Shang Wheeler Rare Miniature Black Duck

Charles E. "Shang" Wheeler (1872-1949) Stratford, CT, c. 1935 6 1/2 in. long

The rarity of this miniature cannot be overstated. While Wheeler made many decorative carvings in his lifetime, his stand-alone miniatures are virtually non-existent. There is only one other waterfowl miniature, which is set against a painted grass backdrop, pictured in Dixon Merkt's comprehensive treatise on the carver.

This six-and-one-half-inch-long black duck was likely made for a carving competition. It displays a slightly turned head, glass eyes, scratch-painted head detail, and grooved wing definition. An inscription on the bottom of the carving reads "Made by Shang Wheeler, Black Duck, Babylon, NY, 1935" in faint pencil. Babylon was the annual site of the National Decoy Show starting in 1923. Wheeler took home top honors at that first show and was often in attendance in the 1930s and 40s. Original paint with touchup along neck seat and very minor touch-up to underside of bill tip.

Provenance: Todd Lovell Collection Private Collection

Literature: Decoys Unlimited Auctions, "Our Sale of Rare and Important Decoys, Related Artifacts & Americana," July 18, 1999, lot 151E, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Todd Lovell Collection Private Collection