Chauncey Wheeler Exceedingly Rare Dove

Chauncey Wheeler (1888-1945) Alexandria Bay, NY, c. 1915 11 1/2 in. long

This hunting decoy belonged to washing machine magnate Lewis "Bud" Maytag (1926-1990) and came off his Sedgefield Plantation in Union Springs, Alabama.

"Bud" Maytag was featured in a 1966 "Sports illustrated" article "Shooting on Mr. Bud's Place."

Discussing Sedgefield Plantation author Virginia Kraft writes, "one of the last great sprawling plantations of the deep South is L. B. Maytag's Sedgefields, in Union Springs, Alabama, where the dainty bobwhite quail, not cotton, is king and where hunting is regally reminiscent of the antebellum years."

According to "Chance" author Harold W. Reiser III, “Along with making decoys for Abercrombie & Fitch, local residents, and himself, back in the early 1900s Wheeler was commissioned by his most famous customer and student, world-renowned bandmaster John Philip Sousa [1854-1932]. John asked Wheeler to carve him a flock of dove decoys for his hunting lodge in Sachets Harbor, New York. This rig of doves is the only rig of its kind that Chauncey ever made.”

It is plausible that Sousa, who was a hunter, may have gifted this decoy to Maytag on a Southern hunting trip. Excellent original paint with even wear, a hairline crack in neck crack, some flaking to metal tail, and restoration to bill.

Provenance: Louis B. Maytag Rig Gifted by Maytag to his plantation manager Private Collection by descent from the above Private Collection, Florida

Literature: Harold W. Reiser III, "Chance, A Man of Great Talent, Strength and Mystery," Lewes, DE, 2002, p. 53, closely related example illustrated. Hal Sorenson, "Decoy Collector’s Guide," 1966-1967, p. 35, related example illustrated. Richard W. Oliver Auction Gallery, "Rare and Important American Bird Decoys," Kennebunk, ME, July 2-3, 1988, lot 268, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Louis B. Maytag Rig Gifted by Maytag to his plantation manager Private Collection by descent from the above Private Collection, Florida