Quogue, Long Island, New York, circa 1890, carved and painted wood, glass eyes, Kramer Collection ink stamp on the underside.

Length 11 in.

Former collection of Dr. Morton Kramer.

This early carving features the intricate feather painting for which Dilley is known. In 1890, a New York City sportingware store owned by Henry Squires published a high-end catalog featuring Dilley's fine shorebirds for distinguished water fowling clients. A century later, collectors still regard his decoys as among the finest ever made.

Original paint with light gunning wear, bill professionally replaced, small chip to tail, light touch up to top of the head.