKET, MA, C. 1860 11 1/2 in. long

An early piece of American folk art from “the far-away island.” Nantucket is a prime stopover for the plover migration every spring and fall. Original paint with even gunning wear and an old replaced bill. $1,500 - $2,500

202

40

THE WARD BROTHERS

1896-1983 and 1895-1976 | CRISFIELD, MD

203

203 Green-Winged Teal Hen

THE WARD BROTHERS LEMUEL T. (1896-1983) AND STEPHEN (1895-1976) CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1936 12 1/4 in. long

A very rare classic 1936 Ward teal with an alert turned head.

This cedar decoy was never rigged or used. Excellent original paint with minor wear, restoration to the bill and tail tip.

John Hudson Moore Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above Private Collection PROVENANCE:

Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Plano, TX, 1989, pp. 97 and 98, related decoys illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$8,000 - $12,000

41

LLOYD TYLER

1898-1970 | CRISFIELD, MD

204

204 Swimming Merganser LLOYD TYLER (1898-1970) CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1935 16 3/4 in. long

An exceptional merganser displaying a dynamic three-tined crest, with a slightly turned head, and a long, thin paddle tail.

Excellent original paint with light wear.

Richard A. Bourne, Inc., Rare American Decoys and Bird Carvings, Hyannis, MA, July 1986, lot 781, related example illustrated.

Henry H. Stansbury, Lloyd J. Tyler: Folk Artist, Decoy Maker, Burtonsville, MD, 1995, p. 21, related example illustrated, p. 86, later example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$15,000 - $25,000

42

THE WARD BROTHERS

1896-1983 and 1895-1976 | CRISFIELD, MD

205

205 Bishop’s Head Canada Goose

THE WARD BROTHERS LEMUEL T. (1896-1983) AND STEPHEN (1895-1976) CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1936 26 1/2 in. long

“…the reputation of Lem and Steve spread throughout the Chesapeake region, and they produced decoys for gunners in the Upper Bay as well. A few of the gunning clubs ordered Ward decoys, and in some cases a particular Ward style became associated with a specific club.

One example is the Canada goose model carved for the Bishops Head Gun Club of Dorchester County.” – C. John Sullivan, Waterfowling on the Chesapeake, 1819-1936

Of the numerous goose patterns produced by the Ward brothers, the Bishop’s Head Gun Club model is the most coveted. This decoy exhibits a long, reaching neck in a swimming position, deep wing delineation behind the neck, and highly defined carving under the tail. It also features full cheek carving, articulated bill profile, and crescent-shaped cheek delineation. Mix of original and working paint with gunning wear and some recent touch-up.

A classic and distinct goose decoy from the rig of the Bishop’s Head Gun Club. This group of decoys was the result of the owner of the club, Colonel Albanus Phillips (1871-1949), and the Ward brothers sitting down and designing wooden replacements for his recently outlawed live goose decoys. This product of their collaboration exhibits additional carved bill detail and a long-reaching neck, portraying a goose swimming. The Wards appear to have maintained a relationship with the club, providing additional decoys and maintenance to the rig over time.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Eastern Shore, Maryland

Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Wolfe City, TX, 1989, p. 112, rigmates illustrated.

Robert H. Richardson, Chesapeake Bay Decoys: The Men Who Made and Used Them, Burtonsville, MD, 1991, p. 182, rigmate illustrated.

C. John Sullivan, Waterfowling on the Chesapeake, 18191936, Baltimore, MD, 2003.

LITERATURE:

$14,000 - $18,000

43

THE WARD BROTHERS

1896-1983 and 1895-1976 | CRISFIELD, MD

206

206 Black Duck

THE WARD BROTHERS LEMUEL T. (1896-1983) AND STEPHEN (1895-1976) CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1942 17 in. long

Gard and McGrath describe a comparable model in their book as a “1942 Classic Black Duck” with “exquisite feather painting.” This decoy exhibits a turned head and balsa body with Lem’s best brushwork. Original paint with gunning wear, rubs to tail, and a ding to right breast.

Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Plano, TX, 1989, pp. 7579, pl. 68, related decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$10,000 - $15,000

44

COBB ISLAND CURLEW C. 1880 | VIRGINIA

207

207 Curlew

COBB ISLAND, VA, C. 1880 12 in. long

A well-documented curlew from this famous Southern Island community. This exact decoy was displayed in the Museum of American Folk Art as part of the O’Brien Collection in 1981.

This early and rare Cobb Island curlew is one of the fattest examples known. Having survived shooting, hurricanes, flooding, and fires, it stands as a proud relic from a forgotten time. Its prominent features include perfectly circular eyes set in grooves, round cheeks, a grand belly, and the Cobb’s “shark fin” style raised wing carving. In original paint with minor working touch-up and an old replaced bill.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. Collection Private Collection, Virginia PROVENANCE:

Jeff Waingrow, “The American Decoy,” The Clarion: America’s Folk Art Magazine, New York, NY, Fall 1981, p. 31, exact decoy illustrated.

Jackson Parker, “O’Brien Classic Decoys on Display at Museum of American Folk Art,” North American Decoys Magazine, Spanish Fork, UT, Spring/Summer 1982, p. 30, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

New York, New York, The Art of the American Decoy: Folk Sculpture from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Donal C. O’Brien Jr., Museum of American Folk Art, September 3-November 8, 1981.

EXHIBITED:

$14,000 - $18,000

45

THE WARD BROTHERS

1896-1983 and 1895-1976 | CRISFIELD, MD

208

208 Pintail Pair

THE WARD BROTHERS LEMUEL T. (1896-1983) AND STEPHEN (1895-1976) CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1936 16 in. long

A classic rigmate pair of Lem’s favorite species. Each has a turned head and its original rigging. Original paint with gunning wear, touch-up to right side of drake’s breast, repaired neck seams, and old replaced bills. Cracks along bottoms.

Bud Ward Collection Private Collection PROVENANCE:

Richard W. Oliver Auction Gallery, Rare and Important American Bird Decoys, July 2-3, 1988, lot 454, exact pair illustrated.

Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Plano, TX, 1989, pl. 59, related pair illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$10,000 - $12,000

46

209 One-Third-Size Swan

THE WARD BROTHERS LEMUEL T. (1896-1983) AND STEPHEN (1895-1976) CRISFIELD, MD, 1948 16 1/2 in. long

Swan carvings of any size by the Ward Brothers are rare and celebrated. Indeed, a pair of swans grace the entrance to the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, Maryland.

Inscribed on the underside of the balsa body “LT. WARD - Bro. Crisfield, Md. -1948- Lem Ward.” Original paint with minimal wear.

PROVENANCE:

Cheryl Sterling Collection

Byron Cheever, Ward Bros., Heber City, UT, 1966, p. 49, pl. 69, similar carving illustrated.

LITERATURE:

209

$2,000 - $3,000

210 Wigeon Drake CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1930 12 1/2 in. long

A rigmate to this rare decoy from the Joseph B. French Collection was featured in The Decoys Collectors Guide in 1965 as “from the rig of Lem Ward and John Evans.”

This early example has a turned head and raised wing tips.

Original paint with gunning wear.

Lem Ward and John Evans Rig Cheryl Sterling Collection PROVENANCE:

Hal Sorenson, ed., “One Man’s Wigeon: Collection of Joseph B. French,” Decoy Collector’s Guide OctDec, 1965, p. 15, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$700 - $1,000

210

47

LEMUEL T. WARD 1896-1983 | CRISFIELD, MD

211

211 “Sunbathing” Black Duck LEMUEL T. WARD (1896-1983) CRISFIELD, MD, 1966 13 in. long

This preening black duck is among the Ward Brothers’ finest decorative carvings. Indeed, a two-page letter from Lem to his friend and patron Dr. Morton Kramer addresses Lem’s strong feelings regarding this work. The writing states: “Morty the purpose of this note to you is this. Should Nothing unforseen happen, I will finish the Black duck today.

I am speaking about the one I started for the ‘Shelburne Museum.’ As I told you before if I ever had a good piece of work, I mean work that I feel that I cannot improve on, I would give you first choice. Well this is one of them…” He continues, “But if I had a little money you or no other man

48

would ever own this duck, I have to do it this way to exist.”

The burl base is titled “SUNBATHING” and has a painted signature “L. T. WARD CRiSFiELD, MD -1966-.” Original paint with minimal wear. Corner of wooden base is loose.

Dr. Morton Kramer Collection, acquired from the artist Private Collection, Maryland, acquired from the above PROVENANCE:

Glenn Lawson and Ida Ward Linton, The Story of Lem Ward, Exton, PA 1984, p. 113, exact carving illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$14,000 - $18,000

CHARLES M. BERGMAN 1856-1946 | ASTORIA, OR

212

212 Mallard Pair

CHARLES M. BERGMAN (1856-1946) ASTORIA, OR, C. 1930 17 in. long

A hollow mallard pair by one of the West Coast’s premier carvers. Bergman was a boatbuilder and his craftsmanship is evident in the construction of his decoys. The lines of his birds are clean and stylized in both the carving and the paint, creating a consistently appealing decoy. The maker’s “C B” initials are stenciled on the bottom of each. Original paint with even gunning wear, minor touch-up to hen’s reset neck, drake’s head, and breasts on each.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, California

Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast, Davis, CA, 1986, pp. 78 and 84, related examples illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$6,500 - $8,500

49

213

213 Black Duck

STRATFORD SCHOOL STRATFORD, CT, C. 1900 16 1/2 in. long

A very hollow decoy with a pinched breast and extensive feather work. The feather carving expressed on this early decoy is remarkable, and while comparisons can be drawn to related treatments by fastidious masters Orel LeBoeuf (1886-1968) and Sam Hutchings (b. 1892 or 1894), the finishing style of this maker’s carving is completely unique.

Branded “CRW” on bottom board. In old working paint with even gunning wear and an old tail chip.

Charles R. Wells Rig Private Collection, Connecticut PROVENANCE:

Henry C. Chitwood, Connecticut Decoys, West Chester, PA, 1987, p. 131, rigmate illustrated.

Gene and Linda Kangas, Decoys: A North American Survey, Spanish Fork, UT, 1983, p. 80, rigmate illustrated.

Copley Fine Art Auctions, The Sporting Sale 2013, Plymouth, MA, July 2013, lot 55, related mergansers illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$3,000 - $4,000

50

FERDINAND L. HOMME 1901-1963 | STOUGHTON, WI

214

214 Canvasback Hen

FERDINAND L. HOMME (1901-1963) STOUGHTON, WI, C. 1940 16 1/2 in. long

A fine hollow Homme decoy with a turned high head on a raised neck seat. This gunning decoy features extensive detail on the bill, wings, and tail. The rig marking “MIKE” is painted on the underside. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Gene and Linda Kangas, Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations, Concord, OH, 2011, p. 205, related decoys illustrated.

Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 206, related decoys illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$6,500 - $8,500

51

215 Blue-Winged Teal

OTTO WEINERT (1893-1979) OSHKOSH, WI, C. 1930 11 in. long

A glass-eyed decoy with incised bill detail and extensive painted feathering. Teal from this gunning rig are dispersed among some of the top decoy collections in the country. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 227, similar decoy illustrated.

Ron Koch, Decoys of the Winnebago Lakes, Omro, WI, 1988, p. 165, similar decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

215

$2,500 - $3,500

216 Mallard Drake

MIKE VALLEY (B. 1961) PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, WI, 2003 18 in. long

One of the maker’s best carvings, this decoy is signed and designated as being from his personal gunning rig. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Mike Valley Rig Private Collection PROVENANCE:

$400 - $600

216

217 High-Head Canvasback OSHKOSH, WI, C. 1920 17 3/4 in. long

A large-scale Wisconsin decoy with a letter “P” within-a-shield brand and a highly stylized leadstrip weight. Original paint with gunning wear and a partial bill restoration. $600 - $900

217

52

218 Canvasback Drake

AUGUST “GUS” MOAK (1852-1942) TUSTIN, WI, C. 1910 17 in. long

The underside is incised “CDC.” In old working paint with gunning wear and a tight neck crack. $300 - $500

218

219 Canvasback Hen

CAPT. JOHN C. SCHWEIKART (1870-1954) DETROIT AND STRAWBERRY ISLAND, MI, C. 1910 14 in. long

A bobtail decoy with a cast white metal head and a deep keel. In old paint with flaking and gunning wear. $300 - $500

219

220 Bluebill Pair WISCONSIN, C. 1930 13 1/2 in. long

Two hollow decoys with turned heads and shoulder separation. One has a loose weight inside the body. Original paint with gunning wear; one has old working bottom paint. $300 - $500

220

53

221 Rare Scoter

J. N. DODGE DECOY FACTORY (1883-1893) DETROIT, MI, C. 1890 16 1/2 in. long

According to Detroit Decoy Dynasty authors Ron Sharp and Bill Dodge, “Early factory made scooters are not common and those by the Dodge Factory are extremely rare.”

This is an early tack-eyed decoy with carved bill detail. In working repaint with neck repair and gunning wear.

Ron Sharp and Bill Dodge, Detroit Decoy Dynasty: Factory Decoys of Petersen, Dodge, and Mason, Lawsonville, NC, 2009, p. 115, photos 5-18, related decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

221

$300 - $500

222 Canvasback Drake

MASON DECOY FACTORY (1896-1924) DETROIT, MI, C. 1910 16 in. long

A premiere-grade decoy with strong swirl paint. Original paint with gunning wear, including age line above right eye, a rub on right side, and a tight crack at base of neck. $300 - $500

222

54

223 Canvasback Drake

G. BERT GRAVES (1880-1956) PEORIA, IL, C. 1920 17 1/2 in. long

This decoy represents one of the maker’s finest canvasbacks, with exceptional vermiculated and swirl paint by Catherine Elliston or Millie Graves. Dr. E. C. Burhans was known to receive decoys in lieu of payment for his medical services. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Dr. E. C. Burhans Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above PROVENANCE:

223

Stephen B. O’Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson, Masterworks of the Illinois River, Boston, MA, 2005, p. 104, related examples illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $3,000

224 Canvasback Drake G. BERT GRAVES (1880-1956) PEORIA, IL, C. 1920 17 in. long

Original paint with gunning wear, and an age line on right cheek.

Dr. E. C. Burhans Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above PROVENANCE:

Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 122, related decoys illustrated.

LITERATURE:

224

$1,000 - $2,000

225 Canvasback Drake JACK EPPEL (B. 1899) PEORIA, IL, C. 1940 16 1/4 in. long

A high-head canvasback with a hollow body and extensive vermiculated paint.

Original paint with gunning wear.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, California

Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 115, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$1,000 - $1,500

225

55

226 Miniature Bobwhite Quail GEORGE H. BOYD (1873-1941) SEABROOK, NH, C. 1920 2 1/4 in. long

This miniature is the only Boyd bobwhite quail that we have come across. Boyd identified the species on the bottom as “Bob White.”

The scarce nature of this species cannot be overstated, as it does not appear listed in Cullen’s book on Boyd, or in the Philip S. Drake sale of Boyd miniature decoys. Original paint with light wear.

Jim Cullen, Finely Carved and Nicely Painted: The Life, The Art, and Decoys of George Boyd, Rye, NH, 2009, p. 65.

M.D. Straw, Jr. & Emory Sanders Auctioneers, Important Auction Boyd Miniature Decoys, Wentworth-by-the-Sea, NH, October 17, 1977, no bobwhite listed.

LITERATURE:

226

$2,500 - $3,500

227 Miniature Mallard Family ALLEN J. KING (1878-1963) NORTH SCITUATE, RI, C. 1950 2 IN. TALL

Signed “A. J. King” on the side of the base. The underside retains a Crossroads of Sport, Inc., New York label.

This exceptional miniature was originally acquired by John C. Marsellus, one of the founding members of Ducks Unlimited.

Original paint with minor wear, drake is missing curl feather.

John C. Marsellus, founding member and longtime trustee of Ducks Unlimited Private Collection, by descent from the above PROVENANCE:

227

$1,200 - $1,600

228 Miniature Goldeneye Drake A. ELMER CROWELL (1862-1952) EAST HARWICH, MA, C. 1910 4 1/2 in. long

A very early miniature with the circular ink stamp. This carving was part of an Osterville, Massachusetts, collection of Crowell’s earliest miniature bird carvings. Original paint with minor wear and repair to bill.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood Collection

Brian Cullity, The Songless Aviary, Hyannis, MA, 1992, p. 53, fig. 55, stamp partially illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$1,200 - $1,800 228

56

229 Two Carvings

WENDELL GILLEY (1904-1983) SOUTHWEST HARBOR, ME, C. 1950 5 IN. TALL

A sora rail and a miniature mallard drake, each base is signed by the maker. Original paint with minor wear and darkening to a very small tail chip on rail.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood

Collection $600 - $800

229

230 Miniature Plover A. J. DITMAN (1884-1974) NEW YORK, NY, C. 1940 3 1/4 in. long

Signed with the maker’s conjoined “AJD” initials on the side of the base. Original paint with minor wear and touch-up to three very small rubs.

Joseph B. French Collection Donald M. Greenwood Collection PROVENANCE:

$300 - $400 230

231 Three-Quarter-Size Wood Duck RUSS E. BURR (1887-1955) HINGHAM, MA, C. 1940 9 3/4 in. long

Original paint with some possible touch-up including thigh putty.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood

Collection $600 - $900

231

57

CHARLES H. PERDEW 1874-1963 | PEORIA, IL

232 Important Duck Call

CHARLES H. PERDEW (1874-1963) HENRY, IL, C. 1935 6 IN. TALL

A fancy-grade custom duck call with three flying mallards and hunter’s initials “EJK” carved around it. Included is the original box along with a spare reed that also carries the “EJK” designation.

This call is very closely related to one of the Perdew calls sold as a pair by this firm in 2012 for $18,400, which featured nearly identical flying mallards and a green Bakelite mouth piece. Original paint and finish with minimal wear.

Ann Tandy Lacy, Perdew: An Illinois Tradition, Muncie, IN, 1993, p. 195, similar call illustrated.

LITERATURE:

232

$3,000 - $5,000

233

233 Miniature Preening Mallard Hen CHARLES H. PERDEW (1874-1963) HENRY, IL, C. 1930 5 in. long

An excellent miniature and one of Perdew’s very best. This small decoy showcases the maker’s most popular form with an arching neck and delicate bill-to-back connection.

The underside has a thin lead weight stamped “CHAS. H. PERDEW, Henry Illinois” in letters lined with gold. Original paint with minor wear.

David Galliher Collection Private Collection PROVENANCE:

Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 152, closely related examples illustrated.

Ann Tandy Lacy, Perdew: An Illinois River Tradition, Muncie, IN, 1993, pp. 203 and 226, closely related examples illustrated.

Guyette and Schmidt Inc. North American Decoys at Auction, St. Charles, IL, April 12, 2008, lot 112, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$6,000 - $9,000 58

CHARLES H. PERDEW 1874-1963 | PEORIA, IL

234

234 Mallard Pair

CHARLES H. PERDEW (1874-1963) HENRY, IL, C. 1940 15 3/4 in. long

A rigmate pair of hollow decoys with “Henry...Perdew...Ill.” leadstrip weights. Excellent original paint with light gunning wear.

PROVENANCE:

Cheryl Sterling Collection

Donna Tonelli, Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes, Atglen, PA, 2002, pp. 140-142, similar decoys illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$4,500 - $6,500

59

CHARLES H. PERDEW 1874-1963 | PEORIA, IL

235 The Sutton Rig Preening Mallard CHARLES H. PERDEW (1874-1963) HENRY, IL, 1947 13 3/4 in. long

Of his many styles, Perdew is most revered for his masterful sleepers and preening decoys. Both Robert Elliston and Charles Perdew felt that the presence of sleepers and preeners added a suggested calm to the rig that was more enticing to waterfowl. Whether this actually made any difference to the circling birds is subject to debate; however, the graceful pose inherent in these styles is certainly desirable among collectors.

This rare preening mallard hen displays Charles Perdew’s best paint in pristine condition. The underside retains a “Henry...Perdew...Ill.” lead-strip weight.

Discussing this exact decoy, Illinois River decoy authority Randy Root writes, “It is in unused condition with no repairs.

This decoy is from a rig of decoys made for Dr. Charles M. Sutton of Chillicothe and Springfield, IL in 1947. The rig consisted of at least a dozen mallards, a pair of pintails, and a pair of canvasbacks. After returning from World War II Dr. Sutton placed an order with Charles Perdew for the decoys and received them in 1947. Although all the others were used for hunting the sleeper was put on the mantle and never used.”

60

Further speaking to the quality of the bird, Root writes, “I have been collecting and dealing in decoys since ‘67 and undoubtably this Perdew is the best sleeper carved and painted by Charley. It is better than almost all of the ones painted by Edna.”

Near mint original paint.

Charles M. Sutton Rig, 1947 Ruth Bayless Collection, acquired c. 1978 Mark Smith Collection PROVENANCE:

Ann Tandy Lacy, Perdew: An Illinois Tradition, Muncie, IN, 1993, dust jacket cover, related example illustrated.

Loy S. Harrell, Jr., Decoys: North America’s One Hundred Greatest, Iola, WI, 2000, pp. 164 and 165, related example illustrated.

Stephen O’Brien and Julie Carlson, Masterworks of the Illinois River, Boston, MA, 2005, p. 81, related example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$50,000 - $70,000

THE SUTTON RIG PREENING MALLARD

235

61

MASON DECOY FACTORY 1896-1924 | DETROIT, MI

236 Salesman’s Sample Black-Bellied Plover MASON DECOY FACTORY (1896-1924) DETROIT, MI, C. 1900 10 1/4 in. long

A one-of-a-kind salesman’s sample shorebird decoy by the Mason Decoy Factory inscribed “Black Breast Plover, $7.50.

Dz.” on the underside. This “A-1” grade shorebird decoy exhibits breeding plumage in its painted feather detail with early swirled and stippled paint. The bottom is also stamped “McCLEERY.” Historically, salesmen would carry examples of the decoys illustrated in the catalog when pursuing orders for their company. This example was one of six salesman’s sample decoys, each a different species, acquired by noted New Jersey collector, Mort Hanson. Original paint with minor wear.

Catalog of W. J. MASON’S HIGH GRADE CEDAR DECOYS c. 1905

62

Mort Hanson Collection Dr. James M. McCleery Collection Mark Smith Collection PROVENANCE:

Sotheby’s and Guyette and Schmidt, American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, 2000, p. 67, lot 131, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$10,000 - $15,000

McCLEERY MASON PLOVER

236

63

MASON DECOY FACTORY 1896-1924 | DETROIT, MI

237 The Peabody Essex Long-Billed Curlew MASON DECOY FACTORY (1896-1924) DETROIT, MI, C. 1900 18 in. long

The provenance of this decoy was not listed when it last sold in April of 2000. Writing for Decoy Magazine after the auction in 2000, Jackson Parker discusses this exact bird, stating, “I thought it was equal or better than the McCleery curlew which was loaded with provenance.” Collectable Old Decoys owner Dick McIntyre, who procured the decoy for the consignor concurred, writing at the time, “the best one I’ve ever seen!”

Parker in his post auction article goes on to reveal The Peabody Essex Museum as the consignor. Evidently, the museum had acquired this curlew in 1945 and it had remained in their collection for fifty-five years. Parker also states the museum’s reason for deaccessioning the curlew: “...to provide funds for the acquisition of Massachusetts classics.” The museum’s “SB 16” code is painted under the tail.

In their 1993 publication on Mason decoys, Goldberger and Haid discuss curlew by Mason as being “huge; the bodies alone are 12-inches long.” This larger example measures thirteen and one-quarter inches from the tip of the tail to the front of the breast.

William J. Mackey, Jr. writes in Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, “Mason’s skilled company of woodworkers and artists turned out numerous fine decoys...

The Mason curlew...in original paint...would be one of the finest of factory shorebirds. Mason’s paint was of unusual high quality...it has mellowed with age, but still retains

Catalog of W. J. MASON’S HIGH GRADE CEDAR DECOYS c. 1905 64

the original luxurious, gemlike coloring. The method of application was also peculiar to Mason decoys. The paint is applied in a swirling pattern that made it stand up well against the roughest treatment and the saltiest Atlantic tidewaters. The painting style of Mason’s decoys is fixed in a traditional, rather rigid pattern, but there is never a feeling of monotony, but rather one of rich ornamentation.”

This decoy exhibits the finest work of Mason’s painters.

Unrestored and in near mint condition, with excellent provenance, it ranks as one of the top Mason decoys known to exist. Original paint with light gunning wear, and an age line on the underside.

Mrs. Edward Eldredge Collection Peabody Essex Museum Collection, gifted from the above, 1945 Mark Smith Collection, acquired 2000 PROVENANCE:

Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, New York, NY, 1971, pl. 12.

Russ J. Goldberger and Alan G. Haid, Mason Decoys: A Complete Pictorial Guide, Burtonsville, MD, 1993, pp. 106, 107, 136, and back dust-jacket cover, similar decoys illustrated.

Alan G. Haid and Brandy S. Culp, The Allure of the Decoy, Charleston, SC, 2013, p. 61, similar decoy illustrated.

Jackson Parker, “Auction News,” Decoy Magazine, May/June 2000, pp. 40-42, p. 40, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$30,000 - $40,000

THE PEABODY ESSEX LONG-BILLED CURLEW

237

65

MASON DECOY FACTORY 1896-1924 | DETROIT, MI

238 Special-Order Willet

MASON DECOY FACTORY (1896-1924) DETROIT, MI, C. 1900 15 in. long

An extremely rare special-order decoy influenced by the work of Massachusetts shorebird carver Charles W. Thomas (b. 1875) of Assinnippi. Measuring fifteen inches in length, these grand carvings are almost as large as Mason curlew.

PROVENANCE:

Only five of its type are known to exist. Of these, two have holes drilled through the sides for attachment to a fireplace mantle. Many consider this near mint example the best among the handful known to have survived.

LITERATURE:

Top flight collectors have long coveted these rare Masons, including William J. Mackey, Jr., William J. Butler, Jr., John Delph, John Lellos, and Dr. James M. McCeery. Original paint with minimal gunning wear.

66

Wallace Furman Collection Gordon and Virginia Hayes Collection, acquired from the above, 1961 Mark Smith Collection, acquired 2002 Russ J. Goldberger and Alan G. Haid, Mason Decoys: A Complete Pictorial Guide, Lewes, DE, 2014, p. 117, related example illustrated.

Hal Sorenson, Decoy Collector’s Guide, 1977, p. 39, related example illustrated.

Guyette and Schmidt, North American Decoys At Auction, July 2002, front cover and lot 543, exact decoy illustrated. $30,000 - $40,000

238

67

239 Mallard Hen

JOHN R. WELLS (1861-1953) TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, C. 1900 16 1/2 in. long

An extremely hollow decoy by this renowned Ontario carver. Old paint with gunning wear and touch-up under bill.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood

Collection Bernie Gates, Ontario Decoys II, Kingston, ON, 1986, p. 71, related decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

239

$1,000 - $1,500

240 Green-Winged Teal ST. CLAIR FLATS, C. 1920 9 1/2 in. long

A petite teal decoy with original rigging.

Original paint with even gunning wear. $800 - $1,200

240

241 Goldeneye Drake

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, C. 1920 14 1/2 in. long

A stylish hollow decoy with a conjoined “HD” rig brand on bottom board. In working repaint with heavy gunning wear. $800 - $1,200

241

68

JOHN R. WELLS

1861-1953 | TORONTO, ON

242

242 Mallard Drake

JOHN R. WELLS (1861-1953) TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, C. 1900 15 3/4 in. long

A well-documented fine grade hollow decoy with the maker’s “J.R.W.” initials brand on the bottom. With a rare turned head, Bernie Gates illustrated this decoy in both of his books on Ontario decoys. Original paint with wear, gunning touch-up to sides, and recent touch-up under tail and on right side of bill.

Robert Youngman Collection Donald M. Greenwood Collection, acquired from the above PROVENANCE:

Bernie Gates, Ontario Decoys, Kingston, ON, 1982, p. 48, exact decoy illustrated.

Bernie Gates, Ontario Decoys II, Kingston, ON, 1986, p. 71, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$4,000 - $5,000

69

Ron Swanson Atlantic salmon fishing.

70

Lots 243 - 338 are part of

The Ronald S. Swanson Collection For over half a century, Ron Swanson has made vast

In 2005 Swanson published Grand Cascapedia Giants,

contributions to the collective knowledge of the bird

a green-clothed, hardbound book with a matching

decoy and fish model communities. His accolades

slipcase. The beautiful volume documents trophy

range from being a longtime writer for Decoy Magazine,

Atlantic salmon catches on “North America’s grandest

to being a curator of the 1997 exhibit entitled Fish

salmon river,” along with the fishing lore connected

Models: An Exhibition at the Ward Museum, to being

with that famous stretch of water. In addition to

instrumental in getting contemporary master fish carver

artwork, Swanson includes contemporary and historical

Stephen R. Smith started in his art.

photographs of fish mounts and models, as well as

Swanson’s decoy collecting passion began in 1962

the actual fish, the anglers, the guides, and the private camps. Famed bamboo fly-rod maker and author Hoagy

when his roommate at Brown took him hunting for

Bix Carmichael (b. 1938) wrote the introduction, a fitting

canvasbacks, broadbills, and black duck on Long Island.

choice as Carmichael and Swanson are good friends who

By the mid-1960s, he was spending his weekends

fished together annually on the Grand Cascapedia and in

picking decoys from the carvers themselves. In 1981 he was part of an esteemed group of sixteen experts who

Norway for fifty years.

evaluated the Shelburne Museum’s collection, known as

Swanson followed the Cascapedia book with Record

one of the world’s greatest treasuries of wildfowl decoys.

Atlantic Salmon, which he penned in 2008. Spanning

In addition, Swanson extensively researched decoy

the immense time period of 1730 through the present,

carver Albert Davids Laing (1811-1886) and shared his

the author catalogs 561 Atlantic salmon, weighing fifty

findings in the authoritative article on the maker entitled,

pounds or more, that have been caught on a fly rod

“Albert D. Laing: A decoy maker unequaled in his time,”

worldwide. Similar to his first book, Swanson makes deft

published in Decoy Magazine.

use of photographs and maps to enhance the writing.

In an article entitled “Keepers of the Flame,” John Mundt,

The author’s third book, Fish Models, Plaques, & Effigies,

of the New York Anglers Club, describes Swanson as

published in 2009, shares the same mossy green cover

“a man who has devoted more than four decades of

and slipcase as the first two. He wrote an article with

his life to the study and collecting of fish models and

the same title for the July/August 1996 issue of Decoy

researching the facts behind their origins.” According to

Magazine, demonstrating the many years that Swanson

Mundt, while on a salmon fishing trip to Scotland’s river

spent studying the topic. According to Swanson, this

Spey in 1969, Swanson beheld a carved salmon hanging

was the easiest of the three books to write since he had

on the wall of a pub which triggered his initial fascination

all the information at his fingertips.

with the art form. Over the course of the following

By tirelessly collecting, researching, and writing over

1

decades, he pursued high-quality fish models, intent on acquiring the finest specimens. In the process, Swanson learned a great deal about the art form and its best carvers, and, as a result, he is regarded as the world’s foremost authority on fish carvings.

the decades, Ron Swanson has preserved important information pertaining to the histories of both decoy and fish carving which, without his efforts, may otherwise have been lost. Copley is honored to present the important collection of this preeminent author and collector.

1. John Mundt, “Keepers of the Flame: Ronald S. Swanson: Fish Model Historian, Collector, and Author,” Journal of the American Museum of Fly Fishing, vol. 36, no. 2, Spring 2010, p. 15.

71

243 Canvasback Drake TAYLOR BOYD (1856-1944) PERRYVILLE, MD, C. 1900 16 3/4 in. long

Boyd’s stately high heads are among the Upper Chesapeake Bay’s finest. In old gunning paint with wear.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Robert H. Richardson, ed., Chesapeake Bay Decoys, Burtonsville, MD, 1991, p. 60, rigmate decoys illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$1,000 - $2,000

243

244 Redhead Wing Duck

RICHARD T. “DICK” HOWLETT (1829-C. 1890) HAVRE DE GRACE, MD, C. 1875 14 in. long

A rare, wooden wing duck with stylish bill carving. Howlett was one of Havre de Grace’s best makers and his decoy are rare. A similar rigmate has been attributed to Captain Benjamin F. Dye (1832-1896) of Perryville, Maryland. Original paint with gunning wear, working touch-up to eyes, scars on left side of face, and a reset chip under bill.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Copley Fine Art Auctions, The Winter Sale 2017, Charleston, SC, February 2017, lot 260, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $4,000

245 Cleveland Canvasback 244

NORTHEAST RIVER, HAVRE DE GRACE, MD, C. 1890 14 1/2 in. long

A flat-bottomed wooden wing duck with the following inscription on the bottom: “Cleveland wing duck by unknown maker authenticated by J. Evans McKinney, May 9th, 1991.”

President Grover Cleveland was an avid sportsman and enjoyed duck hunting on the Susquehanna Flats. This decoy is from a rig he is reported to have hunted over. Dr. George Ross Starr, Jr. had several canvasback decoys from this rig in his collection.

Cleveland’s northern hunting estate, Gray Gables, overlooked Buzzard’s Bay on Cape Cod. Other decoys used on the property were made by Preston Allen Wright. Old working paint with heavy gunning wear and a neck crack.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

George Ross Starr, Jr., M.D., Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway, New York, NY, 1974, pp. 254-266.

LITERATURE:

245

72

$400 - $600

THE WARD BROTHERS

1896-1983 and 1895-1976 | CRISFIELD, MD

246

246 Swimming Wigeon Drake

THE WARD BROTHERS LEMUEL T. (1896-1983) AND STEPHEN (1895-1976) CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1932 15 3/4 in. long

A stylish long-bodied baldpate from early in the brothers’ careers. The inquisitive head is in a forward-leaning position and is turned forty-five degrees to the right. The high forehead draws back into the razor-sharp green crest.

Steve’s elongated body shows classic Crisfield lines that resolve in a sharp, uplifted tail. Lem’s dynamic paint and design abilities are shown off with bold color blocks, sharp wing tips, a tight dot pattern, and textured stippling. Original paint with gunning wear, old putty repairs to head and tail chips, shot scars, and some minor touch-up.

Deerfield Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Plano, TX, 1989, pl. 81, related example illustrated.

William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 148, pl. 127, related example illustrated.

Ronald Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p. 29, fig. 43 (2nd from left), exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture, Cranbrook Academy of Art, January 27-February 22, 1987.

EXHIBITED:

$8,000 - $12,000

73

COBB ISLAND CURLEW C. 1880 | VIRGINIA

247

247 Curlew

COBB ISLAND, VA, C. 1880 13 1/2 in. long

A classic Eastern Shore decoy with eye grooves and a ridge down the back. The underside is incised “D” and marked with the Mackey Collection ink stamp. Gunning wear down to wood, and cracks in head and bill.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Sam Dyke Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., Shore Bird Decoys, Exton, PA, 1980, pp. 94-95, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$5,000 - $7,000

74

LOTHROP T. HOLMES

1824-1899 | KINGSTON, MA

248

248 Dowitcher

LOTHROP T. HOLMES (1824-1899) KINGSTON, MA, C. 1870 8 1/2 in. long

An exceedingly rare Holmes species, the body lines of this decoy mirror those of his famous ruddy turnstones; however, the head of this sandpiper is cocked back slightly in an alert position. Original paint with gunning wear, a reset neck, and replaced bill and eyes.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

LITERATURE: Ronald Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook

Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p. 16, fig. 22 (2nd from left), exact decoy illustrated.

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture, Cranbrook Academy of Art, January 27-February 22, 1987.

EXHIBITED:

$3,000 - $5,000 75

249 Eider

NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA, C. 1900 17 1/4 in. long

An eider drake with strong lines; the head features incised carving delineating the black and white areas. A hole in the underside allows this to be displayed as a stick-up. Old working paint with gunning wear, including cracks.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Paul A. Johnsgard, The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form, Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 71, exact decoy illustrated.

Hal Sorenson, ed., “Maine,” Decoy Collector’s Guide, Jan-Mar 1965, front cover, related example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

249

$400 - $600

250 American Merganser Drake JOSEPH W. LINCOLN (1859-1938) ACCORD, MA, C. 1900 18 in. long

The underside is branded “C. F. SPEAR” and bears the Roger Williams Collection ink stamp.

Chester Spear (1888-1956), his father Ernie (b. 1897) and his brother Henry (b. 1869) were important patrons and bird-hunting companions of Joseph Lincoln. Paint has been taken down and enhanced, a reset neck, age lines in head, and cracks on bottom.

Chester Spear Rig Roger Williams Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

$500 - $800 250

76

PHINEAS ALEXANDER SMALL POINT, ME

251

251 Eider Drake

PHINEAS ALEXANDER SMALL POINT, ME, C. 1890 18 1/4 in. long

A stylish drake from the Maine coast. The head and body are made from a single block. Incised “P A” in the underside.

Original and working paint with gunning repair to neck cracks.

Phineas Alexander Rig S. Olsen Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

$1,500 - $2,500

77

GEORGE AUGUSTUS PEABODY 1831-1929 | DANVERS, MA

252

252 Early Redhead Drake

GEORGE AUGUSTUS PEABODY (1831-1929) DANVERS, MA, C. 1860 15 3/4 in. long

This very early and exceptional hollow redhead drake is from the rig of George A. Peabody, an older friend and fellow Harvard graduate of Dr. John C. Phillips (1876-1938).

The removable head is attached by three brass pins, one of which is threaded and held tight by a nut on the underside of the decoy. Matching “XXXI” incisions are on the facing surfaces inside the neck seam. This meticulously crafted removable head system is reminiscent of the dovetailed geese and shorebirds and the Osgood geese. The head is slightly turned and features broad cheeks and detailed bill carving. The long and hollowed body is finished with elaborate wing carving and fine paint. This decoy is perhaps the earliest known example to show this level of sophisticated wing carving.

The bottom board is securely affixed with both nails and screws and is twice branded “G. A. PEABODY.” Original paint with flaking, gunning wear, and a bill tip chip.

George A. Peabody Rig Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Ronald Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p.

15, fig. 19, exact decoy illustrated.

John C. Phillips, Wenham Lake Shooting Record And The Farm Bag, 1897-1925, 1926, p. 4.

LITERATURE:

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture, Cranbrook Academy of Art, January 27-February 22, 1987.

EXHIBITED:

$2,500 - $3,500

78

253 Pinch-Breast Pintail Drake

THE WARD BROTHERS LEMUEL T. (1896-1983) AND STEPHEN (1895-1976) CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1932 18 1/2 in. long

A rare pinch-breast model pintail from the rig of aviation pioneer Glenn L. Martin (1886-1995). Regarding the pinch-breast pintail, Gard and McGrath state, “the design is considered the best in Ward pintails and is valued with that of earlier Ward styles.”

Original paint with heavy gunning wear, roughness to head, and an original crack in back.

Glenn L. Martin Rig Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Ronald J. Gard and Brian J. McGrath, The Ward Brothers’ Decoys: A Collector’s Guide, Plano, TX, 1989, pp. 57-63, related examples illustrated.

Ronald Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p. 29, fig. 43 (2nd from right), exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

253

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture, Cranbrook Academy of Art, January 27-February 22, 1987.

EXHIBITED:

$3,000 - $4,000

254 Pintail Drake

DAVE “UMBRELLA” WATSON (1851-1938) CHINCOTEAGUE, VA, C. 1920 16 3/4 in. long

The underside bears the Assateague Rod and Gun Club paw brand. Mix of old and restored paint, and an old crack through the tail.

Assateague Rod and Gun Club Rig Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

254

Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., Southern Decoys of Virginia and the Carolinas, Exton, PA, 1983, p. 84, pl. 114, related decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$500 - $700

79

“We are credibly informed that Mr. W. W. Levy, a ducker well known on the Chesapeake Bay for his skill in this particular sport, has killed as many as one hundred and eighty-seven ducks in one day, and during the seasons of 1846 and 1847 actually bagged seven thousand canvas-backs.

“This system of killing ducks [sinkbox shooting], we believe, was introduced on the Chesapeake Bay by some of the experienced wild-fowl shooters from the vicinity of New York, and who now reap a rich harvest from their hardihood and ingenuity.

It is no unusual thing for one of these men to kill as many as fifty couples of canvas-backs in the course of a day; and if the weather prove favorable for this kind of shooting, they have been known to fill a small vessel with ducks in two or three days, which they immediately despatch for the markets of New York, Baltimore, or Philadelphia. These worthies that pursue wild fowl for a living usually make their appearance on the Chesapeake Bay in small yachts, or rather ill looking sloops, in which they live and stow away their plunder, seldom or never visiting the neighboring shores, knowing full well the reception they most likely would meet with from the hands of those residents who also kill ducks during the winter season to sell, and consequently, from selfish motives alone, are very testy and jealous of those rights which the legislature has endeavored to guarantee to them, but which they from a lack of principle and moral energy are incompetent to enforce by legal measures.”

-Dr. Elijah J. Lewis, The American Sportsman

80

81

THE LAING CANVASBACK HEN C. 1835 | NEW YORK

255 Sleeping Canvasback Hen

ALBERT DAVIDS LAING (1811-1886) NEW YORK, NY AND STRATFORD, CT, C. 1835 14 1/2 in. long

Albert Davids Laing became an early subject of interest to Ronald S. Swanson when he began collecting decoys in the 1960s, a time when decoy research was still in its infancy.

Using Laing’s journals, interviews, research, and decades of experience handling the decoys, Swanson published a comprehensive article on the maker in 1995. It stands as the definitive document on this immensely talented and influential waterfowling figure. His well-researched article begins with an image of this canvasback, a cornerstone of Laing’s portfolio.

In 1918, the Laing family moved from Rathaway, New Jersey, to a residence they named Laingside in New York City on the East River. His father, a merchant, opened a shop at 250 Pearl Street adjacent to the Fulton Fish Market. With direct access to this prime trading post, the young Laing became a market hunter. Swanson reports that in the 1830s he made his first known rig for his highly effective sinkbox, or battery.

The author calculates that in the 1835/36 season “Laing shot four times as many wildfowl using the battery than by other methods.” This hollow canvasback was part of that battery rig and its low body was designed to be set out on the wings of his sinkbox, almost on top of the carver-hunter.

Canvasbacks were prized table fare, but were not common on Laing’s local waters, as is confirmed in a February 1835 journal entry citing the “First Canvas Back killed at Laingside.” It would be the only canvasback the hunter recorded bagging by the family home. Swanson explains that this decoy “was made for battery shooting on the Chesapeake Bay” where these divers were plentiful and easily shipped by rail to the Northern market. Laing appears to have been one of “the experienced wild-fowl shooters from the vicinity of New York” credited by Elijah J. Lewis for introducing sinkbox shooting to the rich hunting grounds of the Upper Chesapeake.

“Considering functional design,” writes Swanson, “Laing’s decoys are extremely successful. Minimum weight, compactness and durability are combined with accuracy of species and an attitude of quiet repose to create a highly effective working decoy. The quality of Laing’s designs accounts for his influence of the makers of the Stratford school and the lower Delaware River and perhaps other areas…” In 1863 Laing purchased a house in Stratford, Connecticut, where he lived as a gentleman farmer.

The decoy rig went north with him, and it again had a

82

tremendous impact, though this time not on the ducks, but instead on the next generation of decoy makers and hunters. Much of the rig was hunted over for many decades after his passing and the carvings became the template for the Stratford School of decoy making. Notably, Charles E. “Shang” Wheeler and Louis Rathmell are the only two early followers of Laing to approach the high bar he set. Laing’s stylistic influence also appears to have extended to the Delaware River, as directly seen in the rig of his cousins, Richard Wistar Davids (1825–1863) and Caspar W. Morris (1806-1877).

This canvasback’s head curves around to the left and lies diagonally across the back with the bill tip just lifted off the right wing. This resting pose has protected the long, thin bill for nearly two centuries. The head features lightly incised eye and bill detail, full cheeks, and eye grooves. The thin, sleek body has slight wing separation in the back. No other hollow decoys are believed to precede this historic rig.

While this important Laing carving has few comparables, a swan rigmate is strikingly similar, and holds the world record price for the maker. This canvasback and the swan are illustrated in the “Hundred Greatest” book, each have replaced bottom boards, and both feature low bodies with stylish heads lying in a curve across their backs.

Old paint with gunning wear showing wood and some original paint, bottom board is gunning replacement.

Albert Davids Laing Rig Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson, “Albert D. Laing: A decoy maker unequaled in his time,” Decoy Magazine, Burtonsville, MD, July/August 1995, front cover, pp. 8-16, exact decoy illustrated.

William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 207, pl. 164, related example illustrated.

Henry C. Chitwood, Connecticut Decoys, West Chester, PA, 1987, p. 25, similar decoy illustrated.

Elisha J. Lewis, The American Sportsman, Philadelphia, PA, 1871, p. 285.

Loy S. Harrell, Jr., Decoys: North America’s One Hundred Greatest, Iola, WI, 2000, pp. 54-55, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$30,000 - $40,000

255

83

BENJAMIN HOLMES 1843-1912 | STRATFORD, CT

256

256 Goldeneye Drake

BENJAMIN HOLMES (1843-1912) STRATFORD, CT, C. 1880 14 in. long

This is one of the most important Holmes decoys to come to market; the underside bears the Mackey Collection ink stamp and an “A. D. SANFORD” brand. Sanford had numerous Holmes decoys in his Saugatuck River rig.

This charming example was illustrated in Charles E. “Shang” Wheeler’s chapter of Eugene V. Connett’s 1947 masterwork Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater. In addition to Wheeler, numerous prominent figures in the early decoy and sporting art community contributed to this volume, which includes chapters written by A. Elmer Crowell and Lynn Bogue Hunt. In working Wheeler paint with even gunning wear and touch-up to bill tip.

84

A. D. Sanford Rig William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Henry C. Chitwood, Connecticut Decoys, West Chester, PA, 1987, p. 42, exact decoy illustrated.

Eugene V. Connett, ed., Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater, New York, NY, 1947, p. 68, exact decoy illustrated.

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey, Hyannis, MA, Sessions I & II, 1973, lot 525, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$5,000 - $7,000

ALBERT DAVIDS LAING 1811-1886 | STRATFORD, CT

257

257 Preening Bluebill Drake

ALBERT DAVIDS LAING (1811-1886) NEW YORK, NY, AND STRATFORD, CT, C. 1855 12 1/2 in. long

A hollow turned-head decoy by the carver credited with being the founder of the “Connecticut School.”

Ronald S. Swanson Collection, acquired from the above in 1968

An “F. BURRITT” rig brand is in the bottom of the decoy.

Frank Burritt (1850-1928) was the Commodore of the Indian Harbor Yacht Club and his gunning rig contained many Laing and Holmes decoys. In working Wheeler paint, with gunning wear, age lines, and a reset bill chip.

LITERATURE:

Albert D. Laing Rig Beers Family Rig Francis Burritt Rig William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection PROVENANCE:

William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 68, pl. 48, misidentified rigmate illustrated.

Henry C. Chitwood, Connecticut Decoys, West Chester, PA, 1987, p. 28 and dust jacket, rigmates illustrated.

Ronald S. Swanson, “Albert D. Laing: A decoy maker unequaled in his time,” Decoy Magazine, Burtonsville, MD, July/August 1995, pp. 14 and 16, exact decoy illustrated. $6,000 - $9,000

85

258 Centennial Broadbill Hen 258

BENJAMIN HOLMES (1843-1912) STRATFORD, CT, 1876 13 in. long

This exact decoy is illustrated in Charles E. “Shang” Wheeler’s chapter in the 1947 masterwork Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater. Prior to that, explains decoy historian Robert Shaw, “Benjamin Holmes participated in what is considered to be the first recorded public exhibition of decoys which occurred at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition where he showed a rig of 12 bluebills.” This seminal exhibition inspired the name of this “Centennial Rig.” Old working repaint with light gunning wear and flaking around bill.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Eugene V. Connett, ed., Duck Shooting Along the Atlantic Tidewater, New York, NY, 1947, pp. 72-73, exact decoy illustrated.

Ronald Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p. 19, fig. 26, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture, Cranbrook Academy of Art, January 27-February 22, 1987.

EXHIBITED:

$600 - $900

259 Black Duck

BENJAMIN HOLMES (1843-1912) STRATFORD, CT, C. 1870 16 1/4 in. long 259

Repainted by Charles E. “Shang” Wheeler for use in his rig.

Branded “TBL” on the bottom. Repaint with gunning wear and a professional bill tip repair.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$400 - $600

260 Early Black Duck

ALBERT DAVIDS LAING (1811-1886) NEW YORK, NY, AND STRATFORD, CT, C. 1835 16 1/4 in. long

The age and construction of this decoy are notable in decoy history. This black duck from Laing’s earliest known rig, made while he was living in New York, is one of the first known rigs of hollow decoys. The underside is branded “B. H. WELLER” twice.

Old paint with gunning wear.

Albert Davids Laing Rig B. H. Weller Rig Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

260

Ronald S. Swanson, “Albert D. Laing: A decoy maker unequaled in his time,” Decoy Magazine, Burtonsville, MD, July/ August 1995, p. 10, exact decoy illustrated.

Henry C. Chitwood, Connecticut Decoys, West Chester, PA, 1987, p. 24, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$1,400 - $1,800 86

261 Bronze Duck-Head Pen Rest JOEL D. BARBER (1876-1952) WILTON, CT, C. 1926 13 3/4 in. long

This is an exceedingly rare bronze of this type, fashioned with a dozen extra rippling waves compared to the regular edition.

“B / 26” with a copyright mark is engraved on the side of the head for Barber and year it was cast.

Barber writes of these bronze black duck heads in Wild Fowl Decoys: “In Plate No. 99 I show a decoy head cast in bronze.

I whittled it myself but used as a model an old decoy from the lower Jersey Coast. The body of this decoy was little more than a float to receive a skin but the head was very fine. My jackknife copy of this head reproduced in bronze was sold by art galleries over a period of several years and in considerable numbers. I have always considered the unknown original maker a real artist. Even though he lived and worked, unknown on the Jersey barrens, his Black Duck head has been perpetuated. The feather of accomplishment does not belong to me. I merely whittled what he conceived. After a fashion, however, it vindicates my interest in the art of decoy making.

The decoy itself is now a highly prized item of my collection.

After my coveting it for several years, the former owner, Mr. J. H. Phillips of Babylon, gave it to me for my records of Barnegat Bay.”

261

Only a handful of regular-edition black duck head bronzes have hit the auction block over the decades, and they are always in strong demand. This marks the first time we have ever seen or offered this deluxe edition model. Original condition with minor wear and loose pen sheath.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Joel Barber, Wild Fowl Decoys, Garden City, NY, 1937, p. 131, pl. 99, related example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

262

$1,000 - $2,000

262 Canada Goose

HENRY GRANT (1845-1912) BARNEGAT, NJ, C. 1900 23 1/4 in. long

Stamped on the bottom “SGH” for the Somers G. Headley Collection. In working repaint with gunning wear.

Somers G. Headley Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

$700 - $1,000

263 Canada Goose

ELLIS PARKER (1870-1952) BEACH HAVEN, NJ, C. 1890 23 in. long

263

A well-rounded hollow decoy. A mixture of original and in-use repaint with age lines, a bill repair, and gunning wear.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$600 - $900

87

264 Sanderling

VERITY FAMILY SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1890 6 3/4 in. long

This little shorebird appears to be carved from mahogany with raised wings. Gunning wear down to wood.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$600 - $900

264

265 Black-Bellied Plover NANTUCKET, MA, C. 1870 11 1/4 in. long

A painted-eye decoy hollowed from the bottom, possibly to be a “wind bird.” This decoy has an original wooden breast insert, split wing and tail carving, a stringing hole, and French collection indicators. Appears to be original paint with gunning wear.

Joseph B. French Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

265

266 Golden Plover

CAPT. WILLIAM J. WYER (1822-1913) NANTUCKET, MA, C. 1870 11 in. long

A miniature conjoined “JF” is stamped on the underside. Original paint with gunning wear and a possible replaced bill.

Russell Holst Collection Fred Ellenberg Collection Joseph B. French Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

$600 - $900 266

88

267 Yellowlegs

SMITH CLINTON VERITY (1845-1920) SEAFORD, NY, C. 1890 11 3/4 in. long

An early Long Island sandpiper with shoebutton eyes, raised wings, and two stick holes on the underside. In working paint with gunning wear and a replaced bill.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$600 - $900

267

268 Early Root-Head Yellowlegs

THORNE RIG (ATTR.) JAMAICA BAY, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1850 13 in. long

This root-head bird was part of the historic Thorne rig. In old working repaint with gunning wear, including a chip at base of neck.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 96, pl.

79, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$600 - $900

268

269 Dowitcher

JOHN DILLEY QUOGUE, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1890 9 1/2 in. long

In original paint with gunning wear and shot scars.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Adele Earnest, The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings, New York, NY, 1965, p. 60, pl. 41 and 156, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$600 - $900 269

89

270

271

90

BENJAMIN SCHMIDT 1884-1968 | DETROIT, MI

272

270 Swimming Canada Goose

272 Hollow Canada Goose

A rare, hollow swimming decoy with tack eyes, carved bill detail, and a large inletted weight. Soper, a member of the U.S. Lifesaving Service, was known for carving long-necked geese in animated postures. In old working repaint with gunning wear, a neck and bill tip repair, and age lines.

This large hollow goose has “RODGERS PORT AUSTIN” impressed in the bottom board. Original paint with even gunning wear, a small tail chip repair, and tight age lines along left side.

SAMUEL SOPER (1863-1943) (ATTR.) BARNEGAT, NJ, C. 1900 30 3/4 in. long

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

BENJAMIN SCHMIDT (1884-1968) DETROIT, MI, C. 1930 24 in. long

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$2,500 - $3,500

$600 - $900

271 Feeding Swan

CAPT. BEN DYE (1821-1896) (ATTR.).

PERRYVILLE, MD, C. 1880 24 1/2 in. long

A solid-bodied decoy with tack eyes and traditional rigging.

“SY” is branded in the lower breast. In working paint with heavy gunning wear, repairs to neck, bill, and body checks.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$2,000 - $3,000

91

273 Canvasback Drake

ROBERT ELLISTON (1847-1925) BUREAU, IL, C. 1890 15 3/4 in. long

This exact decoy is illustrated in Mackey’s American Bird Decoys, where the author notes the rarity of this example and that “Robert Elliston’s work in original condition ranks with the best produced in the Midwest.” Original paint with heavy gunning wear, chips to tail, and cracks in breast.

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 181, pl.

146, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

273

$600 - $900

274 Bluebill Drake LACON, IL, C. 1890 12 1/4 in. long

A very hollow decoy with raised upper wing delineations originating from the Carriage House rig. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Carriage House Rig Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey, Hyannis, MA, Session I, 1973, lot 83, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$600 - $900 274

92

275 Mallard Drake

ROBERT ELLISTON (1847-1925) BUREAU, IL, C. 1890 17 1/4 in. long

The underside bears “THE ‘ELLISTON’ DECOY” lead weight. Original paint with gunning wear and a bill-tip repair.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$600 - $900

275

276 Mallard Drake

CHARLES WALKER (1873-1954) PRINCETON, IL, C. 1930 16 3/4 in. long

The underside retains the original slot weight and a stenciled “6” or “9.” Mix of original and taken down working paint with gunning wear, a tail chip, and touch-up to bill edges.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$400 - $600

276

93

277 Early Canvasback Drake DR. SALMON RIG MICHIGAN 15 3/4 in. long

An early, expertly-crafted, hollow decoy from the rig of Dr. James M. Salmon, who owned land and gunned on Long Point, Ontario.

He sold his land to the Long Point Company in 1866, retaining lifetime gunning privileges. In old working repaint with flaking and gunning wear.

Dr. James M. Salmon Rig Private Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Bernard “Barney” W. Crandell, Decoying St. Clair to the St. Lawrence, Erin, ON, 1988, p. 81, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$800 - $1,000

278 Hollow Canvasback Drake CAPT. ROBERT HEATH NEW BALTIMORE, MI, C. 1910 10 1/4 in. long

A hollow St. Clair Flats decoy with an alert posture. In old working repaint with gunning wear and a few age lines.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$400 - $600

279 Canvasback Drake

ZEKE MCDONALD (1844-1938) (ATTR.) MCDONALD ISLAND, MI, C. 1900 16 3/4 in. long

A hollow St. Clair Flats decoy with good form and a thin neck. In old working repaint with gunning wear.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$200 - $300

280 High-Head Canvasback Drake ST. CLAIR FLATS, C. 1920 16 1/2 in. long

A rigmate to this canvasback is illustrated on the inside covers and pages 7-8 of Clune Walsh and Lowell Jackson’s book of Michigan decoys. They referred to these decoys as “snakey head...restless, nervous, and very wild.” A collector’s notation on the bottom of the decoy refers to the decoy as a “Long Neck Can,” found on Harsens Island. In old working repaint with gunning wear.

PROVENANCE: LITERATURE:

94

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

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, rigmate illustrated.

Gene and Linda Kangas, Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations, Concord, OH, 2011, p. 158, rigmates illustrated.

Ronald Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p. 34, fig. 50, exact decoy illustrated.

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture, Cranbrook Academy of Art, January 27-February 22, 1987.

EXHIBITED:

$1,000 - $1,500

281 Low-Head Redhead

NATHANIEL “NATE” QUILLEN (1839-1908) ROCKWOOD, MI, C. 1885 13 in. long

The thin bottom board is branded “G.A.S.” and “T.E.R.” Old working paint with gunning wear, mostly taken down, and working tail chip repair.

Gus A. Schwartz Rig Phyllis Ellison Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Paul A. Johnsgard, The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form, Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 102, exact decoy illustrated.

Ronald Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p. 36, fig. 54 (center bird), exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture, Cranbrook Academy of Art, January 27-February 22, 1987.

EXHIBITED:

$1,000 - $1,500

282 Pintail Drake

GEORGE WARIN (1830-1905) TORONTO ISLAND, ONTARIO, CANADA, C. 1890 17 in. long

A rare and hollow pintail drake by one of Canada’s greatest makers. George Warin used his exceptional boatbuilding skills to carve decoys which set a regional standard. Original paint with heavy gunning wear, repairs to neck and tail tip, touch-up to white, and a replaced bottomboard.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald Swanson, “The Decoy as Folk Sculpture,” Cranbrook Academy of Art Exhibition Catalog, January 1987, p. 36, fig. 55 (bird on right), exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture, Cranbrook Academy of Art, January 27-February 22, 1987.

EXHIBITED:

$700 - $1,000

277

280

278

281

279

282

95

283 Hooded Merganser Hen NEW JERSEY, C. 1890 13 1/2 in. long

A hollow merganser hen with delicate carving and a long, thin crest. A label on the underside reads: “DELAWARE RIVER UNKNOWN HOODED MERGANSER HEN CA 1890 1980 VIRGINIA BEACH DISPLAY.” Original paint with gunning wear and age lines.

John Hillman Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

283

$500 - $800

284 Black Duck

JOHN ENGLISH (1848-1915) FLORENCE, NJ, C. 1880 16 3/4 in. long

A classic hollow Delaware River decoy by the region’s finest carver. In working repaint with heavy gunning wear, including a tail chip, flaking, and neck cracks.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$500 - $700

284

285 Pintail Drake

WILBUR R. CORWIN (1852-1914) (ATTR.) BELLPORT, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1875 19 in. long

An extremely hollow decoy with slightly turned head. Working repaint with gunning wear.

Way Way Yonder Gunning Club Rig, Babylon, New York Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Paul A. Johnsgard, The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form, Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 46, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

285

96

$300 - $500

286 Preening Mallard Hen MIKE VALLERO (1906-1992) SPRING VALLEY, IL, C. 1930 14 in. long

Taken down to bare wood, a short tight crack in the head.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$800 - $1,000

286

287 Redhead Drake

JOHN L. DORSETT (1830-1910) POINT PLEASANT, NJ, C. 1890 14 1/2 in. long

Overpaint has been taken down to mostly original, gunning wear, and a crack in neck.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$300 - $500

287

288 Red-Breasted Merganser MONTAUK, LONG ISLAND, C. 1900 17 in. long

The head is finished with a razor-sharp crest that starts at the top of the bill. The underside retains a 1980 Virginia Beach show exhibition label. Original paint with gunning wear, a replaced bill, and a chip to bottom of crest.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$200 - $300

288

97

289 High-Head Canvasback Drake JAMES A. “JIM” CURRIER (1886-1969) HAVRE DE GRACE, MD, C. 1930 16 1/2 in. long

The distinctive carving of the head and bill make this high head decoy stand out from most Upper Bay decoys. Swanson refers to this carving as the “1st good decoy I ever bought.” Original paint with gunning wear down to wood, chips to bill, and a few age lines mostly on bottom.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$300 - $500 289

290 Canvasback Drake

JOHN “DADDY” HOLLY (1819-1892) HAVRE DE GRACE, MD, C. 1880 15 1/2 in. long

A classic Upper Bay decoy by one of the region’s originators. Original paint with gunning wear and one-third bill tip restoration.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$1,000 - $1,500

290

291 Canvasback Wooden Wing Duck CHARLES N. BARNARD (1876-1958) HAVRE DE GRACE, MD, C. 1910 13 1/2 in. long

Original paint with working white paint and a neck crack.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$400 - $600

291

98

292 Early Redhead Drake

CAPT. BENJAMIN F. DYE (1832-1896) PERRYVILLE, MD, C. 1880 12 3/4 in. long

This early Upper Bay decoy bears the Mackey Collection ink stamp. He illustrated this decoy in his book, noting, “stylized paint patterns such as this were seldom used after 1900 on Chesapeake Bay waters.” In old repaint with heavy gunning wear and a neck crack.

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 145, pl.

122, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

292

$600 - $900

293 Iron Wing Duck

WILLIAM HEVERIN (1860-1951) CHARLESTOWN, MD, C. 1920 15 3/4 in. long

A cast-iron canvasback wing duck decoy. As found.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$400 - $600

293

294 Canvasback

WALLY ALGARD (1883-1959) CHARLESTOWN, MD, C. 1920 15 in. long

A high-head canvasback with “O F” branded on the underside. In-use repaint with gunning wear and a neck crack.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$200 - $300

294

99

295 Five European Decoys EARLY 20TH CENTURY 18 1/2 in. long

Two lapwings, one pigeon, a common greenshank, and an Italian curlew or “Chiurlo Maggiore.” The curlew is by Christo Earnest, of Burano, Italy, c. 1900.

The rig was found on an island near Venice

by Joseph B. French. The Italians who used this decoy guided Earnest Hemingway (1899-1961), who likely shot over it. As found.

Joseph B. French Collection (Italian decoys) Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

295.1

Joseph B. French, “A Collector Tours Europe,” Decoy Collector’s Guide, JulySept 1965, p. 7, rigmates illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $3,000

295.2

296 Curlew

NEW JERSEY, C. 1890 15 1/2 in. long

This flattie decoy with nice lines is marked with painted letters “WAY.” on the underside. Original paint with gunning wear, a replaced bill, and a ding to right wing.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$500 - $800

296

100

297 Yellowlegs

CHARLES S. CLARK (1869-1947) CHINCOTEAGUE, VA, C. 1890 10 in. long

Old working repaint with minor wear.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$500 - $800

297

298 Two Shorebirds VIRGINIA, C. 1880 10 in. long

A black-bellied plover and a yellowlegs, both with a slightly raised ridge along back and raised wing tips. As found.

Sam Dyke Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

$500 - $800

298

299 Pectoral Sandpiper AMITYVILLE, NY, C. 1880 9 in. long

Exhibits carved eyes and raised wings. In old paint with gunning wear and a broken bill.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$400 - $600

299

101

300 Canvasback Drake

GEORGE WASHINGTON BARNES (1862-1915) CHARLESTOWN, MD, C. 1900 14 1/2 in. long

A stylish Upper Bay canvasback with sharp lines. Original paint with gunning wear and an age line in bill.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$300 - $500 300

301 Four Canvasback Drakes UPPER BAY, MD, C. 1900 15 1/4 in. long

A decoy by Dick Howlett, pictured in Mackey’s book American Bird Decoys. A decoy by Joseph Coudon and two others. As found in repaint.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1965, p. 144, pl. 121, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

301

$400 - $600

302 Three Decoys

MID TO LATE 20TH CENTURY 23 1/2 in. long

A cork-and-wood black duck, a Canada goose by Madison Mitchell, and a green-winged teal drake with a teardrop weight. As found.

PROVENANCE:

302

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$150 - $250

303 Canvasback Pair

R. MADISON MITCHELL (1901-1993) HAVRE DE GRACE, MD, C. 1930 15 in. long

Original paint with gunning wear and age lines.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$200 - $300 303

304 Owl Carving

RONALD S. SWANSON 5 1/2 IN. TALL

The owl is carved from a single piece of hardwood with an attached metal beak. The underside is stamped “R S S” for Ronald S. Swanson.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$200 - $300

305 Lot of Twelve Decoys (not pictured) As found.

304 102

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

CHARLES E. “SHANG” WHEELER 1872-1949 | STRATFORD, CT

306

306 Atlantic Salmon Model

CHARLES E. “SHANG” WHEELER (1872-1949) STRATFORD, CT, 1927 plaque is 17 by 52 in. inscribed on plaque “Length 42 in. Weight 36 lbs. Caught by J. H. Roraback, Grand Cascapedia, P.Q. June 8th, 1927”

“To those who think of Wheeler primarily as a carver of wildfowl, it will come as a surprise to learn that his decoys are equaled, if not surpassed, by his carved fish. If anything, the fish are more natural and lifelike than the birds, perhaps because fish offer less variety of form and color and therefore are easier to replicate. Wheeler’s carved fish are generally unknown because there are so few of them and all are in private hands.”

-Dixon M. Merkt, author, Shang A model of a thirty-six-pound, forty-two-inch-long, henfish caught by J. Henry Roraback on the Grand Cascapedia over the course of a two-weeklong fishing trip with Senator Fred Wolcott and George Quinion. A trip of a lifetime, Shang, in one day, netted six salmon averaging thirty pounds each.

In Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, author Ron Swanson refers to this model as the “pride & joy” of his collection “because of the great decoy connection, its rarity and the fact that it comes from the Author’s favorite salmon river - the Grand Cascapedia.”

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 190, fig. 328, exact fish illustrated.

Ronald S. Swanson, Grand Cascapedia Giants, Far Hills, NJ, 2005, p. 92, exact fish illustrated.

Dixon MacD. Merkt, Shang, Spanish Fork, UT, 1984.

LITERATURE:

$20,000 - $30,000

Closely linked to lot 306, this important hanging Wheeler salmon model was fashioned after a fish caught on the same excursion. Attesting to Wheeler’s dominance in this category, it sold for six figures and is believed to be the most expensive fish model ever sold.

103

JOHN TULLY AND DHUIE TULLY 1862-1931 AND 1862-1950 | FOCHABERS, SCOTLAND

307

307 Trophy Atlantic Salmon Model

JOHN TULLY (1862-1931) AND DHUIE TULLY (1862-1950) FOCHABERS, SCOTLAND 48 1/2 in. long

According to Swanson, “This Tully model from Gordon’s Castle’s famous ‘Smoking Room’ is a copy of the Spey’s 53 lb. record caught by W. G. Craven in October 1897.”

John Tully learned his trade by apprenticing for the master fish carver John B. Russell (1819-1893), one of the founding fathers of trophy fish carving. In the 1870s, Russell had a studio in Fochabers, a village on the east bank of the river Spey. He carved and painted life-size models of trophy salmon until his death in 1893. Tully married Russell’s daughter, Isabella “Dhuie” (1862-1950), and it was Dhuie

104

that painted nearly all of her husband John’s carvings. John, the carver, and Dhuie, the painter, were one of the finest artisan duos to have ever worked in the carved and painted wood tradition.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Record Atlantic Salmon, Far Hills, NJ, 2008, p. 108, fig. 118, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$4,000 - $5,000

JOHN BUCKNELL RUSSELL

1820-1893 | FOCHABERS, SCOTLAND

308

308 Atlantic Salmon Model

JOHN BUCKNELL RUSSELL (1820-1893) FOCHABERS, SCOTLAND, C. 1888 44 in. long

A model of a forty-pound fish caught by Lord Leconfield on the river Spey, October 6, 1888. This model depicts a bright fish, fresh in from the sea. Swanson chose this exact carving for the cover of the slipcase of Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies.

Lord Leconfield, hung in the “Smoking Room” of Gordon Castle, Fochabers, Scotland Gordon Arms Inn Ronald S. Swanson Collection, purchased from the owners of the above in 1988 while on a fishing trip on the Spey PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, title page, cover of slipcase, and p. 144, figs. 233 and 234, exact fish illustrated.

