John G. Tornberg Turned-head Feeding Pintail Drake

John G. Tornberg (1902-1971) Mill Valley, CA, c. 1948 According to Miller and Hanson in "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast," "the most collectible decoys from the San Francisco Bay area are those that were carved by the yachtsman John Tornberg of San Francisco. Tornberg used a sophisticated chip carving technique with gouges and chisels to achieve a richly textured surface and a subtle life-like appearance. These hollow, redwood pintails and shovelers are eagerly sought by all discerning West Coast collectors." Carved in a feeding position, this hollow pintail decoy exhibits stellar form. Chip carved, including the individual primary features, with glass eyes and nice bill detail. One of only five feeding pintails known to have been carved by Tornberg, who expertly captured the animated posture of a live feeding bird. In excellent original paint with minor gunning wear and slight neck seam separation.

Provenance: William J. Butler, Jr. Collection

Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast, Davis, CA, 1986, pp. 198-199 and 204, rigmate pictured. Sotheby's and Guyette & Schmidt, American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, New York, NY, 2000, lot 16, related example. Robert Shaw, Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D., Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 116-117.

Provenance

William J. Butler, Jr. Collection