Phineas Reeves Mallard

Phineas Reeves (1833-1896) Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada, c. 1880 14 1/4 in. long, 7 1/2 in. wide

An early, hollow mallard carving with a thin bottom board stenciled “P. REEVES.” Branded "G.BH" on the bottom and left side for the rig of George B. Harris, a member of the Long Point Company (est. 1866) from 1877 to 1896. The tail has fine incised carving, a feature observed in this rig, but seldom seen in the region.

After emigrating from England, Phineas settled in St. Williams and Port Rowan, Ontario, where he was employed 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. Original paint with gunning wear.

Provenance: George B. Harris Rig Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Bernard W. Crandell, "Decoying: St. Clair to the St. Lawrence," Erin, ON, 1988, p. 185, rigmate illustrated. Laurence Sheehan, "The Birding Life," New York, NY, 2011, p. 92, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

George B. Harris Rig Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection