Charles Bergman Early Pintail Drake

Charles Bergman (1856-1946) Astoria, OR, c. 1925 21 in. long

Charles Bergman is perhaps the best known decoy carver in the Astoria area. A Finn by birth, he immigrated to the United States by jumping ship in San Francisco when he was a first mate on a clipper. He carved decoys for his own use as well as professionally. This long and hollow decoy features highly stylized feathering on the back. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, a tight neck crack, and traces of working touch-up to white neck stripe.

Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection

Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 79, related carving illustrated.

Provenance

Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection