Jess Heisler Snuggle-head Pintail Drake

Jess Heisler (1891-1943) Burlington City, NJ, c. 1935 15 in. long

A tucked-head pintail drake with raised, carved primaries. The decoy bears the Mackey ink stamp on the bottom. Regarding this exact decoy, Mackey writes, "Lazy, well-fed, Pintail decoys like this one must have been irresistible to their passing brethren. The observant rivermen of the Delaware never changed their style. Normal-sized, hollow bodies with carved tail and wing feathers are their trademark. The restful head and good paint pattern complete the Delaware River image." Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Collection William J. Butler Jr. Collection

Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 141, pl. 120, exact decoy illustrated. Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Rare American Bird Decoys, Bird Carvings, and Related Materials," Hyannis, MA, 1978, Session I & II, lot 294, exact decoy illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 7 (bird top right), exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: Oakbrook, Illinois, “Exhibition of Classic Antique Waterfowl Decoys,” Midwest Decoy Collectors Association, Apri l 24-26, 1980.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Collection William J. Butler Jr. Collection