Phineas Reeves Early High-head Pintail Drake

Phineas Reeves (1833-1896) Long Point, ON, c. 1866 17 in. long

After emigrating from England, Phineas settled in St. Williams and Port Rowan, Ontario where he took work as a Carriage and furniture painter. He also took up duck hunting in the marshes around Long Point and developed a strong enough reputation to be hired as the first punter (guide) of the newly founded Long Point Company in 1866. Among the founders were David Tisdale whose “DT” brand is found on this decoy and others by the maker.

This pintail likely represents one of the earliest known Reeves decoys, thus one of the earliest from Canada. The form, paint, and construction are distinctly the work of Reeves. His classic later carvings, like his sons’ and grandson’s, went on to have flatter bottoms but retained the same distinct paint application, multi-screw head attachment, and reared-back head.

In addition to Tisdale’s brand, “AH” is painted on the underside for fellow club member Augustus Hemenway (1853–1931). Notably, Hemenway’s wife Harriet (1858- 1960) was a co-founder of the first Audubon Society. Sporting artist Frank W. Benson was good friends with Hemenway and the two shot together at Long Point, likely over this very decoy. In original paint with gunning wear, old second coat of white on lower sides, chip to left side of tail.

Provenance: David Tisdale Rig Augustus Hemenway Rig Bernard Crandell Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Paul A. Johnsgard, "The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form," Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 99, pl. 104, exact decoy illustrated. Bernard W. Crandall, "Decoying, St. Clair to the St. Lawrence," Erin, ON, 1988, p. 188, exact decoy illustrated twice, and p. 87, early rigmate redhead illustrated. Clune Walsh, Jr. and Lowell G. Jackson, "Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region," Detroit, MI, 1983, p. 99, plate 125, exact decoy illustrated. Bernie and Rae Giacoletto, "The Decoy Hunter," Clinton, Indiana, May/June 1981, p. 4, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

David Tisdale Rig Augustus Hemenway Rig Bernard Crandell Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection