A few examples of appraisal values for
SPOKANE

• Men's 10k Shadle Park Highschool
  Men's 10k Shadle Park Highschool Spokane Class Ring Size 9.5 - 12.9 Grams
• Box Spokane Pacific Line Hat
  Box Spokane Pacific Line Hat Badge etc.
• TUCKED-HEAD PINTAILHarold "Pappy"
  TUCKED-HEAD PINTAILHarold "Pappy" Kidwell (1895-1982) Berkeley, CA, c. 1980 21 in. long A market gunner who hunted in Sonoma County, Pappy then turned to making decoys and selling them to fellow hunters beginning in 1922. The underside of this pintail bears a "K" signature. The cork body is fitted with seven pieces of wood from tip to tail. Original paint with light wear. Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 206, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 282, related decoy illustrated.
• EARLY PREENING GREEN-WINGED
  EARLY PREENING GREEN-WINGED TEALChase Littlejohn (1853-1943) Redwood City, CA, c. 1885 10 in. long “A more interesting fellow than Chase Littlejohn has probably never existed.” This is the opening line to the carving legend’s chapter in “Wildfowl Decoys of California.” This early teal and its rigmates remain the only known Littlejohn decoys to have come to light. He is recognized as one of California's earliest makers. Over 110 years ago, Littlejohn, a California native, was fascinating his contemporaries with his hunting and natural history adventures. "The San Francisco Sunday Call" ran a page 2 profile feature in 1909 titled “A Hunter of Rare and Unusual Game: Chase Littlejohn Has bagged Sea Otters in Japan, Big Game in Alaska & Strange Birds Everywhere.” Today, among decoy collectors, he is most remembered for his early and important green-winged teal rig. The maker's avocations as a naturalist and a taxidermist clearly gave him the anatomical knowledge necessary to accurately carve this preening green-winged teal. The bird is in a deep preening pose with a refined bill resting back on the right wing. The carving is finished with detailed feathering, including combed vermiculation on the sides. The carving's rectangular weight is attached using about forty brass tacks. The underside of the hollow body also bears a tidy leather anchor line tie. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. Collection Literature: Joe Engers, “Early California green-winged teal turn up at West Coast collectibles show,” Decoy Magazine, March/April 1997, p. 14, exact decoy illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 358, rigmates illustrated. H. A. Crafts, "A Hunter of Rare and Unusual Game," The San Francisco Sunday Call, June 27, 1909, p. 2, rigmates illustrated.
• PREENING MALLARD PAIRWilliam "Bill"
  PREENING MALLARD PAIRWilliam "Bill" Neal (1924-2014) Black Point, CA, 1976 14 in. long Two preeners signed by the maker on the underside and dated. The undersides of the ducks' tails bear Neal’s “WN” brand. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 175, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 154, related carvings illustrated.
• CINNAMON TEAL PAIRWilliam "Bill"
  CINNAMON TEAL PAIRWilliam "Bill" Neal (1924-2014) Black Point, CA, c. 1985 13 1/2 in. long The undersides of the tails bear Neal's "WN" brand. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 175, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 154, related carvings illustrated.
• MINIATURE SLEEPING MALLARD PAIREd
  MINIATURE SLEEPING MALLARD PAIREd Snyder (1928-2011) Rio Vista, CA, 1990 4 in. long This pair displays the maker's signature on the underside. Original paint with minimal wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the maker Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 426, related carvings illustrated.
• MINIATURE SLEEPING PINTAIL PAIREd
  MINIATURE SLEEPING PINTAIL PAIREd Snyder (1928-2011) Rio Vista, CA, 1990 5 in. long Both of these sleeping pintails bear the maker's signature and date on the underside. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the maker Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 291, related carving illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 423, related carving illustrated.
• MINIATURE MALLARD PAIRHorace "Hi"
  MINIATURE MALLARD PAIRHorace "Hi" Crandall (1892-1969) Westwood, CA, c. 1930 7 in. long A miniature pair displaying turned heads, deep bodies, and raised wing tips by one of California's most celebrated decoy carvers. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 367, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 588, related carvings illustrated.
• MINIATURE FLYING BRANTWilliam
  MINIATURE FLYING BRANTWilliam "Bill" Neal (1924-2014) Black Point, CA, 1977 9 1/2 in. long A McLellan-style brant with an eighteen-inch-long wingspan. This decorative has movable wings and is signed and dated on the underside of the base. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the maker Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 175, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 154, related carvings illustrated.
• RARE PLOVEREd Snyder (1928-2011)
  RARE PLOVEREd Snyder (1928-2011) Rio Vista, CA, c. 1945 11 in. long, 9 1/2 in. tall This black-bellied plover has finely painted feather detail, incised primaries, and the maker's signature on the underside. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, no plover illustrated.
• COOTEd Snyder (1928-2011) Rio
  COOTEd Snyder (1928-2011) Rio Vista, CA, c. 1970 11 in. long An excellent decorative by one of the Golden State's premier decoy makers. This hollow coot has finely incised wing detail, a super thin tail, and the maker's signature on the underside. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 293, related carving illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 423, related carvings illustrated.
• SLEEPING PINTAIL PAIREd Snyder
  SLEEPING PINTAIL PAIREd Snyder (1928-2011) Rio Vista, CA, c. 1970 16 in. long This hollow pair has fine painted feather detail and the maker's signature on the inlayed bottom boards. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the maker Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 291, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 420, related carvings illustrated.
• HIGH-HEAD PINTAILEd Castagnetto
  HIGH-HEAD PINTAILEd Castagnetto (1911-1996) San Francisco, CA, 1989 17 1/2 in. long Taught by California carving legend, "Fresh-Air Dick" Janson, Ed learned to carve as a young man. He was also a sharp shooter who enjoyed hunting pintails in the San Joaquin Valley. This pintail is signed and dated on the underside. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired directly from the maker, 1989 Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 188, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 340, related carvings illustrated.
• PINTAIL PAIRJohn B. Winter
  PINTAIL PAIRJohn B. Winter (1905-1981) Burlingame, CA, c. 1945 16 in. long Winter made waterfowl decoys for his hunting in the Sacramento Valley. Balsa-bodied decoys, such as this pair, were carved from decommissioned military life rafts. His carvings are sometimes attributed to the Cleveland Wrecking Company; however, that was just his place of employment as the office manager. Original paint with light gunning wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 191, rigmates illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 376, related decoys illustrated.
• MALLARD PAIRScott Cork Decoy
  MALLARD PAIRScott Cork Decoy Company (1927-1954) Oakland, CA, c. 1930 15 in. long Reece Scott (1871-1955) founded this company in Oakland. This influential California establishment specialized in the fabrication of cork-stuffed canvas decoys. Scott advanced the stuffed decoy and patented his design. The drake bears a branded patent stamp on the underside. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, most notably at hen's soft neck. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 249, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 302, related carvings illustrated.
• CANVAS CACKLING GOOSEBurley Earl
  CANVAS CACKLING GOOSEBurley Earl Russell (1891-1984) Stockton, CA, c. 1935 22 in. long Russell was one of the first to create the canvas-kapok decoys and was also the most accomplished. A talented carpenter and well-known sportsman, the maker was reported to have actively hunted well into his eighth decade of life. This rare little cackling goose has raised wing tips and a flat bottom insert with a hole for use as a stickup or sitting field decoy. Original and early working paint with gunning wear and a tear in the tail. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 309, related decoys illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 479, related decoys illustrated.
• PINTAIL PAIRWright Decoy Company
  PINTAIL PAIRWright Decoy Company Berkeley, CA, c. 1935 15 in. long Linley A. Wright (1889-1946) was a machinist who ran a decoy manufacturing company from his home. The decoys were made using five pieces of redwood and were finished with energetic scratch feather painting. This published pair bears the Wright Company stamp on the undersides. Original paint with even gunning wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 262, closely related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 330, exact pair illustrated.
• CANVASBACK DRAKEJoseph Carolus
  CANVASBACK DRAKEJoseph Carolus Roesling (1862-1944) Alameda, CA, c. 1910 15 in. long Born in Wisconsin, Roesling brought his Midwest carving sensibilities to the Bay Area when he moved there in 1906. He carved mostly canvasbacks and pintails and is renowned for the "snake" position of his carved heads. This well-documented carving's head is inletted into the body. Old working paint with moderate gunning wear. Provenance: Richard Radigonda Collection Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 247, exact decoy illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 298, exact decoy illustrated.
• CANVASBACK DRAKE"Dick" Allen
  CANVASBACK DRAKE"Dick" Allen (1891-1971) Vallejo, CA, c. 1925 14 1/2 in. long Allen hunted San Francisco Bay and the Delta for over fifty years, carving decoys for his own use. Under the fine form is a flush-poured weight which ingeniously doubles as a streamlined line tie. This decoy is featured in both West Coast books; the latter of which confirms that the paint is by the original maker. "Classic repaint by Allen..." and light gunning wear and old chip to underside of bill tip. Provenance: Dave Hillendahl Collection Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 153, exact carving illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 174, exact carving illustrated.
• BLUEBILL PAIRHarry L. Cook
  BLUEBILL PAIRHarry L. Cook (1909-1993) Vallejo, CA, c. 1930 11 3/4 in. long A well-documented turned-head pair by Harry Cook. A lifelong resident of Vallejo, California, he worked for his father's painting business starting as a teenager and throughout his life. His father was also a market hunter in San Francisco Bay and taught his son the craft. Cook's painting skills are apparent in the scratch-comb feather detail on the drake's back. The undersides are branded "COOK" and signed and dated by the maker. Both birds are in early gunning paint by the maker. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired directly from the maker Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 201, exact pair illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 192, exact pair illustrated.
• GREEN-WINGED TEALRay Baliel
  GREEN-WINGED TEALRay Baliel (1910-1979) Rio Vista, CA, c. 1935 11 1/2 in. long "The dramatic swept-back heads and very life-like appearances have few equals in California," writes California decoy historian Michael Miller. He continues, "Baliel carved nearly all decoy bodies from life raft balsawood...Baliel engaged the services of Ed Snyder and Eastman Young...to paint his decoys." This well-published decoy shows Young's original paint, which even Snyder would copy. The finely carved head has especialy broad cheeks. Original paint with gunning wear, including some roughness to tail. Neck seam is reset, minor darkening to wood on back. Provenance: Harry Cook Collection Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 395, exact decoy illustrated. Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 271, exact decoy illustrated twice.
• MALLARD DRAKESan Francisco, CA,
  MALLARD DRAKESan Francisco, CA, c. 1940 15 in. long This gouge-carved decoy relates to the work of John Tornberg (1902-1971) and may very well be the carver's later work. Tornberg lived in the Marina district of San Francisco and carved some of the San Francisco Bay region’s most collectible decoys. He used a chip-carving technique which gave his decoys a life-like appearance. This carving also exhibits raised wing tips similar to that seen on his shoveler hen illustrated on page 199 of the Pacific Coast book. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: August Sebastiani Collection Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 199, related carving illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 369, related carvings illustrated.
• PINTAIL"Fresh Air Dick" Janson
  PINTAIL"Fresh Air Dick" Janson (1872-1951) Sonoma, CA, c. 1915 18 in. long A classic early Janson decoy with raised wing tips and a flat bottom. This decoy may have been used in Janson's early market-gunning rig prior to the passing of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. In repaint with moderate gunning wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 142, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 107, related carvings illustrated.
• PINTAIL PAIR"Fresh Air Dick" Janson
  PINTAIL PAIR"Fresh Air Dick" Janson (1872-1951) Sonoma, CA, c. 1930 17 in. long Recognized as one of California’s greatest decoy carvers, Janson was also a commercial fisherman, a ship carpenter, and a professional hunter. Janson set the standard for California decoys over a forty-year career. He got his nickname, "Fresh Air," because he preferred to sleep on deck regardless of the weather while working on the “Star of Iceland,” a three-masted salmon fishing vessel. The hen has a "AM" stamp on the bottom. Original paint, working touch-up mostly to white, and gunning wear. Hen has a neck crack. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 148, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 107, related carvings illustrated.
• COOTLuigi Andreuccetti
  COOTLuigi Andreuccetti (1898-1978) Vorden, CA, c. 1940 9 1/2 in. long A well-documented coot decoy with a large body and slightly turned head. It appears to have the maker's signature affixed to the underside along with collector notes. Original paint with even gunning wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 512, exact decoy illustrated. Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 338, related decoys illustrated.
• PINTAIL PAIRLuigi Andreuccetti
  PINTAIL PAIRLuigi Andreuccetti (1898-1978) Vorden, CA, 1948 17 1/2 in. long In the "The Great Book of Waterfowl Decoys," the West Coast contributor Gerald Rosenthal introduces Andreuccetti as "the Sacramento stylist." In addition to being credited with minting a distinct style, the Italian-born carver scorned patterns, creating variety within his portfolio. According to “Wildfowl Decoys of California” author Michael Miller, the carver would hunt for pintails in cornfields under a full moon. His favorite hunting locale was Snodgrass Slough, where he hunted for most of his life. A classic pair of Andreuccetti pintail made with his higher-grade balsa-on-board body construction and his signature textured surface. They have strong feather paint, incised wing detail, and the maker's signature and date on the undersides. "He was a charming man who carved charming decoys." — Joe Engers, "The Great Book of Waterfowl Decoys" Original paint with even gunning wear. Drake has spot of working touch-up to left shoulder and hen has scattered spots, mostly to shot holes. Provenance: Jim Keegan Collection Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, pp. 339 and 349, exact pair illustrated twice (captions do not match birds). Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, pp. 507-8, related decoys illustrated. Joe Engers, ed., "The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys," San Diego, CA, 1990, pp. 271-273, maker discussed.
• CANVASBACK PAIRLeo Tocchini
  CANVASBACK PAIRLeo Tocchini (1904-1989) Oakland, CA, c. 1945 17 in. long A magnum pair of balsa canvasbacks. The hen bears the maker's "LT" signature brand, while the drake has a "V" or "L" brand on the underside. Drake is in original paint, hen has a grey wash and reset neck, both have gunning wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 324, related pair illustrated. Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 261, related pair illustrated.
