John G. Tornberg Exceedingly Rare Feeding Pintail

John G. Tornberg (1902-1971) Mill Valley, CA, c. 1948 19 in. long

This decoy is an exciting new discovery to the decoy marketplace. 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." Beyond the west coast, collectors nationwide were introduced to Tornberg via Dr. James McCleery's feeding pintail rigmate to this lot. This decoy displays the exact same paint treatment as the McCleery example, with this example retaining its original weight.

Carved in a feeding position with an extended neck, this hollow pintail decoy exhibits stellar form and sophisticated carved surface treatments, including a combination of flat and gouged chip carving and rasping. This carving is one of only five or six feeding pintails known to have been carved by Tornberg, who expertly captured the animated posture of a live feeding bird. The underside retains the maker's distinct custom weight which includes an anchor line ring. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear and working touch-up to black by Tornberg. Reset crack in neck.

Provenance: John Tornberg Rig Private Collection, Oregon, acquired directly from Mrs. Tornberg

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, rigmate illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, pp. 116-117, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

John Tornberg Rig Private Collection, Oregon, acquired directly from Mrs. Tornberg