Ray Baliel Green-winged Teal

Ray Baliel (1910-1979) Rio Vista, CA, c. 1935 11 1/2 in. long

"The dramatic swept-back heads and very life-like appearances have few equals in California," writes California decoy historian Michael Miller. He continues, "Baliel carved nearly all decoy bodies from life raft balsawood...Baliel engaged the services of Ed Snyder and Eastman Young...to paint his decoys." This well-published decoy shows Young's original paint, which even Snyder would copy. The finely carved head has especialy broad cheeks. Original paint with gunning wear, including some roughness to tail. Neck seam is reset, minor darkening to wood on back.

Provenance: Harry Cook Collection Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 395, exact decoy illustrated. Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 271, exact decoy illustrated twice.

Provenance

Harry Cook Collection Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above