• PINTAIL PAIRLeo Tocchini
  PINTAIL PAIRLeo Tocchini (1904-1989) Oakland, CA, c. 1950 17 in. long Leo lived in Oakland, but enjoyed hunting on Suisun Marsh at the Rich Island Duck Club. An accomplished carver, Leo sold his decoys to fellow club members and other hunters. The weights on this pair are stamped "Pete-Forman." Original paint with gunning wear, the drake has some repaint to grey and darkening to tail rub, and the hen has a reset neck. Provenance: Pete Forman Rig Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 322, related carvings illustrated.
• FEEDING PINTAIL PAIRHarold
  FEEDING PINTAIL PAIRHarold "Pappy" Kidwell (1895-1982) Berkeley, CA, c. 1980 20 in. long This well-documented pair of rare feeding pintails in two poses were made by one of California's more colorful characters, who eventually earned his name as the elder statesman among fellow gunners. "Pappy" was an intricate craftsman outfitting his well-oiled cork bodies with not only wooden heads, but also bill supports, wing tips, and tails. A testament to his thoroughness, these well-used decoys have worn soundly and were chosen for both of the West Coast decoy books. Original paint with gunning wear, including some flaking around age lines in drake's neck. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, pp. 206 and 238, exact carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 281, exact carvings illustrated.
• PINTAIL HEN"Artie" Azevedo
  PINTAIL HEN"Artie" Azevedo (1921-2005) Rio Vista, CA, c. 1950 14 3/4 in. long A classic collaborative Azevedo-Snyder balsa pintail hen with pronounced and animated features finished with Ed Snyder's (1928-2011) excellent painted feathering. Original paint with gunning wear and some touch-up to flaked areas. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 392, closely related decoys illustrated and discussed.
• EARLY HOLLOW COOTFred Cutting
  EARLY HOLLOW COOTFred Cutting (1858-1936) Sacramento, CA, c. 1880 9 in. long This plump little decoy has a hollow body, a thin neck, and a chip-carved head. A competitive shotgun shooter, Fred also used his Winchester for market hunting. He was not a commercial decoy carver, but simply made the decoys he needed to earn his livelihood. Original paint with light gunning wear and a neck crack. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 516, rigmate illustrated.
• MALLARD PAIRHorace "Hi" Crandall
  MALLARD PAIRHorace "Hi" Crandall (1892-1969) Westwood, CA, c. 1935 16 1/2 in. long A slightly turned-head rigmate pair. The hen has a slightly uplifted head. Original paint with light gunning wear. Provenance: Les Vache Collection, acquired from the Crandall family Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 363, related drake illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 581, exact decoys illustrated.
• PINTAIL HENHorace "Hi" Crandall
  PINTAIL HENHorace "Hi" Crandall (1892-1969) Westwood, CA, c. 1935 15 in. long Crandall was an outdoorsman, a taxidermist, and a talented watercolor painter at a young age. After moving California in 1917, Crandall was an engineer on a ferry which shuttled trains across Carquinez Straits before the bridge was built. He built his first decoys using the redwood railroad ties that washed ashore near his home. Original paint with light wear. Provenance: Les Vache Collection, acquired from the Crandall family Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired from the above Literature: Michael R. Miller and Frederick W. Hanson, "Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Coast,” Portland, OR, 1989, p. 362, related carvings illustrated. Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 585, related drake illustrated.
• RARE SWANWilliam "Bill" Neal
  RARE SWANWilliam "Bill" Neal (1924-2014) Black Point, CA, c. 1976 31 in. long "Bill Neal," writes Miller "...was one of California's great decoy carvers." Carving augmented his income as a house painter. Before heading overseas to serve in World War II as a B-17 gunner, Bill sold his decoy collection not knowing if he would ever return. When he returned Stateside in 1946, he picked up his decoy carving tools and did not set them down again until shortly before his death in 2014. He made only three swan decoys; two of which reside in the Wheeler collection, and the location of the third is unknown. Excellent original paint with light wear and touch-up to a cleanly reset neck crack. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection, acquired directly the maker, circa 1976 Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 154, duck decoys illustrated.
• RARE GREEN-WINGED TEALJohn
  RARE GREEN-WINGED TEALJohn Vitalie (1912-1986) Collinsville, CA, c. 1945 12 1/2 in. long Vitalie was a market hunter and commercial salmon fisherman, as well as a decoy carver. He grew up on the edge of Suisun Marsh, though he died in Pittsburg, California, where a bronze fisherman sculpture was erected near the marina in his memory. The underside of the high-head's bill bears an incised "V," the maker's signature. Another "V" is under the tail. Original paint with moderate gunning wear. Provenance: Richard and Dorothy Wheeler Collection Literature: Michael R. Miller, "Wildfowl Decoys of California,” Spokane, WA, 2015, p. 429, exact carving illustrated.