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THBEarly High-Head Pintail Drake Phineas Reeves (1833-1896)
About Seller
65 Sharp Street
Hingham, MA 02043
United States
Copley Fine Art Auctions is the world's leading American sporting art auction company. Located in Hingham, MA, Copley specializes in antique decoys and 19th- and 20th-century American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Principal Stephen O'Brien Jr., a fourth-generation sportsman with a refined colle...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJul 27, 2017 - Jul 28, 2017
Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (156)
- Lot Description
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.
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.Condition
Condition report requests can be made via email or by telephone (info@copleyart.com or 617.536.0030). Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.
- Shipping Info
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Shipping info
Copley Fine Art Auctions does not handle the shipping of any items. Shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Once your payment has cleared, and we have received your authorized shipping release form items may be released for shipment. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items. Buyers should allow up to four weeks for shipment.PLEASE BE AWARE THAT INTERNET BIDDERS MAY NOT PICK UP THEIR ITEMS AT THE SALE SITE. ITEMS CAN BE PICKED UP BY APPOINTMENT OR SHIPPED STARTING FIVE DAYS AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE SALE
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