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Lot 60: Preening Canvasback Drake

Est: $40,000 USD - $50,000 USDSold:
Copley Fine Art AuctionsPlymouth, MA, USJuly 25, 2014

Item Overview

Description

Charles Edward Wheeler is recognized as the most famous bird carver from Connecticut. While his predecessors Albert Laing (1811-1886) and Benjamin Holmes (1843-1912) made many gunning decoys of exceptional quality, it was Wheeler who took the art form to the next level, producing everything from sandhill cranes to sailfish. Shang, as everyone called him, was an enigmatic figure: oysterman, politician, boxer, cartoonist, public speaker, conservationist, and world-renowned decoy carver.

Author Dixon Merkt on Wheeler's life:

"Wheeler's concern with the conservation of nature eventually led him into politics. Over the years he had come to know and admire Teddy Roosevelt, and as a politician he adopted Roosevelt's brand of progressive Republicanism. Himself a skilled ornithologist, former cowboy, and avid sportsman, Roosevelt had made conservation one cornerstone of his political platform. Wheeler followed in his footsteps. During several terms in the Connecticut General Assembly he led the campaign to pass anti-pollution and wildlife conservation legislation.

Unlike T.R., Wheeler had no driving ambitions. He went into politics because he wanted to clean up Connecticut's harbors and river. He did much of the hard work and then let other men win the laurels. His ties to Roosevelt and later to Herbert Hoover might have lead him to high government office, if that had been his goal. But Wheeler was satisfied with the life he had built for himself around Stratford. He had many good friends; his work kept him outdoors; and each year he had time for hunting and fishing trips."

In 1923 Wheeler arrived on the competition carving scene with a bang. Public concern over the popular and devastating practice of dusking (or hunting after dark) had started to take shape. Led by conservationists including early historian, author, and collector Joel Barber, along with Paul Bigelow and John Boyle, the group started the Anti-Duskers Society. The Anti-Duskers sponsored one of the first decoy shows in North America on August 23rd at the public library in Bellport, Long Island. A carving competition held at the event was aimed at hunters in attendance to further advance the concept of shooting over decoys. The inaugural event attracted amateur and professional carvers from near and far, however, it was Wheeler who took home top amateur honors with his dynamic turned-head mallard drake. Joel Barber gave the winning decoy the highest praise possible lauding that it represented "the highest development yet reached in the American art of decoy carving." As stated by Merkt and Lytle, "Wheeler carted off first prize at Bellport because he had introduced a new style to decoy painting."

Canvasback decoys by Wheeler are exceedingly rare. Important examples are held in the Shelburne Museum, the Alan and Elaine Haid Collection, and a private New England Collection with relatively few others known to exist. Of the examples that have surfaced, the majority were made with cork bodies. This sterling example relates closely to Wheeler's prize-winning mallard which now resides in the Shelburne Museum. This canvasback was most likely carved for one of the early Bellport competitions as evidenced by the number nineteen competition sticker affixed to its breast. This grand preener displays all the elements that top Wheeler collectors look for. The head is artfully and accurately cranked around from the right side of the breast culminating with its pronounced crown. The accurately presented bill is heavily incised and shoots across the bird's back, touching down on the left side. The bird's overall proportions and intricate scratch-comb paint are spot on. In the creation of this decoy, Wheeler has produced a lasting tribute to "The King of Ducks" that ranks as one of the finest Connecticut decoys extant.

Date

1920

Condition Report

Original paint with even wear, a few minor dings to head, and scrapes to body. Competition sticker number nineteen is still affixed to breast. Retains its original teardrop shaped weight and most of the original leather.

Notes

Original paint with even wear, a few minor dings to head, and scrapes to body. Competition sticker number nineteen is still affixed to breast. Retains its original teardrop shaped weight and most of the original leather.

Payment & Shipping

Accepted forms of payment: Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

COPLEY FINE ART AUCTIONS DOES NOT HANDLE THE SHIPMENT 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 (http://www.copleyart.com/pdfs/Authorized_Shipping_Release_Form.pdf)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**

Auction Details

The Sporting Sale 2014 - Session I: Decoys and Folk Art

by
Copley Fine Art Auctions
July 25, 2014, 11:00 AM EST

The Radisson, 180 Water St., Plymouth, MA, 02360, US

Terms

Live bidding may start higher or lower

Buyer's Premium

$0 - 1,000,000:23.0%
$1,000,001+:18.0%

Bidding Increments

From:To:Increment:
$0$999$50
$1,000$2,499$100
$2,500$4,999$250
$5,000$9,999$500
$10,000$24,999$1,000
$25,000$49,999$2,500
$50,000$99,999$5,000
$100,000+$10,000

Terms and Conditions

1 Your bidding on items indicates your acceptance of the following Terms
and Conditions of sale by Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC. These terms are
subject to amendment before or during the sale. Copley Fine Art Auctions,
LLC operates as an agent of the seller only, and is not responsible in any way
in the event the seller or buyer fails to fulfill their respective agreements. In
all instances the auctioneer's interpretation of these conditions is final and
binding on all bidders.

2 All bids are per lot as numbered in the catalog unless otherwise announced
by the auctioneer. The sales price shall consist of the final bid price plus the
buyer's premium, plus any applicable sales tax. A buyer's premium of 20%
(23% for online bidding) of the final bid price up to and including $1,000,000,
plus 15% of the final bid price over $1,000,000, will be applied to each lot
sold, to be paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price.

3 The auctioneer reserves the right to reject any bid that, in his opinion, is not
commensurate with the value of the lot.

4 The auctioneer has the sole right to re-offer a lot and/or settle disputed bids.
The record of sale kept by the auction house will be taken as final in the event
of dispute. Additionally, items may be withdrawn at any time prior to the
offering of each lot.

5 All goods are sold "as is" and all sales are final with no exchanges or refunds.
Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC and its consignors make no representations
or warranties as to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, the
correctness of the catalog or other description of physical condition, quality,
size, medium, importance, rarity, provenance or historical relevance of any
property, and no statement made at the sale, or in the bill of sale, or invoice,
or elsewhere shall be deemed such a warranty or representation or an
assumption of liability. The purchaser assumes complete responsibility for
items at the fall of the hammer.

6 Successful bidders are to pay for their purchases during or immediately after
the sale or upon receipt of an invoice, unless other arrangements have been
authorized in writing by the auction house. Payment may be made by cash
or good check payable to Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC. The auction house
reserves the right to hold property until checks clear. A monthly service charge
of 1.5% will be added to unpaid balances beginning 30 days after the sale
date. A $50.00 fee will be added for returned checks. If a check fails to clear
after the second deposit, the purchaser will be held responsible for any and all
fees incurred until we have collected good funds. All bidders holding a valid
Massachusetts or out of state resale number must provide their certificate or
a copy thereof while registering. Failure to do so will subject the bidder to a
mandatory 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax on purchases.

7 If the purchaser breaches any of its obligations under these Conditions of Sale,
including its obligation to pay in full the purchase price of all items for which it
was the highest successful bidder, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC may exercise
all of its rights and remedies under the law including, without limitation, (a)
canceling the sale, and applying any payments made by the purchaser to
the damages caused by the purchaser's breach, and/or (b) offering at public
auction, without reserve, any lot or item for which the purchaser has failed to
pay in full the purchase price, holding the purchaser liable for any deficiency
plus all costs of sale.

8 Condition reports are not included in this catalog. It is the responsibility of
prospective bidders to examine lots and decide their level of interest. Neither
the auctioneer, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC, nor the consignor is responsible
for the accuracy of any printed or verbal descriptions. Copley Fine Art
Auctions, LLC strongly encourages clients to attend our previews and auctions
so as to best determine condition of lots. Due to the high volume of condition
requests, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC reserves the right to reject requests at
its sole discretion. All weights and measurements are approximate.

9 Some of the lots in this sale carry reserves or minimum selling prices. This is
a confidential figure set by the consignor and the auction house below which
a lot will not be sold. The reserve will not exceed the low estimate, and the
auction house will execute the reserve bids by bidding for the consignor.
Estimates are subject to change at any time prior to the offering of each lot.

10 Absentee and telephone bids will be executed when possible as a convenience
to customers: the auction house will not be held responsible for any errors or
failures to accurately execute bids. All absentee and telephone bids must be
received at least 24 hours before the start of the sale.

11 Buyers wishing to pick up items after the auction at our office may do
so only by appointment starting five days after the sale. We kindly ask that all
items be removed from our warehouse within 30 days of auction end to avoid a
$5 daily storage fee.
12 Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. Upon request, we will provide a
list of shippers who deliver within the United States and overseas. Once your
payment has cleared, 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.

13 Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC may, at its discretion and at the buyer's request,
package and ship sold items as directed by the purchaser. In such instances
1) the buyer shall prepay all related expenses, and 2) the buyer agrees that
all packaging, handling and shipment is at the sole risk of the purchaser, and
Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC shall have no liability for any loss or damage to
such items. Buyer should allow four to five weeks for shipment.

14 Some property sold at auction can be subject to laws governing export from
the United States, such as items that include material from some endangered
species. Import restrictions from foreign countries are subject to these same
governing laws. Granting of licensing for import or export of goods from local
authorities is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Denial or delay of licensing
will not constitute delay or cancellation in payment for the total purchase price
of these lots.

15 Bidding increments will normally follow the pattern below, but may vary at the
sole discretion of the auctioneer:

Estimate Increment
To 999.99 50
1,000 - 2,499.99 100
2,500 - 4,999.99 250
5,000 - 9,999.99 500
10,000 - 24,999.99 1,000
25,000 - 49,999.99 2,500
50,000 - 99,999.99 5,000
Over 100,000 at auctioneer's discretion

16 Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC is the owner of the images of each lot offered
for sale, and may use such images at any time at its sole discretion for
advertising, publicity, and for archival purposes.

17 If you are bidding as an agent for another individual or company, and you
execute a bid on behalf of someone else under your bidder number, then you
are responsible for the settlement of that account.

18 In no event will the liability of Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC to any purchaser
with respect to any item exceed the purchase price actually paid by such
purchaser for such item.

19 Any legal disputes arising from this auction shall be settled in the court system
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Shipping Information

COPLEY FINE ART AUCTIONS DOES NOT HANDLE THE SHIPMENT 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 (http://www.copleyart.com/pdfs/Authorized_Shipping_Release_Form.pdf)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**

Payment Information

Successful bidders are to pay for their purchases during or immediately after the sale or upon receipt of an invoice, unless other arrangements have been authorized in writing by the auction house. Payment may be made by cash or good check payable to Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC. The auction house reserves the right to hold property until checks clear. A monthly service charge of 1.5% will be added to unpaid balances beginning 30 days after the sale date. A $50.00 fee will be added for returned checks. If a check fails to clear after the second deposit, the purchaser will be held responsible for any and all fees incurred until we have collected good funds. All bidders holding a valid
Massachusetts or out of state resale number must provide their certificate or a copy thereof while registering. Failure to do so will subject the bidder to a mandatory 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax on purchases.

Buyer's Premium

A buyer's premium of 23% of the final bid price up to and including $1,000,000, plus 15% of the final bid price over $1,000,000, will be applied to each lot sold, to be paid by the Buyer as part of the purchase price.

Taxes on your purchase

All bidders holding a valid Massachusetts or out of state resale number must provide their certificate or a copy thereof while registering. Failure to do so will subject the bidder to a mandatory 6.25% Massachusetts sales tax on purchases.

Contract Information

If the purchaser breaches any of its obligations under these Conditions of Sale, including its obligation to pay in full the purchase price of all items for which it was the highest successful bidder, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC may exercise all of its rights and remedies under the law including , without limitation, (a) canceling the sale, and applying any payments made by the purchaser to the damages caused by the purchaser's breach, and/or (b) offering at public auction, without reserve, any lot or item for which the purchaser has failed to pay in full the purchase price, holding the purchaser liable for any deficiency plus all costs of sale.

Condition Statement

Condition reports are not included in this catalog. It is the responsibility of prospective bidders to examine lots and decide their level of interest. Neither the auctioneer, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC, nor the consignor, is responsible for the accuracy of any printed or verbal descriptions. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC strongly encourages clients to attend our previews and auctions so as to best determine condition of lots. Due to the high volume of condition requests, Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC reserves the right to reject requests at its sole discretion. All weights and measurements are approximate.