Massachusetts, c. 1880
14 in. long
This stylish willet has raised wings, a refined split tail, and was built with three-piece laminated construction. The underside is stamped "McCLEERY." A related example was discovered in Marshfield, Massachusetts, by Dr. George Ross Starr Jr.
Original paint with gunning wear and flaking, a few old green drips.
Provenance: The Stewart E. Gregory Collection
Dr. James M. McCleery Collection
Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection
Literature: Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, p. 208, lot 546, exact decoy illustrated.
Dr. George Ross Starr Jr., "Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway," New York, NY, 1974, p. 173, fig. 30, related carving illustrated.
Condition
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