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.
Condition
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