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models: An Exhibition, Manchester, Vermont, 1992-1993, p. 1, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$8,000 - $12,000

105

STEPHEN R. SMITH B. 1942 | JAMESTOWN, NY

309

310

309 Atlantic Salmon Model

310 Sea Trout Model

A forty-four-inch, carved and painted Atlantic salmon model mounted to an oak backboard with an inset fly behind a glass cover. The reverse of the board has an attached photograph of a beached canoe and the salmon.

A twenty-nine-and-three-quarter-inch, carved and painted model of a sea trout mounted to an oak plaque.

STEPHEN R. SMITH (B. 1942) JAMESTOWN, NY, 1991 plaque is 20 by 50 in. inscribed on plaque “34 Lbs Akergierdet Pool, Alta, 23rd July, 1991, R.S.S.”

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$3,000 - $4,000

106

STEPHEN R. SMITH (B. 1942) JAMESTOWN, NY, 1989 plaque is 13 by 37 in. lower plaque with carved inscription “Sea Trout 11 3/4 lbs, Rock Pool, Laerdal River, Eskornbo 29th June 1989, R.S.S.”

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$2,000 - $3,000

311 Two Scale-Model Fish Carvings

striped marlin is 20 in. long, plaque is 5 3/4 by 9 3/4 in. dolphin is 13 1/2 in. long, plaque is 5 3/4 by 9 3/4 in.

311.1

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 105, fig. 163 and 164, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$400 - $600

311.2

312 Bluefin Tuna Model

1938 16 in. long, plaque is 9 in. long inscribed “405 LB Tuna Killed by Colonel L. Sadler of London England in 12 Minutes, Wedgeport, Nova Scotia, Sept. 11th 1938”

A scale model of a 405-pound bluefin that was caught off Wedgeport, Nova Scotia, by Col. L. Sadler of London and landed in just twelve minutes.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

312

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 53, fig. 70, exact fish illustrated.

Ron Swanson, Classic Angling, January 2002, p. 17, exact fish illustrated.

Ronald S. Swanson, “Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies,” Decoy Magazine, July/August 1996, p. 12, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$400 - $600

313 Striped Bass Model

CHET ELDRED CAPE COD, MA, 1925 22 in. long inscribed on the back, “Made by Chet Eldred, Silversmith at Pairpoint about 1925”

A wood-carved and painted striped bass with attached fins and tail.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 90, fig. 135, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

313

$400 - $600 107

314

314 Atlantic Salmon Effigy

DHUIE TULLY (1862-1950) FOCHABERS, SCOTLAND, 1927 gouache on brown paper, 20 by 55 in. label reads “43 lbs. 48 in. length 27 in. Sandiagoski 4/0 Baron”

This forty-three-pound salmon was caught on the Alta River in Norway in 1927 by Sir North Dalrymple-Hamilton, according to Swanson, “one of the greatest Scottish anglers to ever cast a fly.”

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 24, fig. 14, p. 231, fig. 366, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

315

$4,000 - $6,000

315 Thomas Brayshaw (1886-1967)

KAMLOOPS TROUT, 1949 signed “TB” lower right colored pencil and ink, 3 1/2 by 8 1/2 in. inscribed “To: Lee Richardson wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year. from Tommy Brayshaw and Becky. Hope B.C. Canada.”

Thomas Brayshaw was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1886.

He fished the river Ribble as a boy, made it to the famous river Aln and river Coquet near Alnwick, and moved to British Columbia in 1911 at the age of twenty-five. The University of British Columbia notes, “He was a well-known sport fisherman and devoted most of his adult life to catching, studying and drawing of fish...Brayshaw achieved recognition for his wooden fish carvings. He spent his retirement in Hope, B.C. after growing fruit in the Okanagan [Vernon, BC] between the wars.” He also taught math at the local preparatory school.

Upon retirement, Brayshaw and his wife came to live in a house they called “Stackhouse” in Hope, near the Fraser and Coquihalla Rivers in British Columbia. A selection of his works can be found in the Greater Vernon Museum and Archives, Vernon, British Columbia. His papers reside in the Library of the University of British Columbia, Special Collections Division.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, p. 177, fig. 305, illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$200 - $400

316 Brown Trout (priest)

THOMAS BRAYSHAW (1886-1966) VERNON, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA, C. 1940 7 in. long

A small full-bodied fish carving, these small “priest” fish were made by Brayshaw to give the “last rites” to a fish.

Blair Ledingham Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

316

$1,000 - $1,200 108

317 Carved Salmon Model

OLA GARLAUS NORWAY, C. 1912 42 in. long inscribed in pencil on the reverse, “Est 38#” tag on the back inscribed, “Ola Garlhaus XXXIII Atlantic Salmon, Bjora River, N’way, Ca. 1912.”

Ronald S. Swanson Collection Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 38, fig. 41, exact fish illustrated.

PROVENANCE:

317

$1,000 - $2,000

318

318 Arching Landlocked Salmon plaque is 15 by 35 in.

A cast metal and painted model depicting an arching twenty-eight-inch salmon mounted to an oval plaque.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$1,000 - $1,500

319 Salmon Model

WARREN GILKER (1922-1998) GASPÉ PENINSULA, QUEBEC, 1992 36 in. long incised on back “W. Gilker 1992” inscribed on back “16# Little Jonathan Pool Grand Cascapedia River, Que, Middle Camp, August 14, 1992, Ron. S. S. Green Butt Bomber (L) 13# Tippet, 14’ HB2, SEB 150, Great Fish!” photographs of the catch are attached to the back

Warren Gilker was a fourth-generation blacksmith and camp manager on the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec. He made unpainted half-models of prize salmon as well as fish model weathervanes.

319

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 46, fig. 57, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$300 - $500 109

320 Two Brook Trout Models

MARVIN “MACE” MASON TOWER, MI, 1989 fish is 14 1/2 in. long, plaque is 9 3/4 by 22 in. inscribed on plaque “Brook Trout Salvelinus Fontinalis 6-1-84 1 1/2 Lbs, R.S.S. Black River.”

In his book, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Swanson discusses this carving: “The Author caught this very nice 14.5” Brook trout, a henfish, in the Black River in June 1986. Mace Mason, known for his fine fish decoys, made this model of it three years later.”

NATHAN MEYER BATH, NY, C. 1980 fish is 17 in. long, plaque is 8 by 21 3/4 in.

PROVENANCE:

320.1

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 116, fig. 186, and p. 121, fig 195, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$300 - $500

320.2

321 C.E. Hutchins

HANGING BROOK TROUT signed “C.E. Hutchins” lower left oil on board, 6 3/4 by 18 in.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 71, fig. 99, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$400 - $600

321

322 Brook Trout

LEE WHITE QUEBEC, CANADA, 1939 signed on the back of the plaque painting on backside of birch bark, 12 by 23 1/4 in. fish is 19 1/2 in. long

According to Swanson, “The 3.375 lb. fish was caught in 1939 in Lac Lavoie in Laurentide Park by Ralph Keeler.”

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 57, fig. 77, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$300 - $500 110

322

323 Brook Trout

GEORGE GILLETT ENGLAND AND PAWTUCKET, RI plaque is 8 by 18 1/2 in.

A fourteen-inch, wood-carved and painted brook trout mounted on a half-circle plaque.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 95, fig. 144, exact fish illustrated.

Ronald S. Swanson, “Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies,” Decoy Magazine, July/August 1996, cover and p. 13, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

323

$500 - $700

324 Brook Trout

LAWRENCE C. IRVINE (1918-1998) WINTHROP, ME plaque is 11 1/2 by 28 in.

A nineteen-inch, wood-carved and painted brook trout on an oval plaque. A model of a fish caught in Mooselook Lake in June 1968.

PROVENANCE:

324

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 81, fig.

119, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$600 - $900

325 Two Brook Trout Carvings

fish is 11 1/2 in. long, plaque is 3 1/4 by 14 1/4 in.

A brook trout carving mounted to an oval backboard, dated 1931 on the front. According to Swanson, “In 1936 this Brook Trout was given as a Christmas gift to Mr. Backhouse from H.D. Babcock.”

325.1

A ten-and-one-half-inch-long jumping brook trout by Ed Towns of Maine. The maker’s initials, “EST,” are signed on the back in the vermiculation of the trout’s scales.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 69, fig. 95, and p. 73, fig.

102, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

325.2

$600 - $900 111

326

327

326 Atlantic Salmon Model

HELLUM BROTHERS NORWAY, C. 1950 plaque is 15 by 46 in. brass plaque inscribed, “Atlantic Salmon, Peter Kreindler, Slinger Pool, Alta River Norway, July 19, 1967, Weight 28 Lbs, Rod - 12 Foot Abu Garcia, Fly - Green Highlander.”

A forty-three-and-one-half-inch model of an Atlantic salmon mounted on a rectangular backboard. According to Swanson, “The original model was made of a 44 lb. salmon caught on the Alta by General O’Boyle. The General apparently never got his model, but Pete Kreindler, of “21 Club” fame in New York City, did and the General’s model was used to represent a 28-pounder Pete Kreindler caught in 1967.”

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 40, fig. 45, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $3,000

112

327 Early Atlantic Salmon Model

1900 plaque is 19 by 51 in. inscribed on plaque “Weight 34 Lbs, Killed at Careysville, June 22, 1900

by Hon’ble G. Ormsby Gore.” tag on the reverse reads “LXII G. Ormsby Gore.” printed “C. Farlow + Co Fishing Rod Manufacturers, 191 Strand London.” on the reverse of the panel

A forty-four-inch, carved and painted model mounted to a backboard.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$5,000 - $7,000

328

329

328 Brown Trout Model

PETER DUNCAN MALLOCH (1853-1921) PERTH, SCOTLAND, 1901 plaque is 13 by 30 in. inscribed “Aug 1901, Loch Ken, 1901, 7lbs.” inscribed on a tag on the reverse “P.D. Mallock 7# Trout Loch Ken Scotland.”

A wood-carved and hand-painted brown trout measuring twenty-four and one-half inches long.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 232, fig. 367, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$3,000 - $5,000

329 Brown Trout Model

HARRY ASHFORD plaque is 12 by 25 in. inscribed on the backboard “Windermere, 16th May, 1907. 3 lbs 5 oz.

H.H.N.” inset Hardy Brothers (Alnwick) Ltd Manufactory tag

A twenty-two-inch-long salmon carving mounted to a backboard. According to Swanson, “Harry Ashford of London became the 1st formal Early Hardy fish model artist.

This 1907 Brown trout from the Lake District of England is the earliest known marked Hardy.”

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 158, fig. 264, exact fish illustrated.

Ronald S. Swanson, “Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies,” Decoy Magazine, July/August 1996, p. 8, exact fish illustrated.

Ron Swanson, “Carved Fish, English Makers,” Classic Angling, February 2001, p. 8, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $3,000

113

330 Atlantic Salmon Model

JOHN GRYTOS SIRA NORWAY, 1885 42 in. long inscribed on back “31 lb Killed at Syltebo Eridsfjord July 31st 1883 by Augustus B. Foster”

According to Swanson, this model was made in 1885 by Eira River fishing guide, John Grytos Sira. The thirty-one-pound fish was caught on a “dust mop” fly by Augustus B. Foster.

PROVENANCE: LITERATURE:

330

Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 37, figs. 38, 39, exact fish illustrated.

Ron Swanson, “Carved Fish, Norwegian and Canadian Makers,” Classic Angling, April 2001, pp. 18-19, exact fish illustrated.

Ronald S. Swanson, “Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies,” Decoy Magazine, July/August 1996, p. 17 exact fish illustrated.

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far

$1,000 - $2,000

331 Plaster Salmon Head

1960 11 by 15 in. plaque is inscribed, “Killed by Mrs. Anne Wise on the Findhorn 12th July 1962. Weigh 42 Lbs, Length 48 1/2 Ins, Girth 24 Ins.”

A cast-plaster relief of a salmon head mounted to an oak backboard. According to Swanson, “It’s an excellent way to display how savage-looking males can get.”

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 26, fig. 19, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

331

$300 - $500

332 Atlantic Salmon Effigy

GASPÉ PENINSULA, QUEBEC, 1899 ink on paper, 16 3/4 by 49 1/4 in. inscribed “St. Johns River Salmo Salar, Taken at Curtis’ Pool July 21, 1899, By W.A. Macleod, Esq. Weight: 37 1/2 LBS., Length: 45 1/2 INS., Girth: 24 INS., Height: 10 INS.” PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Ronald S. Swanson, Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, Far Hills, NJ, 2009, p. 49, fig. 62, exact fish illustrated.

LITERATURE:

332

$400 - $600

333 Four Framed Salmon Flyboxes

flies are each 3 1/4 by 4 in. inscribed “Otto VonKembush’s Flies from his fly box” on back PROVENANCE:

333

114

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$200 - $300

334

334 Brook Trout Decoy C. 1980 14 1/2 in. long

A well-executed, weighted fish decoy.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$200 - $300

335

337

336

338

336 Lot of Nine Fish Decoys 3 3/4 to 6 1/2 in. long

A collection of small fish carvings.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

337 Lot of Eight Fish Decoys 2 to 5 1/2 in. long

335 Catfish Decoy

ALEXANDER YOCK MELDRUM (1887-1971) MT. CLEMENS, MI, C. 1950 8 1/2 in. long

Ice fishing decoy with a moveable tail.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$300 - $500

A collection of small and miniature fish carvings.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

338 Lot of Nine Fish Decoys 4 to 16 in. long

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

115

ROBERT G. KERR B. 1935 | SMITH FALLS, ON

339 Gull

ROBERT G. KERR (B. 1935) SMITH FALLS, ON, CANADA, C. 1965 21 in. long

This rare Kerr gull features excellent bill, raised-wing, and paddle-tail carving. The paint is nicely blended by the awardwinning maker. Signed “Bob Kerr, Smiths Falls, Ont.” on the bottom. Original paint with minor wear.

Walter White Collection Private Collection PROVENANCE:

$1,000 - $1,500

339

340 Two Gray Partridge 11 in. long

One is carved by Robert G. Kerr (b. 1935) of Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada, and signed on the bottom of the base. The other by Leo McIntosh and is signed “L. McIntosh, ‘92” on the top of the base. Original paint with minimal wear.

John C. Marsellus, founding member and longtime trustee of Ducks Unlimited Private Collection, by descent from the above PROVENANCE:

$300 - $500

340

116

341 Black Duck

WILLIAM CLARKE TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, C. 1940 16 in. long

The maker lived in the Ashbridge’s Bay area of Toronto. It exhibits scratch-painted feathers, a well-sculpted bill, and a thin paddle tail. Original paint with light gunning wear and an age line at body seam.

Donald M. Greenwood Collection $400 - $600

342 Black Duck

C. WILLIAM CHRYSLER (1870-1940) BELLEVILLE, ON, CANADA, C. 1910 17 1/4 in. long

341

Chrysler birds have unmistakable angular contours with scratch feathering to the entire body. Original paint with some flaking, gunning wear, and age lines.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood

Collection Bernie Gates, Ontario Decoys II, Kingston, ON, 1986, p. 123, similar decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$300 - $500

343 Two Teal

WILLIAM “BILLY” ELLIS (1865-1963) WHITBY, ONTARIO, CANADA, C. 1930 13 and 12 1/4 in. long

342

The blue-winged drake has “48 O” stamped on the bottom. Original paint with minor wear.

John C. Marsellus, founding member and longtime trustee of Ducks Unlimited Private Collection, by descent from the above PROVENANCE:

$400 - $600

343

117

344

346

345

347

344 Red-Breasted Merganser Drake

346 Merganser

A solid-bodied decoy with painted eyes, a carved crest, a pleasing patina, and a small circular inletted weight.

Stamped on bottom with “MR 14,” “SGH,” and branded “KANGAS.” Original paint with even gunning wear, a tight bill crack, and a chip to underside of crest.

A decoy with an oversize body and a Mackey Collection stamp on the underside. In original paint with gunning wear, touch-up to head and old neck repair, chips to tail, and a filled bottom crack.

NEW JERSEY, C. 1900 15 1/2 in. long

Somers G. Headley Collection Gene and Linda Kangas Collection Richard Gove Collection Private Collection PROVENANCE:

Gene and Linda Kangas, Decoys: A North American Survey, Spanish Fork, UT, 1983, p. 50, pl. 83, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$1,200 - $1,800

345 Black Duck

LEVI RHODES TRUEX (1860-1934) ATLANTIC CITY, NJ, C. 1910 16 1/2 in. long

In working repaint with gunning wear and a crack in neck. $300 - $400 118

NEW JERSEY, C. 1890 20 1/4 in. long

William J. Mackey Jr., Collection Private Collection PROVENANCE:

Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey, Boston, MA, Session IV, 1973, lot 83, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$600 - $900

347 Pintail Hen

NEW JERSEY, C. 1900 15 1/2 in. long

A rare pintail with nice lines. Old paint with gunning wear. $600 - $900

HARRY V. SHOURDS 1861-1920 | TUCKERTON, NJ

348

348 Swimming Canada Goose HARRY V. SHOURDS (1861-1920) TUCKERTON, NJ, C. 1890 27 in. long

The Shourds produced hollow ship-like decoys of the finest quality. This Harry V. Shourds goose is nearly identical in form to the famous goose formerly in the John H. Hillman Collection and more recently the Paul Tudor Jones II Collection.

Very few of these swimmers survived in any condition, making this elegant goose a true rarity. Mix of working paint with professional touch-up, including area around reset neck.

PROVENANCE:

Somers G. Headley Collection

$3,000 - $5,000

119

349 Pintail Drake

JOHN W. MCLOUGHLIN (1911-1985) BORDENTOWN, NJ, C. 1940 16 in. long

Signed on the bottom by the maker. “D S C” is stamped in the bottom. Original paint with minor gunning wear.

David S. Campbell Collection Private Collection PROVENANCE:

Kenneth L. Gosner, Working Decoys of the Jersey Coast and Delaware Valley, Cranbury, NJ, 1985, color pl. 24, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$1,000 - $1,500

349

350 Early Merganser

ROGER WILLIAMS (1770-1840) LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, C. 1790 16 1/4 in. long

A very early swimming decoy with a root head and “5 Ryder” is painted on the bottom. Old working paint with gunning wear. $1,000 - $1,500

350

120

351 Black-Bellied Plover

ANDREW “GRUBIE” VERITY (1881-1976) SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1910 10 1/2 in. long

A classic Long Island shorebird design with an arching head and raised wings, this boldly carved decoy displays “Grubie’s” best form. Mix of original and working paint with areas of touch-up, and a replaced bill.

Timothy Sieger, The Decoys of Long Island, Water Mills, NY, 2010, p. 44, related example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,500 - $4,500

351

352 Black-Bellied Plover

VERITY FAMILY SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1890 9 in. long

A high-head plover with strong stippling and carved S-curve wings and incised eyes. This exact bird was offered as one of the top shorebird decoy lots in the April 2008 Guyette and Schmidt decoy auction.

Original paint with even gunning wear, working repaint to white and black areas, and an age line in head.

Guyette and Schmidt, North American Decoys at Auction, April 24 & 25, 2008, St. Michaels, MD, 2008, p. 117, lot 516, exact decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$4,000 - $6,000

352

121

353 Goldeneye MAINE, C. 1900 17 in. long

A boldly carved Maine hunting decoy with an inletted head. The simple, clean lines of this bird were fashioned by a confident and skilled maker who captured the essence of the “whistler.� Original paint with even wear, an age line in bill, touch-up to a spot on back, and some barn red paint spatter mostly to right side.

PROVENANCE:

A private folk art collector,

Colorado Frank Maresca and Roger Ricco, American Vernacular, Boston, MA, 2002, p.

41, related example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

353

$2,500 - $3,500

354 Preening Eider Hen PHINEAS ALEXANDER SMALL POINT, ME, C. 1890 17 in. long

A preening decoy with an inletted head and carved bill detail. The work of this hen closely matches lot 251. Original and working paint with gunning wear. $400 - $600

354

122

355 Goldeneye Hen

ALLEN P. STUART (1866-1942) EDGARTOWN, MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA, C. 1910 15 in. long

.

An excellent representation of the species in a swimming posture, this Vineyard sculpture features crisp clean lines. Original paint with gunning wear, one-quarter bill tip restoration, touch-up to neck seam, and a small tail tip repair.

Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC, The Donal C. O’Brien, Jr. Collection of Important Sporting Art and Decoys, Sessions I –II, Plymouth, MA, July 27, 2017, lot 51, related example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $3,000

355

356 Goldeneye

MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA, C. 1900

This decoy displays characteristics of Vineyard carver William E. Dugan, most notably the flat crown of the head and the chine of the cheek. It is an exceptional example of a Vineyard goldeneye decoy with an inset, poured, circular lead weight and a cork plug in the underside. The cresting back has an excellent swooping feather pattern. Original paint with even gunning wear.

PROVENANCE:

A private folk art collector,

Colorado Stanley Murphy, Martha’s Vineyard Decoys, Boston, MA, 1978, pp.

61-68.

LITERATURE:

356

$2,500 - $3,500

123

A. ELMER CROWELL 1862-1952 | EAST HARWICH, MA

357 Goldeneye Drake

A. ELMER CROWELL (1862-1952) EAST HARWICH, MA, C. 1930 16 in. long

A full-bodied decoy with a slightly turned head, the maker’s oval brand, and an “ELC” brand. Original paint with gunning wear and some touch-up to the sides and neck seam.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood

Collection John and Shirley Delph, New England Decoys, Exton, PA, 1980, p. 142, similar decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $3,000

357

358 Tucked-Head Black Duck A. ELMER CROWELL (1862-1952) EAST HARWICH, MA, C. 1930 16 in. long

A rare Crowell tucked-head decoy with the maker’s rectangular stamp on the underside. Showing Crowell’s wet-on-wet feather paint, this resting gunning decoy is a departure from the carver’s standard upright straight-head pattern. Original paint with light gunning wear.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood

Collection John and Shirley Delph, New England Decoys, Exton, PA, 1980, p. 143, similar decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

358

124

$2.500 - $3,500

359

361

360

362

359 Black Duck

361 Canada Goose

A classic Crowell working decoy with a slightly turned head.

Original paint with even gunning wear.

In repaint with gunning wear and touch-up to line in neck.

A. ELMER CROWELL (1862-1952) EAST HARWICH, MA, C. 1930 17 in. long

John and Shirley Delph, New England Decoys, Exton, PA, 1990, p. 143, related decoy illustrated.

JOSEPH W. LINCOLN (1859-1938) ACCORD, MA, C. 1900 24 1/4 in. long

$600 - $900

LITERATURE:

$1,400 - $1,800

360 Goldeneye Pair

DR. GEORGE ROSS STARR, JR. (1915-1985) DUXBURY, MA, 1953 14 in. long

Each bird is marked with the “Starr Decoys Duxbury Mass” oval brand, Starr wood duck stamp, and Starr fan stamp.

Original paint with flaking and wear.

362 Goldeneye Drake

WILLIE ROSS (1878-1954) CHEBEAGUE ISLAND, ME, C. 1920 16 in. long

A Downeast decoy with an inletted head, a wide body, and bold paint. Original black and early working white paint with gunning wear.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood Collection

$400 - $600

Dr. George Ross Starr, Jr. Collection Private Collection PROVENANCE:

$500 - $700

125

363 Early Black Duck

CHARLES E. “SHANG” WHEELER (1872-1949) STRATFORD, CT, C. 1925 18 in. long

Original paint with gunning wear, and an age line in the bill.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection,

Connecticut John and Shirley Delph, “New England Decoys,” Exton, PA, 1980, p. 69, similar decoy illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$1,500 - $2,000

363

364 Three Cork Black Ducks DAVID B. WARD (B. 1947) ESSEX, CT, C. 2000 16 in. long

Original paint with minimal wear.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection,

Connecticut $800 - $1,200

364

126

365

365 Sea Trout Model

JOHN TULLY (1862-1931) AND DHUIE TULLY (1862-1950) FOCHABERS, SCOTLAND, 1913 plaque is 10 1/2 by 32 in. stenciled on back from “C. Farlow & Co. Ltd., London.” inscribed on plaque “Weight 7 lbs. 4 ozs., Killed in Gardiners Pool, Isle of Benbecula, Sept. 20th 1913.”

A twenty-six-and-one-half-inch-long carving mounted on a rectangular board.

John Tully learned his trade by apprenticing for the master fish carver John B. Russell (1819-1893), one of the founding fathers of trophy fish carving. In the 1870s, Russell had a studio in Fochabers, a village on the east bank of the river Spey. He carved and painted life-size models of trophy salmon until his death in 1893. Tully married Russell’s

daughter, Isabella “Dhuie” (1862-1950), and it was Dhuie that painted nearly all of her husband John’s carvings. John, the carver, and Dhuie, the painter, were one of the finest artisan duos to have ever worked in the carved and painted wood tradition.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Midwest

$4,000 - $6,000

366 Bamboo Fly Rod

H. L. LEONARD (1869-1907) BANGOR, ME, 1898

Two wooden and brass capped tubes, one 10 1/2 in. and one 36 1/2 in. engraved “H. G. Campbell 1898,” below the cap. The 9 1/2 ft., 4 pc. rod has one 10 in. handle, two of each middle pieces and three tips all of which measure 35 1/2 in. long.

As found.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Midwest

$800 - $1,200

366

367 Two Rods and Two Reels

An Orvis Battenkill, 8 1⁄2 ft., 2 pc., 2 tips, 5 1⁄8 oz.

An Orvis Maurice Dennock, 6 1⁄2 ft., 2 pc., 1 tip.

A Hardy 3 3⁄4 in., The St. Aidan fly fishing reel A Hardy 4 1⁄2 in., The Longstone sea fishing reel

Two Orvis impregnated rods and two Hardy reels.

Both tubes missing top caps.

As found.

367

127

368 Rainbow Trout

LAWRENCE C. IRVINE (1918-1998) WINTHROP, ME, C. 1950 8 1/2 by 20 in.

A trophy fourteen-inch trout carving on a painted faux-birch-bark plaque. Signed on the back by the maker.

368

$1,000 - $1,500

369 Silver Salmon

LAWRENCE C. IRVINE (1918-1998) WINTHROP, ME, 1985 14 1/4 by 33 in.

A twenty-three-inch silver salmon, a rare trophy species by a New England carver, on a painted faux-birch-bark plaque.

Signed on the back by the maker with the location and date of the catch indicated “Haines, Alaska, Aug. 1985.”

369

$1,500 - $2,500

370 Eastern Brook Trout

LAWRENCE C. IRVINE (1918-1998) WINTHROP, ME, C. 1940 10 1/2 by 17 in.

A ten-inch trout on a painted and framed plaque. There is a small hand-tied fly hooked in the trout’s mouth. The framing of the plaque by the maker is rarely found. $1,000 - $1,500 370

371 Two Fish Carvings C. 1930 26 1/2 in long 371.1

A barracuda and possibly a bonito.

As found. $600 - $900 371.2

128

372

374

373

375

372 Bighorn Ram Bronze

374 Engraved Moose Antler

A bronze wildlife sculpture mounted on a marble base.

An antler with a carved state of Maine motif and edge leaves. Eight polished areas exhibit hand-colored pen and ink motifs. These motifs include geese in flight, moose in woods, a fish, a bear, shipbuilding, loading barrels aboard a ship, a Grand Banks fishing schooner, and a ship at sea.

Original surfaces with minor wear.

SIGNED AND DATED “ZEE 73” ON SIDE OF BASE BRONZE, 12 1/2 BY 13 BY 7 1/2 IN.

$1,000 - $1,500

373 Moose Relief Carving MAINE, 1948 16 in. long pencil inscribed “1948” on verso

C. 1890 33 1/2 IN. TALL

$1,000 - $1,500

Original finish with patina and wear. $600 - $900

375 Two Pairs of Snow Shoes

GEORGE OLIVER CAPRON (1865-1934) BOONVILLE, NY, C. 1920 33 1/2 and 25 1/2 in. long

Two early pairs both signed by the maker, one pair of traditional style shoes and one pair of bear-paw style. As found. $600 - $900

129

376 Copper Turkey Weathervane C. 1930 29 IN. TALL

As found. $1,500 - $2,500

377 William Mackarness

American Spaniel Club Bronze Relief, c. 1920 9 by 13 in., frame 10 3/4 by 14 7⁄8 in.

A bronze of two cocker spaniels flushing a woodcock.

Plaque is signed lower right. Commissioned by the American Spaniel Club, which was established in 1881 in Frankfort, Kentucky. $600 - $900

376

377

378 H. Kreg Harrison (b. 1963) The Breath of Life, 1995

signed “H. Kreg Harrison” lower left bronze, 16 3/4 by 10 3/4 in. edition 7 of 30

Kreg Harrison is a Utah-based sculptor who studied at Utah State University and derives his inspiration from “fly fishing, bird hunting, athletics, bird dogs, trout, upland game, waterfowl, horses, the human figure and landscape.” He is influenced by the work of Grant Speed (1930-2011), Jonathan Kenworthy (b. 1943), and Antoine-Louis Barye (1795-1875), and his works can be found in the National Bird Dog Museum in Tennessee, among other public and private collections across the country. $1,800 - $2,400

378

379 Red Deer Metal Relief, early 20th century

signed “Pflug” lower right metal, 10 1/4 by 14 1/4 in. marked with an encircled “HB” foundry mark and “Made In Germany”

$1,200 - $1,800

130

379

380 Raccoon Hunt Carving C. 1920 19 1/4 in. high

A carved wood folk art sculpture. The figures are carved wood. The dogs’ tails are leather and the lantern appears to be crafted from metal with a glass globe.

There are some holes in the base and one in the center of the tree, possibly to insert some natural foliage. As found.

380

$800 - $1,200

381 Two Cast Elephants 13 1/4 in. long

$300 - $500

382 Songbird with Cherry

JOSEPH ROMUALD BERNIER (1873-1952) BIDDEFORD, ME, C. 1920 8 1/4 in. long

“Bernier the Lumberman” was a lumberjack who was injured and turned to carving birds for a living. Original paint with craquelure and light wear.

381

$800 - $1,200

382

383 Shotshell Composition mixed media, 24 1/2 by 24 1/2 in.

383

“Handmade for British Sporting Arms Ltd.

by T.M.B. Designs Pershore, England” label on the back As found. $500 - $800

384 Rifle and Shotshell Composition mixed media, 25 1/2 by 25 1/2 in.

“Handmade for British Sporting Arms Ltd

by T.M.B. Designs Pershore, England” label on the back As found.

384

$500 - $800 131

Lots 385 - 420 are part of

The Davison B. Hawthorne Collection of Decoys, Paintings, and Folk Art Copley is honored to offer the final session of the Davison ​B. H ​ awthorne Collection of decoys, paintings, and folk art. Hawthorne brought a highly trained eye to his carving, collecting, and trading. His approach to these endeavors was informed by his early observations in Amityville, Long Island, where he was born in 1924. By the 1930s Hawthorne was firmly entrenched in the pursuit of hunting black ducks and broadbill that populated Long Island Sound in good numbers. He began carving by the late 1930s and continued carving over the next seven decades.

In 1959 Davison and the love of his life, Kay, moved to Salisbury, Maryland, and in 1962 they opened the doors of their antique shop, The Sandpiper. Davison constructed an artist studio in the back where he painted and carved decoys and decoratives. During this period Hawthorne befriended fellow carver and dealer Lloyd Tyler of Crisfield, Maryland. He bought dozens

By the mid-1960s Davison was active in competitive

of birds from Tyler over the years​,​including many great

carving, entering the Nationals in Babylon, New York​,​

Hudson and Ward decoys. Important early collectors

and the Internationals in Davenport, Iowa.

beat a path to the Hawthorne’s door.​​Kay and Davison’s

His contemporaries of this era included his good friend

list of friends and clients reads like a “who​‘s​who” in

Lem Ward, who presented Hawthorne with several

the early days of decoy collecting, including Joe French,

standout decoys over the course of their friendship.

Adele Earnest, Mort Hanson, Bill Mackey, Bill Purnell,

Other top carvers he competed with included Donal C.

Roy Bull, Norris Pratt, Phyllis Ellison, and George Starr.

O’Brien, Jr., Bob White, William Koelpin, Oliver Lawson, and Bill Schultz. Interestingly enough, however, it was Long Island Sound carver Lou Rathmell whose work he admired most.

A crack shot, Hawthorne was an avid upland hunter who raised and trained Brittany spaniels. He hunted wild quail, grouse​,​and woodcock, and took numerous trips to Europe in pursuit of woodcock and pheasant.

132

FRANKLIN PIERCE WRIGHT 1854-1939 | WEST BARNSTABLE, MA

385

385 Swimming Merganser Hen

FRANKLIN PIERCE WRIGHT (1854-1939) WEST BARNSTABLE, MA, C. 1890 19 in. long

“Franklin Pierce Wright, the son of sea captain Zenas Weeks and Sarah Handy Wright, grew up in the village of Sandwich on Cape Cod: he was one of four boys. As a young man he worked on the railroad out of his hometown, but by the time he was married in 1885 (his new bride was Dulcina “Elsie” Crocker) he had moved north across the Cape to West Barnstable. This was very likely because it abutted the Barnstable Great Marsh. He was a seasonal market gunner and the marsh provided a wealth of waterfowl and shorebird habitat.” -Gwladys Hopkins, Massachusetts Masterpieces

Finding Wright decoys with their original heads, bills, and tails intact is nearly impossible. This merganser displaying a racy attitude with pronounced raised wing carving is one of the maker’s best examples.

Discussing a rigmate in Massachusetts Masterpieces: The Decoy as Art, Hopkins writes, “Only three, perhaps four, other decoys are known by this maker. One is the snakiest, raciest merganser ever found.”

LITERATURE:

In 1980 Hawthorne loaned this decoy to the Ward Museum where it was exhibited for several decades. It bears the museum’s oval inventory sticker on the underside. In old paint with gunning wear and age lines.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

Gwladys Hopkins, Massachusetts Masterpieces: The Decoy as Art, Lincoln, MA, 2016, p. 85, rigmate illustrated. $5,000 - $8,000

133

386

386 Important Golden Plover Pair

THE SEABURY BROTHERS LAFAYETTE (1823-1910) AND ICHABOD (1821-1907) BRIDGEHAMPTON, NEW YORK, C. 1855 11 1/2 in. long

“These two brothers were both carpenters and bayman who lived in Bridgehampton, Long Island. They designed and built many structures around their local, town including the Hendrickson (Tiffany) house on Lumber Lane (1863) and the Bridgehampton Academy (1859). They carved shorebird decoys for their own use together until 1873, when Ichabod moved to Connecticut. It was during this time that Lafayette purchased the family farm on Job’s Lane, moved there and ran the Beebee windmill from 1872 to 1880. It is believed that Lafayette continued to carve shorebird decoys but they were smaller in style than the original decoys that the brothers carved together.” - Tim Sieger, The Decoys of Long Island

Two of the earliest documented shorebird decoys by known makers from any region, this animated pair is remarkable for their age and condition, and represent the Seabury brothers’ earliest and best carving style.

The form exhibited on both birds is exceptional, with both birds displaying fully-rounded plump bodies with the head on one turned to the left and the other to the right. Original paint with even gunning wear, replaced bill on left-looking plover.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

Timothy Sieger, The Decoys of Long Island, Water Mills, NY, 2010, pp. 67 and 78, rigmates illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$3,000 - $5,000

387 Plover

DELANCEY NICHOL JAMACIA BAY, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1900 10 1/2 in. long

An animated plover with deep eye grooves, raised wing detail, and an upswept tail.

Original paint with gunning wear.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne

Collection 387

134

$1,200 - $1,800

388

389

388 Lesser Yellowlegs

389 Black-Bellied Plover

A reaching sandpiper with deeply incised S-curve wings. Old working paint with gunning wear.

One of at least two rigmate examples from the William H. Purnell Collection, this classic Verity has crisp raised-wing carving, the maker’s stippled paint, and a crisp “P” brand on the underside. A nail is embedded up from the stick hole through the back where feathers or a wing may have been attached. Original paint with even wear, gunning touch-up to breast, and traces of old white.

WILLIAM H. SOUTHARD (1874-1940) SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1890 10 in. long

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$1,000 - $1,500

OBEDIAH VERITY (1813-1901) SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1860 11 in. long

William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection Davison B. Hawthorne Collection PROVENANCE:

Guyette and Deeter, North American Decoys at Auction, April 2017, lot 178, rigmate illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$5,000 - $8,000

135

390 Pintail Drake

LLOYD J. TYLER (1898-1970) CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1940 20 1/4 in. long

A fine example by the maker with a R. H. Richardson Collection stamp on the bottom. Original paint with gunning wear, some touch-up to flaking on head, tight age cracks in the neck and breast, restoration to tail tip.

Robert H. Richardson Collection Davison B. Hawthorne Collection PROVENANCE:

Henry H. Stansbury, Lloyd J. Tyler: Folk Artist: Decoy Maker, Burtonsville, MD, 1995, p. 42, similar example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

390

$600 - $900

391 Canvasback Iron Wing Duck UPPER BAY, MD, C. 1890 14 in. long

As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$200 - $400

391

392 Three Duck-Head Bookends

THE WARD BROTHERS LEMUEL T. (1896-1983) AND STEPHEN (1895-1976) CRISFIELD, MD 8 1/4 IN. TALL

Three bookends by an unknown maker fitted with heads from Ward Brothers decoys. As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$200 - $300

392

136

393 One-Half-Size Flying Mallard IRA HUDSON (1873-1949) CHINCOTEAGUE, VA, C. 1940 10 in. long

A full-bodied flyer with deep eye grooves and a fluted tail. This carving hung in a prominent place on Hawthorne’s living room wall. Original paint with touch-up around reset wings.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$1,000 - $2,000

393

394 Half-Size Preening Mallard

THE WARD BROTHERS LEMUEL T. (1896-1983) AND STEPHEN (1895-1976) CRISFIELD, MD, 1964 8 3/4 in. long

A rare preening miniature by the Wards with crossed and raised wing tips. The underside is signed, dated, and labeled. Original paint with minor wear, minor restoration to wing tips.

Somers G. Headley Collection Davison B. Hawthorne Collection PROVENANCE:

$600 - $900 394

395 Challenge-Grade Black Duck MASON DECOY FACTORY (1896-1924) DETROIT, MI, C. 1915 17 in. long

Loaned and exhibited at the Ward Foundation in 1977. Original paint with gunning wear, a tail chip, rub to head, and a touch-up to crack in underside.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$300 - $500

395

137

396 Two Miniature Carved Fish PLAQUES 14 3/4 in. long

A marlin signed “D.B. Hawthorne” on the reverse and a carved and painted sailfish by an unknown carver mounted to an oval plaque. As found.

396.1

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne

Collection $300 - $500

396.2

397 Five Fish Plaques

LLOYD J. TYLER (1898-1970) CRISFIELD, MD, C. 1931 longest fish plaque 13 1/2 in.

397.1

The two striped-bass carvings are mounted on rectangular wooden plaques. The three sea-trout carvings are mounted on oval wooden plaques and are signed by the carver on the verso. As found.

PROVENANCE:

397.4

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

397.2

$1,000 - $2,000 397.5

397.3

398 Brook Trout Carving ED TOWNS MAINE, C. 1950 9 1/2 by 28 in.

A carved and painted, twenty-one-inchlong trout mounted to an oval beveled backboard. As found.

PROVENANCE:

398

Davison B. Hawthorne

Collection $400 - $600

138

399

401

400

402

399 Two Wigeon

401 Miniature Grouse Pair and Quail

Hollow decoys with carved primary and tail feathers. The preener is signed and dated on the underside by the maker.

Original paint with minimal wear.

Each is signed and dated on the bottom by the maker.

Original paint with minimal wear.

DAVISON B. HAWTHORNE (1924-2018) GREENWOOD, DE, 2004 12 1/2 in. long

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

DAVISON B. HAWTHORNE (1924-2018) SEAFORD, DE, C. 1985 4 3/4 IN. TALL

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$250 - $350

$400 - $600

402 Nine Miniature Ducks 400 Long-Billed Curlew

DAVISON B. HAWTHORNE (1924-2018) GREENWOOD, DE, C. 1990 18 in. long

A hollow Bunn-Bowman style curlew. Original paint with minimal wear.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$300 - $500

DAVISON B. HAWTHORNE (1924-2018) SEAFORD, DE, C. 2006 6 1/4 in. long

Nine carvings, including pairs of redhead, pintail, goldeneye, merganser, and a mallard hen. Each is mounted on a painted-water base and signed “D B Hawthorne.” Original paint with minimal wear, minor chip to tail of pintail drake.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$800 - $1,200

139

403 “Game Fine Cut” Ruffed Grouse Tobacco Tin JNO J. BAGLEY & CO., C. 1910 11 1/2 in. long, 7 IN. TALL

A general store advertising tin for cut plug tobacco measuring eleven-and-one-half by eight by seven inches.

The company was founded by John J. Bagley (18321881) and continued by his son John N. Bagley (18601929). The elder Bagley was also the sixteenth Governor of the state of Michigan. Although the company had presses to produce their own small lithographed tobacco tins, this larger special display model was produced by the American Can Co. The tin displays a pair of ruffed grouse, states that it contains forty-eight five-cent finecut plugs, and has a hinged lid. As found.

403

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$600 - $900

404 Pair of Quail Castings

HUBLEY MANUFACTURING COMPANY (1894-1965) LANCASTER, PA, C. 1930 7 1/2 IN. TALL

Each doorstop depicts a pair of quail standing on a branch in grass. Each has a stamped “Everett ‘34” for designer Fred Everett. Hubley model 459. Original paint with wear.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$400 - $600

404

405 English Setter Weathervane 1930 29 in. long, 18 IN. TALL

An English setter cut from sheet iron mounted to an arrow directional on a turned ball. As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne

Collection $600 - $900 140

405

406 Cast Bronze Relief Plaque of a Pointer POSSIBLY BY ALEXANDER POPE, JR. (1849-1924) 9 1/2 in. sq.

A plaque with central depiction of a pointer holding a woodcock in its mouth in a field of ferns, with a decorative rope-twist border. The casting is likely modeled after an Alexander Pope, Jr. (1849-1924) painting, and may in fact have been cast by the artist.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$200 - $300

406

407 Cast Setter and Pheasant JULES MOIGNIEZ (1835-1894) FRANCE, 1875 16 in. long, 12 IN. TALL

The late 19th century patinated cast spelter figure depicting an English setter with pheasant on a raised base. The front displays the sculptor’s name “J. Moigniez,” and the reverse base is stamped “France.”

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$300 - $500

407

408 Casting of a Setter and Pointer CHARLES VALTON (1851-1918) FRANCE, 1890 18 3/4 IN. TALL

A patinated spelter casting of two dogs playing on a natural base with rocks and grass, signed at the lower left “C.H.Valton,” the reverse with a French casting circular stamp “Fabrication Francaise, Paris.”

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$600 - $900

408

141

409 Sandpiper

OBEDIAH VERITY (1813-1901) SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1880 8 3/4 in. long

Traces of old paint worn mostly to the wood with gunning wear, age line on top of head.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$400 - $600

409

410 Rare Cork Dunlin

THOMAS GELSTON (1850-1924) QUOGUE, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1900 12 in. long

As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

410

411 Four Shorebirds, c. 1900 11 in. long

Three tin shorebirds by the Strater and Sohier Company of Boston, MA, (1874-1910) and one paper-mâché golden plover decoy by the Paine family of Eastham, Cape Cod, MA. As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$300 - $500

411

142

412 Two Carvings Depicting Raccoons and SQUIRRELS 1930’S 6 1/2 IN. TALL

One carving depicts two raccoons on a tree stump cornered by a hound. The other carving is of two squirrels, one perched on a tree stump. As found.

PROVENANCE:

412

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$300 - $500

413 Group of Three Painted Metal Dogs C. 1920 6 1/2 IN. TALL

A bronze cold-painted German shepherd, a painted setter, and a painted setter fitted to a stand with match and cigarette holders with match strike. As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

414 Group of Tie Pins and Clips longest clip is 3 in.

413

The lot is comprised of five objects, including two tie pins and three tie clips. The pins include a pewter snipe signed “R. Brown” and a pewter pheasant by Deb Callahan. The three tie clips include a turtle clip signed “Jolle” and two clips depicting shotguns, the shorter signed “Hickock.”

As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection 414

415 Dove Towel Rack T. J. BIEHLER 1924 22 in. long, 11 3/4 IN. TALL

A rack with a carved dove and a removable cylindrical towel bar. Inscribed on the reverse “Made by T.J. BIEHLER” and dated in pen “1924.”

Good condition with wear.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

415

143

416 Five Shorebird Whistles, c. 1900 4 in. long

Five whistles including four made of metal and one carved from bone. As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

416

417 Lot of Ten Sporting Theme Objects 11 1/2 in. long

The lot is comprised of: a small creel ashtray, a cast key rack with a setter and shotgun, four painted tin trays depicting hunting dogs, two Avon cast bird statues, a Medallic Art Company first issue 1930 hunting medal depicting a hunter with dog and a grouse, and a wooden pistol inscribed “JD.” As found.

417

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

418 Rooster Weathervane, c. 1930 13 IN. TALL

Formed from two cut-metal sheets and riveted together, depicting a standing rooster with a bold comb. The breast has an added iron weight. As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

418

419 Lot of Powder Tins and Shell Boxes 6 IN. TALL

419

A group comprised of six powder tins, including an “EC Smokeless Powder”

by Hercules Powder Co, an “Imperial Gun Powder” tin by the Eureka Powder Works, a “Canadian Explosives Limited Snap Shot” tin, a Hercules Powder Company “Orange Sporting Extra” tin, a “Kentucky Rifle Gunpowder” tin by the Hazard Powder Co., and a “Dead Shot” Sporting Powder tin by the American Powder Mills. Together with three “Peters High Velocity” Shotgun shell boxes, two 16 Gauge and one .410 bore. As found.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

420 Carved and Painted Seahorse DAVISON B. HAWTHORNE (1924-2018) SEAFORD, DE, 1964 13 3/4 IN. TALL

A carved and painted wooden wall plaque depicting a seahorse with pencil inscription “D.B. Hawthorne 1964” on reverse. Original paint with minimal wear.

PROVENANCE:

420

144

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

421

423

425

422

424

426

421 Goose Head Cane

423 Bird Figure Cane

425 Cane with Carved Foot Handle

$200 - $300

$200 - $800

$200 - $400

422 Dog Head Cane

424 Walking Stick with Dog Head

426 Eagle Cane

$400 - $600

$200 - $400

Exhibits a small raptor head carving on a hatchet-shaped handle. Shaft is oval shaped with chip carved detail.

36 1/2 in. long

38 in. long

35 1/2 in. long

35 in. long

36 1/4 in. long

36 3/4 in. long

$200 - $800

145

427

428

429

430

431

432

433

146

434

435

436

427 Cane with Snake on Black Shaft

430 Ball-in-Cage Cane

434 Maritime Cane

A detailed flat snake carving exhibiting an open mouth, glass eyes, and incised scales.

Carved elements include a ball-in-cage, a snake, a heart, a diamond, a clover and a spade. Top is removable and has a very small storage area.

A cane made from shark vertebrate and horn.

$400 - $600

435 Cane with Elephant Head Handle

35 3/4 in. long

$400 - $600

428 Civil War Union Veteran Legion Cane

32 in. long

32 1/2 in. long

The Union Veteran Legion was a fraternal organization similar to the G.A.R. Honorably discharged Union Civil War soldiers were eligible for membership. The cane is covered with carved objects including an American flag, U. S. belt buckle, incised letters “U. V.L.” on a carved shield, incised letters “1861 :65:,” “S.O.V.,” and “40.”

431 Masonic Cane

$400 - $800

432 Ball-in-Hand Cane

429 Intertwined Snake Cane

36 1/4 in. long

This cane exhibits extensive carvings from Masonic symbols on the handle to representative symbols of numerous trades. $500 - $800

34 in. long

$400 - $600

31 1/2 in. long

Retains a small label “Ron Hoffman and Tony Gampetro Collection.” Hoffman and Gampetro are collectors from NYC and Nantucket. $300 - $500

436 Cane with Terrier Head 34 7⁄8 in. long

34 1/4 in. long

$400 - $600

An unusual cane shaft made of segmented pieces of mahogany threaded on a metal rod. $300 - $500

35 3/4 in. long

$400 - $600

433 Cane with Woodland Animals 35 in. long

A cane with raised carvings including a hunter, deer, chamois, bear, birds, and others. $500 - $800

147

437 Flying Woodcock MIKE BORRETT (B. 1960) MADISON, WI, C. 2000 10 1/2 in. long

A rare species for the maker, carved from wood, and signed on one wing. Original paint with minimal wear. $500 - $700 437

438

438 Canvasback Pair

WILLIAM H. CRANMER (1917-2008) BEACH HAVEN, NJ, C. 1980 15 1/2 in. long

Signed on the bottom by the maker. Original paint with minor wear. $250 - $350

439

439 Minnow-In-Throat Yellowlegs DELBERT “CIGAR” DAISEY (1928-2017) CHINCOTEAGUE, VA, C. 1980 11 3/4 in. long

Signed and branded by the maker on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear. $400 - $600

440 Black-Bellied Plover

DELBERT “CIGAR” DAISEY (1928-2017) CHINCOTEAGUE, VA, C. 1980 9 in. long

440

Signed and branded by the maker on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear. $400 - $600

148

441

443

442

444

445

446

441 Miniature Mallard

444 Miniature Goose Pair

Faint conjoined “AJD” initial signature on the base. Original paint with minor wear, some flaking on base, minute ding to bill tip.

Two geese displayed in a tin and wood diorama made by the maker and designed to be a corner wall plaque. Original paint with wear, one goose has been reset possibly facing the wrong way, the same bird has a reset wing and a repaired bill.

A. J. DITMAN (1884-1974) NEW YORK, NY, C. 1940 3 1/2 IN. TALL

$300 - $500

“DUCKER” DAN FREEMAN DUXBURY, MA, C. 1950 15 1/2 IN. WIDE, 8 1/2 IN. TALL

$100 - $200

442 Miniature Pintail and Redhead A. J. DITMAN (1884-1974) NEW YORK, NY, C. 1940 3 1/4 IN. TALL

The maker’s conjoined “AJD” initial signature is on the side of each base. Original paint with minimal wear.

John C. Marsellus, founding member and longtime trustee of Ducks Unlimited Private Collection, by descent from the above PROVENANCE:

$300 - $500

443 Miniature Pheasant and Hummingbird HELEN LAY STRONG (1915-1995) SENECA FALLS, NY, C. 1980 8 3/4 IN. TALL

The hummingbird has a signature label on the underside of the base. The pheasant’s painted signature has flaked off.

Original paint with some restoration to each. $300 - $500

445 Flying Mallard Diorama J. A. R. DUNTZE 1935 frame is 18 by 16 in.

Four delicately crafted birds with an oil painted background, signed and dated “JARDuntze, 1935” in the lower left corner.

As found.

John C. Marsellus, founding member and longtime trustee of Ducks Unlimited Private Collection, by descent from the above PROVENANCE:

446 One-Quarter-Size Pheasant FRANK S. FINNEY (B. 1947) CAPEVILLE, VA, C. 1990 9 1/2 in. long

Signed with the maker’s stamp on the bottom of the base.

Original paint with minor wear.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood Collection

$200 - $300

149

447 Lumberyard Yellowlegs

DR. GILBERT E. WALLACE (1873-1917)(ATTR.) FORKED RIVER, NJ, C. 1900 9 1/2 in. long

Dr. Wallace was a friend of fellow New Jersey carvers Lewis Barkalow and Watts Penn. This decoy was found in a New England rig. Original paint with even gunning wear and wing tip chips.

447

448 Rigmate Yellowlegs Pair LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, C. 1890 11 1/2 in. long

With simple clean lines this attractive pair shows the efficiency with which certain carvers produced effective gunning tools.

Original paint with gunning wear, old replaced bills, and one neck crack. $3,000 - $5,000

448

449 Five Cork Beach Birds

JOHN LEE BALDWIN (1867-1938) (ATTR.) BABYLON, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1930 8 in. long

A folky gunning rig, Baldwin made natural cork shorebirds in addition to a myriad of wood carvings. Original paint with gunning wear.

PROVENANCE:

449

150

Private Collection, Connecticut

$800 - $1,000

450 Three Golden Plover C. 1880 10 1/2 in. long

A trio of rigmates with emerging breeding plumage. In original paint with some working repaint, gunning wear, and minor bill repairs. $600 - $900

450

451 Peep

OBEDIAH VERITY (1813-1901) SEAFORD, LONG ISLAND, NY, C. 1890 7 in. long

A Seaford classic with carved eyes and raised wings. Old working repaint with heavy gunning wear and a broken bill.

Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings, New York, NY, 1971, pl. 20, related example illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$300 - $500 451

452 Two Plover

SEABROOK, NH, C. 1890 10 in. long

Both birds are from the Seabrook, New Hampshire, area. The one with the split-tail carving resembles the work of George Boyd.

As found.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood Collection

452

151

453 Mallard Pair

J. M. HAYES WOOD PRODUCTS (1920-1930) JEFFERSON CITY, MO, C. 1930 16 1/4 in. long

“A G STONE” is stamped in the back of each decoy. Original paint with gunning wear, neck filler loss, and age lines. $300 - $400

454 Goldeneye Pair

PAUL A. SPERRY, MANUFACTURER (1920-1930) NEW HAVEN, CT, C. 1930 14 1/4 in. long

Styled after Mason Premier decoys. Balsa decoys, like these, by this maker originally cost almost twice as much as their cedar models. Original paint with gunning wear.

152

453

456

454

457

455

458

The hen has flaking and age lines. $400 - $600

455 Mallard Bookends WILDFOWLER FACTORY OLD SAYBROOK, CT, C. 1950 6 3/4 in. high

Original paint with wear.

456 Preening Mallard

CHARLIE “SPEED” JOINER (1921-2015) CHESTERTOWN, MD, C. 1970 13 1/2 in. long

Signed on the underside by the maker.

Original paint with minor wear. $300 - $400

457 Brant

LLOYD PARKER (1859-1921) PARKERTOWN, NJ, C. 1890 18 1/2 in. long

Repainted with age lines and gunning wear.

458 Mallard Hen

ROBERT “TURK” LIBENSPERGER (1932-2012) LEVITTOWN, PA, C. 1960 16 1/2 in. long

A full-bodied decoy with raised wing feather carving. Original paint with light gunning wear. $200 - $400

459

461

460

459 Brass Fox Stamp Dispenser, c. 1950 4 in. long

As found. $100 - $200

462 Three Goose Decoy Heads (not pictured) A. ELMER CROWELL (1862-1952) EAST HARWICH, MA, C. 1910 10 3/4 IN. TALL

Oversize heads with tack eyes for use on loomer or slat goose decoys. As found.

460 Lot of Seven Carvings C. 1980 12 1/2 in. long

A “Brown Back” style shorebird, a frog carving, and five fish carvings. As found.

461 Ice Fishing Decoy

OSCAR W. PETERSON (1887-1951) CADILLAC, MI, C. 1940 8 1/4 in. long

A trout decoy with the initials “E B” inscribed in the weight in the bottom. Original paint with wear.

463 Goose Head Patterns (not pictured) GEORGE H. BOYD (1873-1941) SEABROOK, NH, C. 1900 9 1/2 IN. TALL

Two 1/4 in. thick cut out wooden decoy heads. Original surface with minor wear.

PROVENANCE:

Donald M. Greenwood Collection

464 Lot of Ten Decoys (not pictured) As found.

$800 - $1,200

465 Lot of 7 Fishing Bobbers and a Lure (not pictured) 7 1/2 to 4 1/4 in. long

Lure is marked “Barracuda Brand, St. Pete, LA.” As found.

153

DAY II PAINTINGS JULY 20

154

LUKE FRAZIER B. 1970

466

466 Luke Frazier (b. 1970) Bait Ball at the Breakers, 2018 signed “l. frazier” lower left oil on board, 14 by 18 in.

Luke Frazier is one of the West’s top wildlife artists. Born and raised in the mountains of northern Utah, Frazier spent much of his youth hunting and fishing. His early forays into nature inspired a passion for the outdoors. 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 of Fine Arts degree in painting and a Master of Fine Arts degree in illustration. Frazier cites the influence of Winslow Homer, Edgar Payne, Bruno Liljefors, Carl Rungius, and Bob Kuhn in his work.

Frazier’s paintings have been exhibited at the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming; the Autry

Museum of the American West, Los Angeles, California; the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix, Arizona; the C.M. Russell Museum, Great Falls, Montana; the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, Montgomery, Alabama; and the Kimball Art Center, Park City, Utah.

In Wildlife Art, Bill Kerr, cofounder of the National Museum of Wildlife Art and a personal collector of Frazier’s work, states, “What impresses me about Luke Frazier is his potential. He’s talented, he’s dedicated, his work reminds me of some kind of an exotic combination of Kuhn’s modernism and the classic palette of the academicians.” $4,000 - $6,000 155

WILLIAM J. SCHALDACH 1896-1982

William Joseph Schaldach was born in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1896. From a young age, he showed great interest in hunting and fishing. Schaldach moved to Michigan with his family in 1908. As a teenager he spent much of his time writing, drawing, and exploring the countryside. An ambitious young man, Schaldach published an article of his own illustrations at the age of nineteen. After high school and a stint in the Navy, William Schaldach attended the Art Students League in New York. He studied the techniques of painting, drypoint, and etching with revered professors John Sloan, George Bridgman, and Harry Wickey. Many of Schaldach’s paintings and etchings reflect his background as a sportsman. His favorite subjects were wildfowl, anglers with fly rods in rivers, streams and lakes, and game fish in the water. Schaldach was employed by the magazine Forest and Stream as a managing editor until the late 1930s. He returned to the magazine, then renamed Field and Stream,

after World War II. In addition to writing many magazine articles about sporting art, Schaldach wrote and illustrated a number of books, including Fish by Schaldach, Currents and Eddies, Coverts and Casts, Upland Gunning, and Path to Enchantment: An Artist in the Sonora Desert, a book about his own paintings of the Sonora Desert that he had completed between 1948 and 1956. He was also the author of a biography of the well-known wildlife artist, Carl Rungius.

Schaldach was a member of the Society of American Etchers, the Independent Society of Printmakers, and the Salmagundi Club of New York. His work has been exhibited at the Chicago Society of Etchers, the Artists for Victory at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 1939 New York World’s Fair, the National Academy of Design, the American Watercolor Society in New York, and in numerous other galleries and museums throughout the country.

467

467 William J. Schaldach (1896-1982) Brook Trout signed “Wm J. Schaldach” lower right watercolor, 13 by 16 in. $1,800 - $2,400

468

468 William J. Schaldach (1896-1982) Leaping Brown Trout signed “Wm J Schaldach” lower right watercolor, 12 1/2 by 15 3/4 in. $1,800 - $2,400

156

OGDEN M. PLEISSNER

1905-1983

469

469 Ogden M. Pleissner (1905-1983)

470

Private Collection, Virginia Ronald S. Swanson Collection PROVENANCE:

Study for Upper Malbaie, Grande River, 1958 signed “To Martha 1966 Pleissner/Pleissner” lower left watercolor, 6 1/4 by 9 1/2 in. inscribed on label on the back, “Merry Christmas to Martha from Ogden. This watercolor is the original study for the larger painting ‘Upper Malbaie, Grande River,’ from which a color reproduction was made by Frost and Reed, of Bristol, England - OMP.”

David R. Godine, The Art of Ogden M. Pleissner, Boston, MA, 1984, p. 80, pl. 109, related work.

LITERATURE:

$2,000 - $4,000

471.1

471.2

470 John Swan (b. 1948)

471 John Swan (b. 1948)

Brook Trout signed “John Swan” lower right watercolor, 14 by 22 1/4 in.

Two Watercolors of Salmon Flys Jock Scott signed “John Swan” lower left 7 1/2 by 10 in.

Lady Amherst signed “JSwan” lower right 6 1/2 by 9 in.

Ronald S. Swanson, author of Fish Models, Plaques & Effigies, commissioned John Swan to paint this fourteen and one-half-inch-long brook trout, caught in the Black River, June 1986 PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$400 - $600

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$300 - $500 157

BRETT JAMES SMITH B. 1958

472

472 Brett James Smith (b. 1958) Bright Water Falls signed “Brett James Smith” lower left oil on linen, 14 by 18 in.

473

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 not only is visually exciting and authentic, but also brings to bear his intimate knowledge of his sporting experience. His 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. $3,500 - $5,500

473 Brett James Smith (b. 1958) Starting at the Bridge signed “Brett J. Smith ©” lower right oil on canvas, 20 by 30 in.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, New York

$5,000 - $8,000

158

ROBERT G. WEHLE

1920-2002

474 Robert G. Wehle (1920-2002)

474

Retriever Bust signed “R. Wehle” on back of head bronze, 12 by 10 1/2 by 6 in. inscribed “11/30” on back of head edition 11 of 30 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.

During his lifetime, Wehle exhibited his bronzes at the William Secord Gallery. His bronze of Champion Elhew’s Snakefoot can be found at the National Bird Dog Museum in Tennessee, and a retrospective exhibition of his bronzes was held at the Ann Rudd Art Center in Alabama in 2009.

475

$600 - $900

475 Robert G. Wehle (1920-2002) Pointer signed “R. Wehle” on base bronze, 10 1/2 by 12 by 7 1/2 in. inscribed “10/30” on base edition 10 of 30 $600 - $900

159

ARTHUR BURDETT FROST 1851-1928

476 Arthur Burdett Frost (1851-1928) Coming In, 1895 signed and dated “A.B. Frost. 1895” lower right watercolor, 17 1/4 by 25 1/2 in.

Bedel & Cie and L. Prevotess labels on back Arthur B. Frost was born in Philadelphia in 1851, and spent his most prolific years in New Jersey. Considered one of the great illustrators of the Golden Age of American Illustration, he illustrated more than ninety books and produced thousands of illustrations for Harper’s Weekly, Scribner’s, and Life magazines. Frost’s illustrative work chronicles the mood and details of the daily life of farmers, hunters, and fishermen, as well as barnyards and pastoral motifs.

By 1876 he was on Harper’s staff working on many books, including Tom Sawyer, Uncle Remus, and Mr. Dooley. He also illustrated Theodore Roosevelt’s sporting book, Hunting Trips of a Ranchman.

Frost was an ardent sportsman who spent his summers and autumns fishing, rowing, and hunting ducks and snipe. He completed many watercolors and oils of the New Jersey seaside, often depicting hunting and shooting scenes which capture the drama of sport in realistic, detailed settings.

In 1891 Frost began studying with William Merritt Chase (1849-1916). He spent time in the art colony of Rockport, Massachusetts, and the Shinnecock Hills Summer School of Art, founded by Mr. Chase outside of Southampton, New York. Frost received an Honorable Mention at the Paris

160

Exposition in 1900, as did Thomas Eakins (1844-1916) and E.I. Couse (1866-1936), among others. Frost himself was on the selection committee of the United States’ Fine Arts Exhibit for Illustrations and Drawings for the Exposition.

In 1906 he, his wife Emily, who was also an artist, and their two sons departed for Europe to live and paint in France.

His son Jack studied at the Académie Julian and Arthur, Jr. studied with Matisse in the newly formed Académie Matisse. The 1909-1910 “American Art Annual” lists Frost’s contact information as “care of Morgan, Harges & Co in Paris.” Frost returned to his estate, Moneysunk, in Convent Station, New Jersey, in 1914 for the remainder of his life and career.

This work, Coming In, is similar to the iconic work Good Luck, which was made into a print in 1903. In it, a finely rendered hunter brings in the day’s haul while his partner secures a boat filled with decoys. Frost skillfully depicts subtle details such as the water jug, lunch basket, guns, and raincoats. The atmospheric and detailed coastal marsh scene conveys and captures a satisfying day. $30,000 - $50,000

476

161

ARTHUR BURDETT FROST 1851-1928

477

477 Arthur Burdett Frost (1851-1928) Trout Fishing signed “A.B. Frost” lower right watercolor and gouache, 10 by 13 1/2 in. inscribed “Trout Fishing” on back This rare depiction of a female angler, by noted artist and illustrator A.B. Frost, shows an adept fisherwoman on the banks of a stream. She crouches while casting to keep her profile low and to avoid spooking the trout along the bank.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Colorado

$6,000 - $9,000

162

478 Theodore Hines (fl. 1876-1889)

478

Fly Fishing signed “T. Hines” lower right oil on canvas, 19 by 32 in.

Theodore Hines was a 19th century British artist specializing in rural landscapes. He painted the countryside surrounding London and exhibited his works, such as Spring, Lingering Light, and Gloaming, at the Royal Academy between 1880 and 1889. Hines’ brother Frederick (fl. 1875-1897) was also a known landscape painter. $1,000 - $1,500

479 Joseph Antonio Hekking (1830-1903)

479

Fishing in the Adirondacks signed “J.A. Hekking” lower left oil on board, 10 by 14 in.

Born in the Netherlands in 1830, Joseph Antonio Hekking was an early American painter of talent and renown, working in the detailed style of the Hudson River School.

In 1859 he exhibited several paintings of the Adirondacks at the National Academy of Design. He served in the Civil War and taught art in Cherry Valley, New York. Over the course of his career, Hekking showed at the National Academy and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, among other major exhibitions. $1,000 - $2,000

163

AIDEN LASSELL RIPLEY 1869-1969

480 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Setting Out signed “A. Lassell Ripley” lower left watercolor, 16 1/4 by 22 5⁄8 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 in 1930 of his sporting art, Ripley decided to change tack and specialize in hunting, fishing, and outdoor scenes as subjects.

164

Along with his contemporary Ogden Pleissner (1905-1983), 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.

Setting Out represents one of Ripley’s very best waterfowling watercolors. In the painting, Ripley conveys an air of confidence as ducks fill the sky on a windy winter day.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Georgia

Stephen B. O’Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson Wildfeuer, The Art of Aiden Lassell Ripley, Boston, MA, 2000, p. 138, pl. 125, illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$25,000 - $30,000

480

165

CHET RENESON B. 1934

481

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 Sports Afield, among others. He is a past member of the Connecticut Watercolor 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.

481 Chet Reneson (b. 1934)

482 Chet Reneson (b. 1934)

Duck Hunting signed “Reneson” lower left acrylic on board, 17 by 29 3/4 in.

Steelhead signed “Reneson” lower right acrylic on board, 20 3/4 by 34 3/4 in.

$5,000 - $8,000

$5,000 - $8,000

While Reneson is known primarily for his watercolors, he has produced several dozen acrylics in his lifetime, including these rare large-scale works.

483 Chet Reneson (b. 1934) Surf Casting signed “Reneson” lower left acrylic on board, 21 by 35 in. $5,000 - $8,000

166

CHET RENESON

B. 1934

482

483

167

EWOUD DE GROOT B. 1969

484 Ewoud de Groot (b. 1969) Pintails, 2018 signed “Ewoud� lower right oil on linen, 47 by 47 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. $8,000 - $12,000

168

484

169

485

485 DeCourcey Taylor (b. 1930) Minot’s Lighthouse, 2006 signed and dated “DeCourcey Taylor 2006” lower right oil on board, 17 1/4 by 22 1/4 in.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Maine

$800 - $1,200

486

486 Daniel Logé (b. 1954) Whistlers Off the Rocks signed “Daniel Logé” lower left oil on board, 17 1/4 by 23 in. $500 - $700

170

DAVID A. MAASS B. 1929

487

487 David A. Maass (b. 1929) Canvasbacks signed “Maass” lower right oil on board, 24 by 30 in.

An avid sportsman and ardent contributor to conservation organizations, David Maass has been actively painting game birds for more than thirty years. In the past twenty years, Maass has designed more than thirty conservation stamps and prints, a distinction few artists can claim.

Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Minnesota Wildlife Heritage Foundation have each named David Maass their Artist of the Year. Maass’ original paintings and limited edition prints have been exhibited in galleries and shows throughout the country, including

the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.; the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin; and the annual Minnesota Wildlife Heritage Foundation Show in Minneapolis, Minnesota. An original Canada goose painting by David Maass is part of the permanent collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Texas

$6,000 - $9,000

171

ROLAND CLARK 1874-1957

488

488 Roland Clark (1874-1957) Black Ducks at Sundown signed “Roland Clark” lower right oil on canvas, 23 3/4 by 35 1/2 in.

Roland Clark was known as a premier waterfowl painter. He 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.

Beginning in 1937, the Derrydale Press reproduced two of Clark’s watercolors of wildfowl every year in limited edition prints. In addition, he submitted illustrations to Ducks Unlimited, a booklet which was published by the More Game Birds in America Foundation. 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 places him among the elite depicting the genre.

In his time, Charles Krum Davis (1889-1968) was one of America’s top businessmen. He was head of Remington Arms, a subsidiary of DuPont, as president from 1933 until 1954 and as chairman until 1968. Davis was a close friend of Henry Francis DuPont, founder of Winterthur Museum 172

in Delaware. He served on the board of the museum for several years and formed his own noted collection of antiques and Americana. Davis lived in Fairfield, Connecticut, and was a founder and trustee of the American Wildlife Foundation.

C. K. Davis Collection, acquired from Abercrombie & Fitch, September 30, 1937 Private Collection, by descent PROVENANCE:

“Charles Krum Davis, 79, Dead; Chairman of Remington Arms,” The New York Times, January 10, 1968.

LITERATURE:

$12,000 - $16,000

488a Roland Clark (1874-1957) Clark, Roland. Roland Clark’s Etchings. New York: The Derrydale Press, 1938. Signed by author on title page, No. 16 of 50 De Luxe edition. Includes two original signed etchings Bluebird Weather and The Morning Flight. Fine, 3/4 leather bound with marble boards and marble end papers with original box.

16 1/2 by 13 in.

C. K. Davis Collection Private Collection, by descent PROVENANCE:

$3,000 - $5,000

FRANCIS LEE JAQUES

1887-1969

489

489 Francis Lee Jaques (1887-1969) Deer in Winter signed “F.L. Jaques” lower left oil on canvas, 8 1/4 by 11 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. This 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.

When he returned from serving in World War I, Jaques studied art with Clarence Rosenkranz (1871-1959), a student of early Impressionist William Merritt Chase (1849-1916).

Jaques’ realistic depictions of wildfowl also garnered him work painting illustrations for Field and Stream. His submission of Black Ducks was selected as the 1940 Federal Duck Stamp print. At fifty-five, Jaques retired from his position as a painter at the American Museum of Natural History and subsequently completed a painting each month for Outdoor Life, as well as taking on freelance work painting museum dioramas. In 1969 Jaques died at age eighty-one.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Wisconsin

$2,000 - $3,000

173

LYNN BOGUE HUNT 1878-1960

490 Lynn Bogue Hunt (1878-1960) On Point signed “Lynn Bogue Hunt” lower right oil on canvas, 23 by 31 in.

Wild Wings, Minnesota label 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

174

two hundred and fifty 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 of the outdoors.

With its large scale and vibrant colors this oil represents one of the artist’s true canine masterworks. The painting conveys the palpable anticipation of an upcoming flush.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Wisconsin

$18,000 - $24,000

490

175

OGDEN M. PLEISSNER 1905-1983

491 Ogden M. Pleissner (1905-1983) Coming to the Net – Restigouche, 1937 signed “Pleissner” lower right watercolor on paper, 16 by 26 1/2 in. titled on The Sporting Galleries and Bookshop, New York label on back Ogden Minton Pleissner was born in Brooklyn, New York, and studied figure painting and portraiture with Frank DuMond and Frederick J. Boston at the Art Students League of New York. Despite growing up in the city, Pleissner was attracted to the outdoors and as a teen he visited dude ranches in Wyoming, where he sketched from life. In later years, Pleissner and his first wife, Mary, were regular guests at the CM Ranch in Dubois, Wyoming.

Pleissner wanted to be classified primarily as a landscape painter, who also loved to hunt and fish. During World War II, Pleissner painted for the United States Air Force and Life magazine. During his years in the service, he primarily completed watercolors as the portability and immediacy of that medium accommodated working in the field.

Pleissner’s work is included in more than thirty public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, and hangs in the offices of the Pentagon, West Point, and the Air Force Academy.

Pleissner’s subjects range from the landscapes of Europe to salmon fishing in Quebec and his style is informed by the classical traditions. He is quoted as saying, “A fine painting is not just the subject...It is the feeling conveyed of form, bulk, space, dimensionality, and sensitivity. The mood of the picture, that is most important.” This is one of Pleissner’s earliest Atlantic salmon fishing pictures.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Vermont

$20,000 - $40,000

176

491

177

OGDEN M. PLEISSNER 1905-1983

492 Ogden M. Pleissner (1905-1983) Coming To Net signed “Pleissner” lower left watercolor, 9 by 14 in.

This rare gem, depicting the artist and his guide bringing a salmon to net, is one of Pleissner’s finest and most accomplished small works. $20,000 - $40,000

178

492

179

493

493 after Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) The Rocky Mountains - Lander’s Peak signed in pencil “A. Bierstadt” lower right margin, signed and dated “A. Bierstadt 1863” in plate engraving, 16 3/4 by 28 in. engraved by J. Smillie printed lower center “Entered according to the act of Congress in the year 1866 by Edward Bierstadt in the clerk’s office of the U.S. district court for the southern district of New York”

494

Albert Bierstadt painted his monumental work, The Rocky Mountains – Lander’s Peak, in 1863, four years after completing his first trip out west with Colonel Frederick W. Lander. Now hanging in the Metropolitan Museum in New York and depicting the Wind River Range in Wyoming, it was initially purchased by a collector for the huge sum of $25,000.

Due to its popularity, Bierstadt and his brother commissioned an engraving of the work from James Smillie, a leading engraver of the time. After three years of work, the print was published in 1866. $1,000 - $1,500

494 Nick Brandt (b. 1966) Lions, 2010 signed and dated “Nick Brandt 2010” lower left platinum print, 22 by 27 in. numbered “17/20” lower left Nick Brandt studied painting and film at Saint Martin’s School of Art in London.

He turned to photography in the 1990s, and specializes in black-and-white depictions of animals in their natural habitats taken without a telephoto lens. Brandt has had major solo exhibitions in museums and galleries across the world. An avid conservationist, in 2010 Brandt co-founded the Big Life Foundation in Africa, with the mission to be “On the ground in Africa, partnering with communities to protect nature for the benefit of all.” $3,000 - $5,000

180

ARTHUR WARDLE 1864-1949

495

495 Arthur Wardle (1864-1949) Snow Leopards signed “ARTHUR WARDLE” lower right oil on canvas, 11 1/2 by 36 1/4 in.

Arthur Wardle was born in London in 1864. At the age of sixteen, he exhibited an oil painting at the Royal Academy’s annual exhibition, and he went on to become one of the most successful animal artists of his generation. For much of his career, he lived in St. John’s Wood, within walking distance of the London Zoo. His studio was filled with models and skeletons of the animals he painted, including big cats and purebred dogs.

Conzelman writes, “he favored the world of big game, particularly the cats...Wardle painted these wild creatures with a great degree of naturalism and anatomical accuracy enhanced by a thorough study of the animals.” Wardle exhibited a painting titled Snow-Leopards at the Royal Academy in London in 1897. His work can be found in the Tate, London, and the National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, Wyoming.

Snow Leopards depicts a pair of big cats hunting together, crouched on a rocky outcropping and engaged with the pursuit of their prey, an ibex, below. The melting snow and winter grasses in the foreground contrast with the blue-grey background of snow-capped peaks. Wardle’s painting expertly captures these apex predators’ tense and stealthy pursuit in their natural landscape.

According to the consignor, this painting was first owned by Abraham Archibald Anderson (1846-1940), a renaissance man who was a successful artist, rancher, and conservationist.

Theodore Roosevelt made him the first Special Superintendent of the Yellowstone Forest Reserve. Anderson designed William “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s Pahaska Tepee lodge and hotel near the east entrance to the current park, and his own Palette Ranch included a studio in the mountains above Meeteetse.

Anderson, who described himself as an “artist-hunter,” was a charter member of the Camp Fire Club in 1897 and served as president for its first decade. In 2014 he was inducted into the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Hall of Fame.

Abraham Archibald and Elizabeth Milbank Anderson Collection Private Collection, Connecticut, by descent PROVENANCE:

John Clayton, “Conservation politics: ‘Triple A’ Anderson and the Yellowstone Forest Reserve,” wyohistory.org, published July 25, 2017.

LITERATURE:

Adrienne Ruger Conzelman, After the Hunt: The Art Collection of William B. Ruger, Mechanicsburg, PA, 2002, p. 82. $20,000 - $30,000 181

MILTON C. WEILER 1910-1974

496.1

496.2

496 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974) Four Upland Bird Heads each signed “M.C. Weiler” lower right each watercolor, 7 in. diameter depicting woodcock, pheasant, grouse, and quail PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$600 - $900

182

496.3

496.4

MILTON C. WEILER 1910-1974

497

497 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974) Randy, 1968 signed “M.C. Weiler” lower right watercolor, 13 1/4 by 16 1/2 in.

This quail hunting scene was created by Weiler in exchange for a carving of a lesser yellowlegs by his friend, Davison Hawthorne. Hawthorne requested the artist paint an action portrait of his favorite gun dog, Randy. The location of the painting is near Hawthorne’s home in Salisbury, Maryland, and depicts Hawthorne taking aim.

The lot includes a copy of The Great American Shooting Prints, in which the painting is reproduced.

In a 1971 letter to Milton Weiler, author Robert Elman writes, “You’re obviously off fishing while I labor at sculpting verbal tributes to you and a bunch of other artists who are probably also off fishing. I’ve never really forgiven the unjust Providence that decreed I must work while the graphically gifted ones live as life should be lived.” Elman was looking to the artist for approval of his text accompanying the watercolor Randy in The Great American Shooting Prints.

Of the subject matter, he says, “Among devotees of fine

decorative decoys and bird sculptures in wood, Davison Hawthorne is considered one of America’s best carvers, and he is also an eminent collector of classic working decoys.”

According to Elman, Weiler produced “an action portrait of [Hawthorne’s] favorite gun dog, Randy, and the result is the quail-hunting scene presented here. Because the artist had been taken with the looks and field style of the two-year-old setter and because he experienced the same joys in upland gunning as in water fowling, he was able to impart an extraordinary spontaneity to the scene.”

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

John T. Ordeman & M.C. ‘Bud’ Weiler, Jr., The Art of Milton C. Weiler: A Sportsman’s World, Sugar Hill, NH, 2001, p. 74, illustrated.

Robert Elman, The Great American Shooting Prints, New York, NY, 1972, pl. 63, illustrated.

LITERATURE:

$5,000 - $7,000

183

MILTON C. WEILER 1910-1974

498

498 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974) Two Wilson Snipe Watercolors (one shown) each signed “M.C. Weiler” lower right Three Wilson Snipe in Flight 5 by 9 1/4 in.

Wilson Snipe 4 1/4 by 2 1/2 in.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$300 - $600

499 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974)

499

Canada Goose, c. 1965 signed “M.C. Weiler” lower right watercolor, 8 1/2 by 9 1/4 in.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$400 - $600

500

500 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974) Duck Hunting signed “M.C. Weiler” lower right watercolor, 3 5⁄8 by 5 3⁄8 in.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$200 - $300

184

501 Lynn Bogue Hunt (1878-1960)

501

Alarmed signed “Lynn Bogue Hunt” lower left oil on canvas, 10 by 12 in.

This small oil depicts three bob white quail.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$2,000 - $3,000

502 American School (early 20th Century)

502

Two Setters initialed “N.H.S.” lower left oil on board, 10 by 10 in.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$200 - $300

185

503

503 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Flying Grouse Study, c. 1938 watercolor and pencil, 5 3/4 by 7 1/2 in.

Ripley estate stamp on back PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$500 - $800

504

504 after Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (1819-1905) American Field Sports: Flush’d, 1857 color lithograph, 18 by 25 in. published and copyrighted in 1857 by Currier & Ives, 152 Nassau Street, New York, NY PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$600 - $900

186

505

505 T.C. Johnson Grouse Hunter signed “T.C. Johnson” lower right oil on canvas, 21 by 18 1/2 in.

This painting may be a period copy of another artist’s work.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$300 - $500

506

506 Alexander Pope Jr. (1849-1924) Woodcock Pair signed and dated “Alexander Pope 10” lower right oil on canvas, 20 1/2 by 16 in.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$500 - $700

507

507 American School (late 19th/early 20th century) Three Hunting Dogs oil on canvas, 22 by 33 in.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$1,000 - $1,500

187

508

508 Davison B. Hawthorne (1924-2018) Three Flying Quail signed “DB Hawthorne” lower center oil on masonite, 6 by 8 in.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

$200 - $300

509.1

509.2

509.3

509.4

509 Eight Sporting Etchings and Drawings (four shown) Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969) Hunters pencil sketch on paper, 4 1/2 by 3 1/4 in. inscribed “stamp on back of orig. sketch is Ripley...” on back Aiden Lasell Ripley (1896-1969) Two Etchings each signed “A. Lasell Ripley” lower right and titled lower left Two Grouse, 11 1⁄8 by 9 3⁄4 in.

Snipe, 8 1⁄2 by 6 3⁄8 in.

Frank W. Benson (1862-1951) Three Yellowlegs, 1920 signed “Frank W. Benson.” lower left drypoint, 4 1⁄2 by 5 7⁄8 in.

Paff #184, edition of 150 William J. Schaldach (1896-1982) Four Drypoints each signed “W. J. Schaldach” lower right Upland Gunning, 1929 6 5⁄8 by 5 1⁄2 in.

188

Portrait of a Gentleman, 1928 5 3⁄8 by 6 3⁄4 in.

Egon and Joan Teichert label on back William J. Schaldach, Upland Gunning, New York, NY, 1946, pl. 1, illustrated.

LITERATURE:

Bob and Madame White, 1929 5 1⁄4 by 6 1⁄4 in.

Egon and Joan Teichert and Harlow, McDonald & Co. labels on back William J. Schaldach, Upland Gunning, New York, NY, 1946, pl. 25, illustrated.

LITERATURE:

Prescott le B. Gardner 4 1⁄2 by 3 1⁄4 in.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

WILLIAM J. KOELPIN, SR. 1938-1996

510

510 William J. Koelpin, Sr. (1938-1996) Pheasant and Bobcat, 1992 signed and dated “Wm. J. Koelpin ‘92” on side of base bronze, 8 by 10 by 24 in. inscribed “10/ 24” on side of base edition 10 of 24 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 through 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 “Best in World” Award from the Ward Museum in Salisbury, Maryland. He was also named “One of America’s Premier Artists” by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin. $3,000 - $5,000

511 William J. Koelpin, Sr. (1938-1996)

511

Civil War Drummer, 1991 signed and dated “Wm. J. Koelpin © 91” on side of base bronze, 15 3/4 by 6 by 5 in. inscribed “5/24” edition 5 of 24 $3,000 - $5,000

189

512

513

512 George Luther Schelling (b. 1938)

513 American School (19th century)

Great White Shark, 1975 signed and dated “George Luther Schelling © 1975” lower right oil on canvas, 20 by 30 1/4 in.

Striped Bass oil on canvas, 18 by 32 in.

Private Collection, Pennsylvania PROVENANCE:

$800 - $1,200

190

$600 - $900

HENRY “HY” HINTERMEISTER

1897-1970

514

514 Henry “Hy” Hintermeister (1897-1970) Fly Fishing Scene signed “Hy. Hintermeister” lower right oil on canvas, 21 by 33 in.

Often working together under the pseudonym “Hy,” Henry Hintermeister and his father John (1869-1945) created narrative works illustrating both major historical events and often-humorous scenes of everyday life. Loosely linked to the work of Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), these works are in a style of art that is truly American.

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection, Colorado

$2,000 - $3,000

191

515

515 Angus Shortt (1908-2006) Geese, c. 1940 signed “Angus H. Shortt” lower right oil on canvas, 23 by 26 in.

Findlay Galleries, Chicago label on back $600 - $900

516

516 Boris Riab (1898-1975) Cork signed “BRiab” lower right watercolor on paper, 13 by 20 in. $600 - $900

192

517

517 Cameron T. McIntyre (b. 1968) Bayside Evening, 2007 titled, dated, and signed “Cameron McIntrye 2007” on back oil on board, 16 by 24 in. $1,000 - $2,000

518 Tom Lowell, Jr. (20th century)

518

Companions signed “Tom Lowell Jr.” lower right acrylic on board, 10 1/2 by 15 1/2 in. $500 - $600

519 Al Barker (b. 1941)

519

The Pit Blind, 2018 signed “Al Barker” lower right oil on masonite, 7 1/2 by 19 1/2 in. $700 - $900

193

520

520 Joseph Day Knap (1875-1962) Northern Twilight - Canvasbacks signed “JDKnap” lower left watercolor, 14 1/2 by 21 in.

Arthur Ackermann & Son Inc. label on back John C. Marsellus, founding member and longtime trustee of Ducks Unlimited Private Collection, by descent from the above PROVENANCE:

$500 - $700 521

521 David Hagerbaumer (1921-2014) Canvasbacks signed “David Hagerbaumer” lower center watercolor, 14 1/2 by 18 3/4 in.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$800 - $1,200

522

522 David Hagerbaumer (1921-2014) Canvasbacks in Flight, 1961 signed and dated “David Hagerbaumer 1961” lower right watercolor, 12 1/4 by 16 1/2 in.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$600 - $900

523

523 Thomas Aquinas Daly (b. 1937) Fishing at East Falls signed “TA Daly” lower right watercolor, 7 by 5 1/2 in. titled lower left $500 - $800

194

524 Milton C. Weiler (1910-1974)

524

Woodcock signed “M.C. WEILER” lower center watercolor, 7 1/4 by 7 1/4 in.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$300 - $500

525

525 after Alexander Pope, Jr. (1849-1924) The Brook Hill Dog, 1911 signature and date printed “Alexander Pope -’11” lower right lithograph on tin, 38 by 29 in. inscribed “The “Brook Hill” Dog” lower center This vintage advertising sign was distributed by Friedman, Keiler & Co. Distillers to be displayed in bars and saloons. $800 - $1,200

526

526 American School (early 20th century) Two Pointers initialed “BHC” lower left oil on canvas, 17 by 27 in. $600 - $900

195

527

527 Allan Brooks (1869-1945) Partridges in Snow, 1917 signed and dated “Allan Brooks-1917” lower right watercolor and pencil, 7 1/2 by 11 in. $800 - $1,000

528

528 Allan Brooks (1869-1945) Partridges, 1918 signed and dated “Allan Brooks 1918-” lower left watercolor, 7 by 10 1/2 in.

Robert Dunthorne label on back $800 - $1,000

529

529 William J. Schaldach (1896-1982) Gambel’s Quail, 1963 signed “Wm J Schaldach” lower right watercolor on paper, 16 by 13 in. signed, dated, titled, and dedicated by artist on back of frame The artist Ethel and John Green Private Collection, Oregon, by descent PROVENANCE:

$400 - $600

196

530.1

530.3

530.2

530.4

531

530 after Alexander Pope, Jr. (1849-1924)

531 Two Sporting Prints

Set of four color prints, c. 1880 each signed “A.Pope Jr.” in plate each 9 1/2 by 13 inches published by Armstrong Co., Boston, MA in 1880

each signed lower right in plate each chromolithograph, 8 by 13 in. framed together with mat embossed “E.I. Dupont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, DE”

Coin inscribed “#19 - Coin” on back

after Edmund H. Osthaus (1858-1928) Two Setters

Dan inscribed “#2 - Dan” on back

after Charles Schreyvogel (1861-1912) Buffalo Hunt

Trimbush inscribed “#7 - Trimbush” on back

$600 - $900

Bow inscribed “#6 - Bow” on back This is an exceedingly rare set of sporting dog prints. $300 - $500 197

532

533

532 Harry H. Howe (1886-1968) Stream with Waterfall and Birch Trees signed “HHowe” lower right oil on canvas, 18 by 14 in.

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$300 - $500

533 American School (late 19th century) Three American Ships Off Lighthouse signed “Lindon” lower right oil on canvas, 27 3/4 by 44 1/2 in.

PROVENANCE:

534

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$600 - $800

534 American School (20th century) Fruit of the Hunt, c. 1910 oil on masonite, 17 by 24 in. $300 - $500

535

535 Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling (1876-1972) The First Duck Stamp Design signed “J.N. Darling” lower right etching, 6 by 8 3/4 in. inscribed “To good ol’ CK with assurance of my high esteem Jay Ding Darling” lower right Together with a framed and autographed photograph of Ding Darling inscribed to C. K. Davis.

William R. Davis, son of Charles K. Davis, wrote, “As you know ‘Ding’ Darling was a good friend of my father. He drew the first duck stamp and issued three hundred copies of the first duck stamp design. The etchings were around six inches by nine inches.

‘Ding’ gave my father Charles K. Davis the first etching of the duck stamp design and wrote a short note to my father which he signed just below the etching. You will note just above the words, ‘the first duck design’ is a small number 1 indicating the first etching.”

In 1939, Congress passed the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, commonly known as the Duck Stamp Act. The act was signed into law for the sole purpose of generating income for what is currently called the National Wildlife Refuge System. In its infancy, the competition attracted several top tier sporting artists, including renowned illustrator and conservationist Jay “Ding” Darling, Frank W. Benson (1862-1951), and Richard E. Bishop (1887-1975).

C.K. Davis Collection Private Collection, by descent PROVENANCE:

$1,500 - $2,500 198

536

538

537

536 Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling (1876-1972)

539 Three Wildlife Stamp Works (one shown)

The Fettering Influences of Advancing Civilization signed “Jn. Darling” lower right etching, 9 1/2 by 11 in. titled lower left and dedicated to C.K. Davis in margin

National Wildlife Restoration Week, 1938 each offset lithograph each sponsored by General Wildlife Federation, Washington, D.C.

C.K. Davis Collection Private Collection, by descent

Help Restore our Wildlife poster-style sheet of 100 stamps with perforations, titled along top 15 3⁄4 by 21 1⁄4 in.

PROVENANCE:

$500 - $800

537 Richard E. Bishop (1887-1985) Four Etchings (one shown) each signed “Richard E. Bishop” Flooded Timber, 1945 9 by 6 7⁄8 in. dedicated in margin Three Mallard Christmas Cards, 1948-1950 5 7⁄8 by 3 7⁄8 in. and 3 7⁄8 by 5 3⁄4 in.

C.K. Davis Collection Private Collection, by descent PROVENANCE:

Two First Proof Sheets one sheet with 15 proofs, one with single pheasant each inscribed “First proof sheet F.F. Jordan Director First National Wildlife Restoration Week.” each 10 by 12 in.

C.K. Davis Collection Private Collection, by descent PROVENANCE:

$300 - $500

539

$500 - $700

538 Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling (1876-1972) The Convoy signed “Jn.Darling” lower right etching, 10 by 7 3/4 in. titled lower left and inscribed “To C.K. Davis Merry Christmas to the grandest Scout in the world - Jay” in margin C.K. Davis Collection Private Collection, by descent PROVENANCE:

$500 - $800

199

FRANK W. BENSON 1862-1951

540

541

543

540 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

542 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

Snowy Herons, 1917 etching, 5 by 4 in.

Paff #118, edition of 150

Yellowlegs in Sunlight, 1928 drypoint, 9 7⁄8 by 7 3/4 in.

