Chauncey Wheeler Flying Blue-winged Teal Pair

Chauncey Wheeler (1888-1945) Alexandria Bay, NY, 1934 15 1/2 in. long

A rare pair of flying teal. Regarding this life-size hen, "Chance" author Harold Rieser III writes, "the only hen known to exist of this size."

Inscriptions on the back of the drake read "Chauncey Wheeler, Alex. Bay, Nov- 24- 1934" and Harold B. Evans' collecting note "acquired 1/14/67 from Mrs. Jas. Tousant, Chauncey Wheeler's daughter, HBE." Evans was a renowned collector from Watertown, New York. Both are in original paint with minimal wear. The hen has touch-up to underside and back of bill, repair to neck, and a restored wing tip. The drake is in excellent original condition.

Provenance: Harold B. Evans Collection (drake) Private Collection

Literature: Harold W. Reiser III, "Chauncey Wheeler," Lewes, DE, 2002, p. 84, exact hen illustrated, and p. 97, related drake illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “Chance: the Decoys of Chauncey Wheeler,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, 1999. (hen)

Provenance

Harold B. Evans Collection (drake) Private Collection