Charles Wheeler black ducks star in decoy auction

A pair of presentation black ducks by Charles "Shang" Wheeler realised $62,500 in day two of Guyette & Deeter's summer decoy sale.

Wheeler (1872-1949) was a former prize fighter turned politician who is regarded as one of the most talented carvers of all time.

Wheeler black ducks
Charles Wheeler created decoys for his own use

He started creating his delicately painted decoys for his own use as a market gunner and gave others away to friends (he never produced any for sale).

The record for his work is $115,000, set for a single black duck in 2014.

The first day of the sale saw a pair of mallards by the Ward Brothers sell for $90,000.

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