Makers / John R. Wells / Mallard

John R. Wells Mallard Drake

John R. Wells (1861-1953) Toronto, Ontario, Canada, c. 1900

John R. Wells – Mallard Drake – 2017
$12,000
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $6,000–$9,000over estimate
Sold Jul 2017at Copley, July 2017

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesMallardConfigDrakeSize17"PaintOriginal

The catalog record

John R. Wells (1861-1953) Toronto, Ontario, Canada, c. 1900 17 in. long

This exact decoy and an image of it's brand were used in Crandell's 1975 article revealing John R. Wells as the maker of this and other excellent Toronto decoys. Previously, Wells decoys had been attributed to fellow Toronto boat builder James Warin (1832-1884). This hollow mallard drake has a crisp "J.R.W. MAKER" brand on the bottom board. Original paint with gunning wear and touch-up to two shot scars on right side.

Provenance: Lowell Jackson Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Bernard W. Crandell, “JRW Maker,” North American Decoys, Winter 1975, p. 32-36, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Lowell Jackson Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent John R. Wells Mallards to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
Nov 2025—Original$2,100
Apr 2025—Original$1,680
Jul 2024—Original$1,680
Sep 2023—Original$450
Apr 2023—Original$19,200

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All John R. Wells sales