Pintail,
Phineas Reeves (1833-1896)
Port Rowan, Ontario, Canada, c. 1870
16 1/2 in. long
An early hollow decoy with an elegant drawn-back head design.
Describing a rigmate, Ontario decoy authority Bernard Crandell writes, "Phineas Reeves pintails were his best decoys. The graceful lines and superb painting make this hollow decoy a classic."
A branded "DT" and a painted "WBH" on the bottom of this decoy denotes that it once belonged to founding member of the Long Point Company David Tisdale, and later William B. Hunton, who was a member from 1867-1885. Reeves was the head guide at the club from 1866, the year it was established, until 1885.
Original paint with gunning wear, a few age lines, and replaced bill.
Provenance: David Tisdale Rig
William B. Hunton Rig
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection
Literature: Bernard W. Crandell, "The Reeves of Long Point Company," North American Decoy Magazine, Summer 1976, p. 12, exact decoy illustrated.
Bernard W. Crandell, "Decoying: St. Clair to the St. Lawrence," Erin, ON, 1988, p. 187, rigmate illustrated.
Condition
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