John B. Winter Pintail Pair

John B. Winter (1905-1981) Burlingame, CA, c. 1945 16 in. long

Winter made waterfowl decoys for his hunting in the Sacramento Valley. Balsa-bodied decoys, such as this pair, were carved from decommissioned military life rafts. His carvings are sometimes attributed to the Cleveland Wrecking Company; however, that was just his place of employment as the office manager. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection

Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 191, rigmates illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 376, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection