Lot 270: Important Wood Duck Drake Made by Legendary Carver Charles Edward “Shang” Wheeler Of Stratford, Connecticut

Important Wood Duck Drake Made By Legendary Carver Charles Edward “Shang” Wheeler Of Stratford, Connecticut. He is considered to be one of the greatest and carved all species of birds, not just waterfowl. He carved in the Stratford style, though contrary to normal, some of his decoys do have relief-carved wings as this one does. Wheeler further set himself apart from carvers in general and the Stratford carvers by being one of the first carvers to produce both shooting decoys and exhibition birds. The head of the duck is sunken deep into the breast in a resting position and the wings are carved so their contour is well above the tail feathers. There is a piece of paper tape on the bottom that reads as follows: “Woodduck carved by Charles “Shang” Wheeler/and given to my mother, (Mrs. Ralf/Coykandell Sr.) to paint in 1943 or 1944./Ralf Coykandell, Jr. (It is believed to be the only drake Woodduck/ Wheeler ever completed. RWCjr.).” Coykandell Sr. was a famous and gifted carver also and the original paint surface done by his wife is exquisitely executed. Small, repairable chip to tail. Otherwise excellent. Glass eyes. Length: 13”.

Price Realized: $2,600

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