Paff #285, edition of 150

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson

PROVENANCE:

$400 - $600

$400 - $600

541 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

543 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

Waders, 1930 drypoint, 7 by 12 in.

Paff #298, edition of 150

Black Breast Plover, 1915 signed “Frank W. Benson.” lower left etching, 6 7⁄8 by 10 7⁄8 in.

Paff #71, edition of 50

Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson PROVENANCE:

$600 - $900

200

542

Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson

PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$400 - $600

544

546

545

547

544 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

546 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

A Cup of Water, 1920 signed “Frank W. Benson” lower left etching, 6 3/4 by 5 in.

Paff #196, edition of 150

Canada Goose, 1917 etching, 4 by 5 in.

Paff #115, edition of 150

Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson PROVENANCE:

Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson PROVENANCE:

$300 - $500

$1,000 - $1,500

547 Carl Clemens Moritz Rungius (1869-1959) 545 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951) November Moon, 1931 etching and aquatint, 10 by 8 in.

Paff #316, edition of 150 Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson PROVENANCE:

$300 - $500

The Stranger, 1926 signed “C. Rungius” lower right etching, 7 1/2 by 10 7⁄8 in.

Artist’s proof, edition of 75 titled on Harlow, McDonald & Co. label on back PROVENANCE:

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

$1,000 - $2,000

201

548

550

552

553

549 551

554

548 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

551 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

Two Geese etching, 5 7⁄8 by 7 7⁄8 in.

Paff #310, edition of 75

Sanctuary, 1932 etching, 7 by 9 in.

Paff #327, edition of 150

PROVENANCE:

Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson

PROVENANCE:

$300 - $500

$300 - $500

549 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

552 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951)

Swinging In, 1927 etching, 7 3/4 by 11 3/4 in.

Paff #272, edition of 150

Old Squaws No. 2, 1918 signed “Frank W. Benson.” lower left drypoint, 5 by 10 in.

Paff #144, edition 17 of 136

Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson PROVENANCE:

Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson

$300 - $500

$200 - $400

553 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951) 550 Frank W. Benson (1862-1951) On Swift Wings, 1925 etching, 11 3/4 by 9 3/4 in.

Paff #264, edition of 150, trial proof A-2 Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson PROVENANCE:

Towering Widgeon, 1926 etching, 9 3/4 by 7 3/4 in.

Paff #260, edition of 150, trial proof A-3 Private Collection of Frank W. Benson By descent in the family to his great grandson PROVENANCE:

$300 - $500

$300 - $500

554 Norman Wilkinson (1878-1971) Leaping Salmon, c. 1921-1926 signed “Norman Wilkinson” lower right etching, 7 1/4 by 11 5⁄8 in.

PROVENANCE: 202

Ronald S. Swanson Collection

ARTHUR BURDETT FROST 1851-1928

555.1

555.5

555.9

555.2

555.6

555.10

555.3

555.7

555.11

555.4

555.8

555.12

555 Arthur Burdett Frost (1851-1928) Set of Shooting Pictures chromolithographs, 12 1/2 by 19 in. each inscribed “A.B. Frost” in plate published by Charles Scribner’s Sons The Old Print Shop, New York, NY label on back of each each titled on mat Summer Woodcock Rail Shooting Duck Shooting from a Blind Prairie Chickens Rabbit Shooting Quail-A Dead Stand English Snipe Autumn Woodcock Bay Snipe Quail-A Covey Rise Duck Shooting from a Battery Autumn Grouse

Frost is well known for his numerous drawings that appeared in Harper’s Weekly and for the accurate detail in his works. The use of the lighter, French style of chromolithography gives the prints the warmth and richness of the original watercolors.

PROVENANCE: LITERATURE:

Private Collection, Illinois

A.B. Frost, Shooting Pictures, New York, NY, 1895.

$4,000 - $6,000

203

ARTHUR BURDETT FROST 1851-1928

556.1

556.2

557

556 Arthur Burdett Frost (1851-1928)

557 Arthur Burdett Frost (1851-1928)

Five Prints (two shown)

Ten Prints (one shown) each 11 by 16 in.

Deer Hunting Bay Snipe Shooting Quail-A Dead Stand Bad Luck Good Luck $200 - $300

Duck Shooting From a Blind Smoking Him Out (3) Good Luck Bad Luck Gun Shy Ordered Off We’ve Got Him (2) $100 - $300

204

558

560

559

561 Roland Clark (1874-1957) (not shown) Clark, Roland. Stray Shots. New York: The Derrydale Press, 1931. From first 35 printed from the edition of 535, dedicated by author on title page. Frontispiece is an original signed drypoint Canvasbacks, total of thirteen drypoint plates printed on laid finish paper with deckle edge bound in black cloth binding with embossed geese. 9 1/4 by 6 in.

558 Ogden M. Pleissner (1905-1983) Two Color Prints (one shown) each signed “Ogden M. Pleissner” lower right each 15 by 24 in.

Dawn on the Duck Marsh Woodcock Cover $200 - $300

559 Aiden Lassell Ripley (1896-1969)

C.K. Davis Collection Private Collection, by descent PROVENANCE:

$200 - $300

562 Two Books (not shown) Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., Classic Shore Bird Decoys, New York, NY, 1971 and Milton C. Weiler and Ed Zern, The Classic Decoy Series, New York, NY, 1969.

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

Pheasant Shooting signed “A. Lasell Ripley” lower right color print, 15 1/4 by 22 1/2 in.

$200 - $300

$200 - $300

Four sporting art books, thirteen decoy collecting books, and one hardbound auction catalog, including the following: Henry Reed, The A. B. Frost Book, 1967, author signed and Stanley Murphy, Martha’s Vineyard Decoys, 1978.

560 Odgen M. Pleissner (1905-1983) Casting for Salmon, 1949 signed “Ogden M. Pleissner” lower right color print, 14 1/4 by 23 in. published and copyrighted in 1949 by Frost & Reed, London and The Sportsman Gallery & Bookshop, New York, in an edition of 300 $200 - $300

563 Lot of Books (not shown)

PROVENANCE:

Davison B. Hawthorne Collection

564 Lot of Seven Sporting Art Books (not shown) Including two books about Bishop, two on Jaques, one on Scott, and one on Darling.

565 Lot of Nine Sporting Art Books (not shown) Including Prairie Wings, one on Francis Lee Jaques, two on Schaldach and two on Ripley.

END OF AUCTION

205

INDEX

206

Adams, E. Frank: 200

Conklin, Hurley: 159

Harri, H. Kregg: 378

Alexander, Phineas: 251, 254

Corwin, Wilbur R.: 285

Hart, Charles: 188, 189

Algard, Wally: 294

Cranmer, William H.: 438

Hawthorne, Davidson B.: 399-402, 420, 508

American School: 502, 507, 513, 526,

Crowell, A. Elmer: 168, 288, 357-359, 462

Heath, Capt. Robert: 278

533, 534

Currier, James A. "Jim": 289

Hekking, Joseph Antonio: 479

Ashford, Harry: 329

Daisey, Delbert "Cigar": 439, 440

Hellum Brothers: 326

Baldwin, John Lee: 449

Daly, Thomas Aquinas: 523

Heverin, William: 293

Barber, Joel D.: 261

Darling, Jay Norwood "Ding": 535, 536, 538

Hines, Theodore: 478

Barkalow, Capt. Joel W.: 182

de Groot, Ewoud: 484

Hintermeister, Henry "Hy": 514

Barker, Al: 519

Dilley, John: 186, 269

Holly, John "Daddy": 290

Barnard, Charles N.: 291

Ditman, A.J.: 230, 441, 442

Holmes, Benjamin: 256, 258, 259

Barnes, George Washingston: 300

Dorsett, John L.: 287

Holmes, Lothorp T.: 248

Benson, Frank W.: 540-546, 548-553

Duntze, J. A. R.: 445

Homme, Ferdinand L.: 214

Bergman, Charles M.: 212

Dye, Captain Benjamin F.: 271, 292

Howe, Harry H.: 532

Bernier, Joseph Romauld: 382

Eldred, Chet: 313

Howlett, Richard T. "Dick": 244

Biehler, T. J.: 415

Ellis, William "Billy": 343

Hubley Manufacturing Company: 404

Bierstadt, Albert: 493

Elliston, Robert: 273, 275

Hudson, Ira D.: 176, 177, 393

Bishop, Richard E.: 537

English, John: 284

Hunt, Lynn Bogue: 490, 501

Borrett, Mike: 437

Eppel, Jack: 225

Hutchins, C.E.: 321

Boyd, George H.: 192, 198, 199, 226, 463

Finney, Frank S.: 446

Irvine, Lawrence C.: 324, 368-370

Boyd, Taylor: 243

Follett, Ansell: 201

J. N. Dodge Decoy Factory: 185, 221

Brandt, Nick: 494

Frazier, Luke: 466

J.M. Hayes Wood Products: 453

Brayshaw, Thomas: 315, 316

Freeman, "Ducker" Dan: 444

Jaques, Francis Lee: 489

Brooks, Allan: 527, 528

Frost, Arthur Burdett: 476, 477, 555-557

Jno J. Bagley & Co.: 403

Burr, Elisha: 167

Garlaus, Ola: 317

Johnson, Lloyd: 178-180

Burr, Russ E.: 231

Gelston, Thomas: 173, 184, 410

Johnson, T.C.: 505

Capron, George Oliver: 375

Gilker, Warren: 319

Joiner, Charlie "Speed": 456

Chrysler, C. William: 342

Gillett, George: 323

Kerr, Robert G.: 339

Clark, Charles S.: 297

Gilley, Wendell: 229

King, Allen J.: 227

Clark, Roland: 488, 488a, 561

Goodspeed, David S.: 197

King, Joe: 183

Clarke, William: 341

Grant, Henry: 262

Knap, Joseph Day: 520

Cobb, Jr., Nathan F.: 171

Graves, G. Bert: 223, 224

Koelpin, Sr., William J.: 510, 511

Cobb Island: 207, 247

Hagerbaumer, David: 521, 522

Laing, Albert Davids: 255, 257, 260

INDEX Leonard, H. L.: 366

Pope, Jr., Alexander: 506, 525, 530

Tyler, Lloyd J.: 203, 390, 397

Libensperger, Robert "Turk": 458

Quillen, Nathaniel "Nate": 281

Vallero, Michael: 286

Lincoln, Joseph W.: 169, 190, 191,

Reneson, Chet: 481-483

Valton, Charles: 408

250, 361

Riab, Boris: 516

Valley, Mike: 216

LogĂŠ, Daniel: 486

Ripley, Aiden Lassell: 480, 503, 559

Verity Family: 264, 352

Lowell, Jr., Tom: 518

Ross, Willie: 362

Verity, Andrew "Grubie": 351

Maass, David A.: 487

Rungius, Carl Clemens Moritz: 547

Verity, Obediah: 174, 389, 409, 451

Mackarness, William: 377

Russell, John Bucknell: 308

Verity, Smith Clinton: 267

Mairano, Lenny: 163

Schaldach, William J.: 467, 468, 529

Walker, Charles: 276

Mason Decoy Factory: 175, 187, 222,

Schelling, George Luther: 512

Wallace, Dr. Gilbert E.: 447

236-238, 395

Schmidt, Benjamin: 272

Ward Brothers: 203, 205, 208, 209, 246,

Matthews, William J.: 170, 181

Schweikart, Capt. John C.: 219

253, 392, 394

McDonald, Zeke: 279

Seabury Brothers: 386

Ward, David B.: 364

McIntyre, Cameron T.: 157, 158, 517

Shortt, Angus: 515

Ward, Lemuel T.: 211

McLoughlin, John W.: 349

Shourds, Harry V.: 348

Wardle, Arthur: 495

McNair, Ian: 156

Sira, John Grytos: 330

Warin, George: 282

McNair, Mark S.: 141-155

Smith, Brett James: 472, 473

Watson, Dave "Umbrella": 254

Meldrum, Alexander Yock: 335

Smith, Stephen R.: 309, 310

Wehle, Robert G.: 474, 475

Mitchell, R. Madison: 303

Soper, Samuel: 270

Weiler, Milton C.: 496-500, 524

Moak, Agustus "Gus": 218

Southard, William H.: 388

Weinert, Otto: 215

Moigniez, Jules: 407

Starr, Dr. George Ross: 360

Wells, John R.: 239, 242

Murray, Anthony G.: 162

Staurt, Allen P.: 355

Wheeler, Charles E. "Shang": 172, 306, 363

Nantucket: 196, 202

Stratford School: 213

White, Lee: 322

Nichol, Delancey: 387

Strong, Helen Lay: 443

White, Robert "Bob": 164-166

Parker, Ellis: 263

Strunk, George: 160, 161

Wildfowler Factory: 455

Parker, Lloyd: 457

Swan, John: 470, 471

Wilkinson, Norman: 554

Sperry Paul A.,: 454

Swanson, Ronald S.: 304

Williams, Roger: 350

Peabody, George Augustus: 252

Tait, Arthur Fitzwilliam: 504

Wilson, Augustus "Gus" Aaron: 194

Perdew, Charles H.: 232-235

Taylor, DeCourcey: 485

Wright, Franklin Pierce: 385

Peterson, Oscar W.: 461

Towns, Ed: 398

Wyer, Capt. William J.: 266

Phillips Rig: 195, 268, 277

Truex, Levi Rhodes,: 345

Pleissner, Ogden M.: 469, 491, 492,

Tully, Dhuie: 314

558, 560

Tully, John and Dhuie: 307, 365

207

O. Pleissner |

WR

$345,000

J. English |

WR

$246,000

A.E. Crowell | $661,250

selling the world’s finest DECOYS AND SPORTING ART

E. Osthaus |

WR

$235,750

T. Chambers |

A.E. Crowell | $546,250

208

WR

$270,000

C. Rungius | $460,000

WR

Denotes world record for the artist

BUYER PRE-REGISTRATION FORM COPLEY FINE ART AUCTIONS, LLC 65 Sharp Street | Hingham, MA 02043 Tel: 617.536.0030 | Fax: 617.266.4896 | info@copleyart.com

Name:

Telephone (#1) :

Company Name:

Telephone (#2) :

Agent acting on behalf of:

Telephone (#3) :

Invoice Address:

Email:

(PO Box not sufficient)

Signature: (required)

City :

State:

Zip:

Bids will not be accepted without a completed form, including your signature. Your signature denotes that you have read and agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions of Sale issued by Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC for the The Sporting Sale 2018.

All bidders holding a valid Massachusetts or out-of-state resale number must provide their certificate or a copy thereof while registering. Failure to do so will subject the bidder to a mandatory 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax on purchases.

To be sure that bids will be accepted and delivery of lots not delayed, bidders who do not have an account with Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC are requested to supply a bank reference prior to bidding.

I authorize you to contact the references below to provide you with any information in their possession including any business or credit experience with me, and I further agree to accept the cost of any charges such references may incur providing such information.

FINANCIAL REFERENCES

AUCTION REFERENCES

Name of Bank(s):

1. Name of Company:

Address of Bank(s):

Contact Name:

Account Number(s):

Telephone Number:

Name of Account Officer(s):

2. Name of Company:

Bank Telephone:

Contact Name:

Bank Fax:

Telephone Number:

209

ABSENTEE/TELEPHONE BID FORM COPLEY FINE ART AUCTIONS, LLC 65 Sharp Street | Hingham, MA 02043 Tel: 617.536.0030 | Fax: 617.266.4896 | info@copleyart.com

please check one of the following:

ABSENTEE

TELEPHONE

1 All bids must be received at least 24 hours before the start of the sale. We cannot guarantee that bids placed after this time will be accepted. A Copley representative will email to confirm receipt. If you have not received confirmation within 24 hours, please call 617.536.0030. Bids will not be accepted without your signature on this form.

2 This service is offered as a convenience at no charge; however, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC will not be held responsible for error or failure to execute bids. Copley staff will try to purchase these lots for the lowest possible price taking into account the reserve and other bids.

3 All bids are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Sale listed in this auction catalog. Further, it is the responsibility of the bidder to check with Copley staff whether a sale room notice relates to any lot which they have listed.

LOT #

210

a Absentee bids: Absentee bids are executed alternately in competition with the bidders in attendance. It is possible, due to the variations in bidding patterns, that a lot may be won by the audience for the same amount authorized by the absentee bidder. A (+) sign to the right of the bid amount will authorize the absentee bidder to bid one additional bid increment. In the event of identical bids, the first bid received will take precedence. b Telephone bids: If bidding by telephone, the bidder accepts the inherent risks associated with bidding over the telephone.

4 Payment: If successful, you will be contacted. Payment is due immediately upon notification unless arrangements have been made with Copley prior to bidding. A buyer’s premium of 20% of the final bid price up to and including $1,000,000, plus 15% of the final bid price over $1,000,000, will be applied to each lot sold, to be paid by the Buyer to Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC as part of the purchase price.

CATALOG DESCRIPTION

BID PRICE US$

Print Name:

Signature:

(required)

(required)

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE 1 Your bidding on items indicates your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions of sale by Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC. These terms are subject to amendment before or during the sale. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC operates as an agent of the seller only, and is not responsible in any way in the event the seller or buyer fails to fulfill their respective agreements. In all instances the auctioneer’s interpretation of these conditions is final and binding on all bidders.

2 All bids are per lot as numbered in the catalog unless otherwise announced by the auctioneer. The sales price shall consist of the final bid price plus the buyer’s premium, plus any applicable sales tax. A buyer’s premium of 20% (23% for online bidding) of the final bid price up to and including $1,000,000, plus 15% of the final bid price over $1,000,000, will be applied to each lot sold, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.

3 The auctioneer reserves the right to reject any bid that, in his opinion, is not commensurate with the value of the lot.

4 The auctioneer has the sole right to re-offer a lot and/or settle disputed bids. The record of sale kept by the auction house will be taken as final in the event of dispute. Additionally, items may be withdrawn at any time prior to the offering of each lot.

5 All goods are sold “as is” and all sales are final with no exchanges or refunds. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC and its consignors make no representations or warranties as to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, the correctness of the catalog or other description of physical condition, quality, size, medium, importance, rarity, provenance or historical relevance of any property, and no statement made at the sale, or in the bill of sale, or invoice, or elsewhere shall be deemed such a warranty or representation or an assumption of liability. The purchaser assumes complete responsibility for items at the fall of the hammer.

6 Successful bidders are to pay for their purchases during or immediately after the sale or upon receipt of an invoice, unless other arrangements have been authorized in writing by the auction house. Payment may be made by cash or good check payable to Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC. The auction house reserves the right to hold property until checks clear.

A monthly service charge of 1.5% will be added to unpaid balances beginning 30 days after the sale date. A $50.00 fee will be added for returned checks. If a check fails to clear after the second deposit, the purchaser will be held responsible for any and all fees incurred until we have collected good funds.

7 If the purchaser breaches any of its obligations under these Conditions of Sale, including its obligation to pay in full the purchase price of all items for which it was the highest successful bidder, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC may exercise all of its rights and remedies under the law including, without limitation, (a) canceling the sale, and applying any payments made by the purchaser to the damages caused by the purchaser’s breach, and/or (b) offering at public auction, without reserve, any lot or item for which the purchaser has failed to pay in full the purchase price, holding the purchaser liable for any deficiency plus all costs of sale.

8 Condition reports are not included in this catalog. It is the responsibility of prospective bidders to examine lots and decide their level of interest.

Neither the auctioneer, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC, nor the consignor is responsible for the accuracy of any printed or verbal descriptions. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC strongly encourages clients to attend our previews and auctions so as to best determine condition of lots. Due to the high volume of condition requests, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC reserves the right to reject requests at its sole discretion. All weights and measurements are approximate.

9 Some of the lots in this sale carry reserves or minimum selling prices. This is a confidential figure set by the consignor and the auction house below which a lot will not be sold. The reserve will not exceed the low estimate,

and the auction house will execute the reserve bids by bidding for the consignor. Estimates are subject to change at any time prior to the offering of each lot.

10 Absentee and telephone bids will be executed when possible as a convenience to customers: the auction house will not be held responsible for any errors or failures to accurately execute bids. All absentee and telephone bids must be received at least 24 hours before the start of the sale.

11 Buyers wishing to pick up items at the sale must do so by the end of the sale.

Buyers wishing to pick up items after the auction at our office may do so only by appointment starting five days after the sale. We kindly ask that all items be removed from our warehouse within 30 days of auction end to avoid a $5 daily storage fee.

12 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.

13 Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC may, at its discretion and at the buyer’s request, package and ship sold items as directed by the purchaser. 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 four to five weeks for shipment.

14 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.

15 Bidding increments will normally follow the pattern below, but may vary at the sole discretion of the auctioneer: Estimate To 950 1,000 – 2,400 2,500 – 4,750 5,000 – 9,500 10,000 – 24,000 25,000 – 47,500 50,000 – 95,000 Over 100,000

Increment 50 100 250 500 1,000 2,500 5,000 at auctioneer’s discretion

16 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.

17 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.

18 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 by such purchaser for such item.

19 Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

211

212

OUT-OF-STATE DELIVERY AND AUTHORIZED SHIPPING RELEASE FORM I tem(s) will not be released without a signed authorization form from the invoiced buyer. You may include this form with your payment or fax it to 617.266.4896. Payments of cash, check, or bank transfer must be posted to your account before property is released.

If Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC (Copley) is required to deliver the items to a purchaser outside of Massachusetts the sale is exempt from Massachusetts Sales Tax under MGLA 64H ยง6(b) .

1

Copley is obligated to deliver the items out of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

2

Copley is obligated to deliver the items to an interstate carrier as noted below.

3

Title will pass upon delivery to the out of state destination.

4 Please be aware that packing and the payment for shipping is the responsibility of the successful Buyer. Upon making the item(s) available for shipping to the Buyer or its Agent, Buyer shall be responsible for the care and packaging of the item(s). The Buyer shall bear the risk of loss from and after Copley making available such item(s) to the interstate carrier, including the insurance of the item(s) against all risks of loss including without limitation, fire, theft or any other damage to the item(s).

5

Shipping can take up to four weeks and is processed in order in which payment is received.

6 At your option, you may contact one of the interstate carriers listed below, or one of your choosing to arrange for shipping.

Carriers pick up frequently at our offices.

SHIPPING OPTIONS:

The UPS Store #4423 A.J. Yanakakis, Wakefield, MA 781.224.2500 or store4423@theupsstore.com

Scott Cousins/North South Art Transfer Hand delivery service 978.491.9353 or scottcousins22@aol.com

Boston Pack and Ship* 781.849.8696 or 1.800.400.7204 or info@bostonpackandship.com

U.S. Art* 781.986.6500 or 1.800.872.7826

The UPS Store #2631 Bryan Cook, Kingston, MA 781.585.0602 or store2631@theupsstore.com

*Specializing in high-value art, large works, and specialty items

Print name:

Place and Manner of Delivery: To an Interstate Common Carrier for delivery out of state:

(as invoiced)

Shipping Address:

I authorize:

to pick up my items(s) (Please specify Name of Common Carrier)

Sale Date:

Phone:

Lot #s:

Email: Signature: (required)

Internal use only Received by: Signature:

Print Name:

Date: 213

214

215

206

207

208