Phineas Reeves Early Canada Goose

Phineas Reeves (1833-1896) Long Point, Ontario, Canada, c. 1880 22 in. long

"...the Reeves story dominates the decoy making of Long Point and Port Rowan..." Patricia Fleming, "The Great Book of Waterfowl Decoys"

After emigrating from England, Phineas settled in St. Williams and Port Rowan, Ontario, where he was employed as a carriage and furniture painter. He also took up duck hunting in the marshes around Long Point and developed a strong enough reputation to be hired as the first punter (guide) of the newly founded Long Point Company in 1866.

This hollow carving by the patriarch of the Long Point Company's distinguished carving family is branded "J. A. HEWLETT" twice on the back and once on the bottom board for use at Long Point. Discussing Reeves, author Bernard Gates states, "He was particularly noted for his classic hollow Canada Geese." Original paint with moderate gunning wear, including a few shot scars and some discoloration by the bottom-board seam.

Provenance: James A. Hewlett Rig The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl

Literature: Loy S. Harrell Jr., "Decoys: North America’s One Hundred Greatest," Iola, WI, 2000, p. 192, related example illustrated. Bernie Gates, "Ontario Decoys," Kingston, Ontario, 1982, p. 17. Bernard W. Crandell, "The Reeves Family," Decoy Magazine, May/June 1992, p. 11, related example illustrated. Patricia Fleming, ed., “Traditions in Wood,” Ontario, Canada, 1987, p. 136, related decoy illustrated.

Provenance

James A. Hewlett Rig The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl