Harold Pappy Kidwell Feeding Pintail Pair

Harold "Pappy" Kidwell (1895-1982) Berkeley, CA, c. 1980 20 in. long

This well-documented pair of rare feeding pintails in two poses were made by one of California's more colorful characters, who eventually earned his name as the elder statesman among fellow gunners. "Pappy" was an intricate craftsman outfitting his well-oiled cork bodies with not only wooden heads, but also bill supports, wing tips, and tails. A testament to his thoroughness, these well-used decoys have worn soundly and were chosen for both of the West Coast decoy books. Original paint with gunning wear, including some flaking around age lines in drake's neck.

Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection

Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, pp. 206 and 238, exact carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 281, exact carvings illustrated.

Provenance

Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection