Shang Wheeler Classic Black Duck

Charles E. "Shang" Wheeler (1872-1949) Stratford, CT, c. 1940 17 1/4 in. long

This hollow pine decoy is one of “Shang” Wheeler’s finest gunning models. Wheeler authority Dixon Merkt was so enthralled with this exact decoy that he chose to illustrate it twelve times in his definitive book on the maker.

Merkt used this exact decoy to demonstrate that “Wheeler was a master at portraying the black duck. His skillful carving coupled with realistic feather painting produced a remarkably lifelike appearance.” He goes on to point out that this bird’s head “shows the alert eye and hint of a smile that give each of Wheeler’s ducks a personality all its own.” The author closes his review by stating, “A characteristic that sometimes appears in this grade is the detail carving under the bill. This is just one of the many subtleties that makes this black duck extraordinary.”

A paper label on the underside appears to read "Property of Perry Avery Stony Creek Conn."

Included with this lot is Wheeler's decoy weight mold. In excellent original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: Perry Avery Collection, Stony Creek, Connecticut Dixon Merkt Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above.

Literature: Dixon MacD. Merkt, "Shang: A Biography of Charles E. Wheeler," Spanish Fork, UT, 1984, dust jacket cover, p. 19, 129, 152, 172 and 173, pl. 5, 107, 142, 188-192, exact decoy illustrated 12 times. Laurence Sheehan, "The Birding Life," New York, NY, 2011, p. 95, exact decoy illustrated. Laurence Sheehan, "The Sporting Life," New York, NY, 1992, p. 81, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Perry Avery Collection, Stony Creek, Connecticut Dixon Merkt Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above.