Makers / John R. Wells / Mallard

John R. Wells Hollow Mallard Drake

John R. Wells (1861-1953) Toronto, Ontario, Canada, c. 1900

John R. Wells – Hollow Mallard Drake – 2024
$1,680
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $1,500–$2,500
Sold Jul 2024at Copley, July 2024

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesMallardConfigDrakeSize15.75"PaintOriginal

The catalog record

John R. Wells (1861-1953) Toronto, Ontario, Canada, c. 1900 15 3/4 in. long

A feather-light decoy by one of the Great Lakes' most distinguished carvers. This hollow example showcases his best puddle duck form and blended and combed paint. Original paint with gunning wear down to bare wood on head and a tail chip.

Literature: Bernie Gates, "Ontario Decoys," Kingston, ON, 1982, p. 48, related mallard illustrated.

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent John R. Wells Mallards to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
Nov 2025—Original$2,100
Apr 2025—Original$1,680
Sep 2023—Original$450
Apr 2023—Original$19,200
Jul 2018—Original$3,600

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All John R. Wells sales