George Warin Canada Goose

George Warin (1830-1905) Toronto Island, Ontario, Canada, c. 1880 23 1/2 in. long

George Warin (1830-1905) and his brother James (1832-1884) first apprenticed to the highly esteemed boatbuilder Robert G. Renardson before taking over his business in 1873. As a testament to their craftsmanship, a Warin-built racing scull won the 1881 and 1882 world championships. George Warin used his exceptional boatbuilding skills to carve decoys which “set a new standard of excellence in the region and were imitated by dozens of later Toronto and southwestern Ontario craftsmen,” according to historian Robert Shaw. The Warins created lightweight, hollow decoys that were perfectly suited to the calm waters of southwestern Ontario.

Warin was also the first president of the St. Clair Flats Shooting Company and his recommendation positioned Thomas Chambers (1860-1948) as the club's keeper (see lots 5-6).

A fine hollow carving by this accomplished boat builder and club founder. The wet-on-wet blended paint applied to this decoy is among the finest seen on any goose carving. Outstanding original paint with even gunning wear, and minor darkening to area on back, minimal touch-up to reset neck and sliver under bill.

Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Laurence Sheehan, "The Birding Life," New York, NY, 2011, p. 90, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection