Flying Goldeneye Hen by Chauncey Wheeler (1888-1945)

Lot 351

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

The Winter Sale 2016 by Copley Fine Art Auctions

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The Winter Sale 2016

By Copley Fine Art Auctions

Feb 12, 2016 - Feb 13, 2016

Set Reminder 2016-02-12 11:00:00 2016-02-13 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Winter Sale 2016 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/copley/the-winter-sale-2016-1233 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com

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Lot Description

Chauncey Wheeler (1888-1945)
Alexandria Bay, NY, c. 1920
3 1/4 by 16 by 6 in.

This half-bodied duck model displays a glass eye in a gentle eye groove, exceptional blended painted feather detail, a gracefully curved wing, and incised bill and tail carving. On the back is a handcrafted copper hanger and "Chauncey Wheeler" script signature.

Wheeler was a master carver from the St. Lawrence River area. He was regarded as the "Dean of the Holland Street decoy makers," a group which included Clovis LeFebvre, Frank Coombs, and Roy Conklin. Wheeler is credited with starting several carving trends in his region, such as the carved horizontal eye groove and half-model flying wall mounts. In 1934, with Wheeler's permission, Roy Conklin received a patent from the United States government to manufacture these decorative carvings.

One of Wheeler's famous patrons was American composer and conductor John Philip Sousa (1854-1932). Sousa not only bought many decorative carvings and decoys from Wheeler, but also took carving lessons from him.

This golden eye, with its intricately blended stippled paint and graceful lines, epitomizes the classic design of the Holland Street school.

Provenance: Massey Collection
Towner Collection
Private Collection

Literature: Harold W. Reiser III, "Chance, A Man of Great Talent, Strength and Mystery," Lewes, DE, 2002, p. 87, exact bird illustrated.

Condition

Original paint with wear, minor chip to wing tip, and a re-set foot edge.
Shipping Info
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