PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — A 25-inch-long running curlew by Thomas Gelston (1851-1924), Quogue, N.Y., expected to bring more than $100,000, was a clear overachiever at Guyette & Deeter’s auction of North American decoys on July 28. The last quarter Nineteenth Century bird, with provenance to the noted collector of American folk art Stewart Gregory, sold for $258,750, including premium. Its catalog description notes its outstanding form and presence with relief wing carving and shoe button eyes. The auction, which continues on July 29, includes more than 600 hunting decoys, waterfowl paintings, folk art carvings and related accessories.

A complete report on this auction will appear in a future edition.