Shang Wheeler Mackey-wheeler Black Duck

Charles E. "Shang" Wheeler (1872-1949) Stratford, CT, c. 1940 17 1/4 in. long

This Connecticut classic features a refined hollow pine body, turned head, and Shang’s signature scratch feather paint on the head. Beyond the excellent form and condition of the carving, its history is remarkable. Much of which is referenced on its underside of this decoy.

One painted inscription by its first owner after Wheeler reads, “Given by ‘Shang’ to his friend Chas. Disbrow 1940.” Dixon Merkt describes Disbrow as “one of Shang’s most accomplished disciples.” Disbrow also notes the transfer “From C.D. 3/27/54” to Bill Mackey. “From Bill Mackey 1955” is written in pencil noting the transfer to fellow collector Frank Ashe. A brass tag numbered “222” is attributed to the Ashe Collection. After passing through the Ashe family, the bird settled in the Donald Kirson Collection and bears his sticker. Like many of Kirson’s best birds, this decoy was exhibited at the Ward Museum in Salisbury, Maryland, and is marked as such. Lastly, the underside bears a large debossed “WHEELER.” Excellent original paint with light gunning wear. Tight hairline crack in bill has been perfectly reset with a minute spot of touch-up.

Provenance: Charles Disbrow Collection, acquired from the maker William J. Mackey Collection, acquired from the above Frank Ashe Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above Donald Kirson Collection

Literature: The Ward Museum, "Masters of Decoy and Wildfowl Carvings: The Kirson Collection," Salisbury, MD, 2011, p. 4, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Charles Disbrow Collection, acquired from the maker William J. Mackey Collection, acquired from the above Frank Ashe Collection Private Collection, by descent from the above Donald Kirson Collection