Lot 281: Wheeler Hollow Turned-Head Bluebill Hen Decoy

Charles Edward "Shang" Wheeler (1872-1949) Stratford, CT, c. 1900. An early gunning model with bottom board construction. Displays terrific upswept bill carving with intricate incising and "v-cut" tail carving. Retains Wheeler's earliest tear drop shaped weight and the "Chitwood" stamp for Henry Chitwood, author of "Connecticut Decoys." In strong original paint, with even gunning wear, single shot scar across the back. Provenance: Henry Chitwood Collection, S. Lloyd Newberry Collection