Mystery Whistler Decoy - calling Glen Sweet

Steve Sanford

Steve Sanford

Well-known member
All~

This Goldeneye decoy belongs to one of my gunning partners hereabouts. I have always admired it and plan to portray it in watercolors soon. But, neither of us knows much about it. Our best guess is Thousand Islands/St. Lawrence River region. We can find no ID or other markings. It is well-crafted, with great shape and careful paint. It looks like some ballast was removed from the flat bottom. I cannot determine how an anchor line might have been attached. Your considered opinions are welcome.


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All the best,

SJS

 
I, for one, will look forward to the day you post the picture of this goldeneye restored in the fashion that only you can do. TLC
Al
 
The decoy looks very similar to the work of Jimmy Clark, Toronto, Canada, circa 1930. A drake Lesser Scaup, by his hand is in my collection. If not by his hand, my guess, somewhere in that area.
 
great little bird- going to make a great painting in the style you do

maybe the ballast was a small keel and the anchor line attached there
 
Good morning, Vince~

Thanks! Does your Little Bluebill have a keel - or any other means to attach an anchor line?

All the best,

SJS
 
Howdy Steve

The Bluebill has two small holes, from what most likely was a large staple, or other anchor line hardware, just in front of the round wooden plug used to seal the head attachment screw hole.

It also has the same ballast attachment placement as the Whistler, but was also removed sometime ago.

The Bluebill saw lots of action and has several shot marks, fractures, and worn paint. It is my favorite old gunning BB.


My guess is your Whistler was never rigged for gunning, or was used on the ice close to chopped out hole. Just my 2 cents.


It is one fine decoy as far as I'm concerned and the more you study it the more you will enjoy it.

Best regards
VP
 
George~

With the benefit of having the bird to inspect in-hand, I can see that the grain over the back, from chine to chine, is a single piece of wood - looks like White Cedar to my eye.

The lines on the bottom are misleading. They are neither perfectly straight nor parallel - as they would be if glued-up stock. I believe they are the "tracks" left by hand planing. In any event, it is solid - not hollowed out.

All the best,

SJS
 
The BB that I have has the same type body, that appears to be hand planed, and is solid. The head is thin, with the same large yellow eyes.

Decoy magazine did a article about Jimmy Clark, and that is how I ID my decoy. Then took it to a few shows.

The decoy was a gift from a good friend. I did a oil painting of the decoy with shot scars & pellets, on a wooden wine case lid and gave the painting to my friend as a thank you.

The Whistler has the characteristics of a Toronto School decoy.

Paul Brisco should be able to ID it for you, if not he will know who can.
 
George

Check the wonderful wood grain in the last two photo's that Steve Posted of the Whistler.

Balsa. NO WAY!

Ya must have cork dust in yer eyes. HHHeeeeHHHeeeeHHHeeeee

I'm gonna pay for that aren't I?
 
Steve, Suggestion, Send your Photos To Guyette & Deeter the Largest Decoy Auction co In Maryland. They may be Able to identify & Give you $ Value
 
Decoy Magazine...September/October of 2009 was the issue that featured Jimmy Clark of Toronto, Ontario. Check it out and compare your decoy to the decoys featured in the article. Good Luck !!
 
Steve and Paisan, After looking at the grain on the top picture as opposed to my thoughts upon the underside image, I stand corrected. LOVE THE EYE PLACEMENT! There is a DECOY MAKER who did not let little imperfections bother him in the least. Nice lines, good, simple paint. Who could ask for more?
 
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