John Vitalie Rare Green-winged Teal

John Vitalie (1912-1986) Collinsville, CA, c. 1945 12 1/2 in. long

Vitalie was a market hunter and commercial salmon fisherman, as well as a decoy carver. He grew up on the edge of Suisun Marsh, though he died in Pittsburg, California, where a bronze fisherman sculpture was erected near the marina in his memory. The underside of the high-head's bill bears an incised "V," the maker's signature. Another "V" is under the tail. Original paint with moderate gunning wear.

Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection

Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 429, exact carving illustrated.

Provenance

Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection