VERY RARE AND EARLY SHOREBIRD PAIR, possibly New England, circa late 1800's. Very good original paint with some in-use wear, typical for age. Strong paint pattern remaining on backs. Split tail carving. Bills may be early replacements. Referred to as "wind birds," as both are hollowed out from undersides, enabling them to shift positions in the wind. One with small "x" on right breast; the other has H C MOSES stamped on lower edge of body. Notations on base: "By H.C. Moses" and "By H.C.M." Accompanied by an early antiques newspaper photograph showing almost identical shorebirds. Outstanding examples of early American folk art.