Harold Pappy Kidwell Tucked-head Pintail

Harold "Pappy" Kidwell (1895-1982) Berkeley, CA, c. 1980 21 in. long

A market gunner who hunted in Sonoma County, Pappy then turned to making decoys and selling them to fellow hunters beginning in 1922. The underside of this pintail bears a "K" signature. The cork body is fitted with seven pieces of wood from tip to tail. Original paint with light wear.

Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 206, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 282, related decoy illustrated.