John William Luedtke Pintail Pair

John William Luedtke (1901-1958) Stockton, CA, c. 1945 15 1/4 in. long

"The most stylish decoys carved on the Pacific Coast were the pintails made by John Luedtke of Stockon c. 1945." - Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast"

Luedtke was a popular sporting gentleman in his day who was lauded by his peers and the press for his decoys. Despite the fact that he apparently only made one rig of decoys, it is well documented that those that have survived are held in the highest regard by today's collectors and authors. "The most stylish decoys carved on the Pacific Coast," write Miller and Hanson, "were the pintails made by John Luedtke of Stockon c. 1945." Miller continued, "Every collector of California decoys would love to have one. Luedtkes are nearly impossible to come by, however, because their owners aren't about to give them up."

This pair is an exceptional representation of why Luedtke is so prized; each bird has a slightly pinched breast with a thin neck and pronounced cheeks. The full balsa bodies are finished with ridged and upswept tails. Both have refined painted plumage. The undersides are identified and dated. Excellent original paint with light gunning wear. The drake has a shallow ding on left shoulder, and hen has tight age line in front of neck.

Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection

Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 475, exact rig illustrated. Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 307, exact rig illustrated.

Provenance

Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection