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Marbled Godwit Decoy with Upturned Bill

Offered by: David A. Schorsch - Eileen M. Smiles Fine Americana

Description
Marbled Godwit Decoy with Upturned Bill
New Jersey, probably Cape May area, circa 1880
Softwood, glass eyes, hardwood bill, original paint
Height 7 inches, width 17 inches, depth 2 ¾ inches

The marbled godwit is identified by its distinctive elongated and slightly upturned bill. Marbled godwits are rarities among shorebird decoys. Related examples are illustrated in Adele Earnest, The Art of The Decoy (New York, 1965), p. 57, fig. 37, and William J. Mackey, Jr., American Bird Decoys (New York, 1967), p. 46, pl. 25.

Provenance:
Collection of Ronald Saarinen Swanson (1938–2022), Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; David A. Schorsch, New York, 1998; Private collection.

Exhibited:
“American Decoys: A Folk Art Tradition II,” David A. Schorsch, New York, 1998.

Published:
David A. Schorsch and Eileen M. Smiles, American Decoys: A Folk Art Tradition II (New York and Woodbury, CT, 1998), pp. 86–87, no. 44.

More Information

Period:	19th Century
Creation Date:	1880
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	814333

Dimensions

W.	17 in;	H.	7 in;	D.	2.75 in;
W.	43.18 cm;	H.	17.78 cm;	D.	6.99 cm;

Message from Seller:

David A. Schorsch and Eileen M. Smiles are nationally recognized dealers in American antiques and folk art, specializing in weathervanes, folk paintings, Shaker furniture, and more. With over forty years of experience, they offer expert services in private and corporate collections, authentication, and auction representation—contact them today at 203.263.3131 or via email at contact@schorsch-smiles.com.