A Fine and Rare 'Stick-Up' Black Breasted Plover, Anonymous, Probably Cape Cod or Nantucket, circa 1900

Estimate

20,000 - 30,000 USD

bidding is closed

Description

hollow carved, full-bodied bird with inset glass eyes, rendered in bold paint, with split tail. Some minor flaking; has JF brand, number 165.

Provenance

Robbins Antiques, Wolfboro, New Hampshire
Albert Dock, Essex, Connecticut, circa 1950
Bourne Auctions, Hyannis, Massachusetts, circa 1985

Catalogue Note

This is a rare, old hollow bird, with a rectangular stick hole and the top part of the stick is rectangular to fit. This arrangement prevents the bird from moving in the wind. The needle on the top of the stick allows for different postures. This is the only rig of this type which has been found.

A related example from the Morton Hanson Collection is illustrated in Paul Tudor Jones, Memphis, Tennessee Exhibition catalogue prepared by Guyette & Schmidt.