Chauncey Wheeler Rigmate Bluebill Pair

Chauncey Wheeler (1888-1945) Alexandria Bay, NY, c. 1915 15 in. long

Wheeler hailed from in the Thousand Islands region of northern New York. He carved his first miniature pair at the age of eight, predominantly using just a jackknife and a spokeshave. He is widely regarded as the area’s first commercial decorative carver.

This exceptional pair was auctioned off by Sotheby Parke Bernet in 1976. Founded in 1937, Parke Bernet was America’s largest auction house in the mid-1960s when it was purchased by Sotheby & Co. of London. Drake is in original paint with light gunning wear, very tight age lines in neck and old gunning touch-up to tail edge. Hen appears to be in original paint with light gunning wear and a hairline crack in neck.

Provenance: Private Collection, acquired at Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1976

Provenance

Private Collection, acquired at Sotheby Parke Bernet, 1976