Phineas Reeves Pintail

Phineas Reeves (1833-1896) Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada, c. 1870 16 1/2 in. long

An early hollow decoy with an elegant drawn-back head design.

Describing a rigmate, Ontario decoy authority Bernard Crandell writes, "Phineas Reeves pintails were his best decoys. The graceful lines and superb painting make this hollow decoy a classic."

A branded "DT" and a painted "WBH" on the bottom of this decoy denotes that it once belonged to founding member of the Long Point Company David Tisdale, and later William B. Hunton, who was a member from 1867-1885. Reeves was the head guide at the club from 1866, the year it was established, until 1885. Original paint with gunning wear, a few age lines, and replaced bill.

Provenance: David Tisdale Rig William B. Hunton Rig Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Bernard W. Crandell, "The Reeves of Long Point Company," North American Decoy Magazine, Summer 1976, p. 12, exact decoy illustrated. Bernard W. Crandell, "Decoying: St. Clair to the St. Lawrence," Erin, ON, 1988, p. 187, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

David Tisdale Rig William B. Hunton Rig Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection