Upcoming Shows

East Coast Decoy Collectors Show
St. Michaels, MD

April 12-14, 2012

National Antique Decoy & Sporting Collectibles Show
St. Charles, IL

April 23-28, 2012

Finding vintage American shorebird decoys in original condition is an accident of fate. They were of no use, once hunting was banned. No one collected decoys, and so most were burned or relegated to barns or hunting shacks where they rotted or were thrown away. Few of these fragile decoys survived.

Dear Friends,

I am frequently asked about shorebird decoys by decoy and folk art collectors, and by others intrigued by their beauty. Why were shorebirds hunted? Why are vintage shorebird decoys so desirable? What should I look for when collecting them?

Shorebirds, also known as beach birds, are a family of different species of water birds with thin bills and skinny legs. They frequent tidal beaches. Their feet are rarely webbed and have separate toes which allow them to distribute their weight and walk on beach sand without sinking. They forage for grubs, insects, plant matter, small vertebrates and mollusks along the sea shore, tidal marshes and wetlands.

Over the years, we have handled some of the best shorebird decoys, and we would like to share some of our thoughts about how and why to collect them.

I hope you enjoy this latest in our ongoing series of articles about collecting decoys and American folk art. For examples of current shorebird and other decoys for sale, visit www.RJGAntiques.com.

Best regards,

Russ Goldberger

603.433.1770
russ@rjgantiques.com
www.RJGAntiques.com