Phineas Reeves Early Canada Goose

Phineas Reeves (1833-1896) Long Point, ON, c. 1880 22 in. long by 11 1/2 in. high

An exceptional hollow goose carving with a thin bottom board fastened with cut nails. Branded "G.BH" on both sides for hunter George B. Harris, a member of the Long Point Company (est. 1866) from 1877 to 1896. This flat bottomed decoy with a raised neck seat is the classic model that was emulated by Reeves' descendants.

Discussing Reeves, author Bernard Gates states, "He was particularly noted for his classic hollow Canada Geese." Excellent original paint with gunning wear, minor rub to top of head, crack in neck with touch-up, and crack in bill.

Provenance: George B. Harris Rig Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Laurence Sheehan, "The Birding Life," New York, NY, 2011, p. 90, exact decoy illustrated. Bernie Gates, "Ontario Decoys," Kingston, Ontario, 1982, p. 17. Peter Johnson and Alf Wannenburgh, “The World of Shooting,” Lausanne, Switzerland, 1987, pp. 259-261, exact decoy illustrated. Loy S. Harrell, Jr., "Decoys: North America’s One Hundred Greatest," Iola, WI, 2000, pp. 192-192, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

George B. Harris Rig Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection