Maker: William McClellan (1897–1997)
Origin: Eureka, California
Circa: 1900
Materials & Dimensions: Redwood with original paint. 10½ × 17½ × 6½ inches. Retaining original rigging straps.

Description:
This very fine Pacific brant decoy by William McClellan of Eureka, California, is a strong example of West Coast decoy carving, notable for its clean form, bold paint pattern, and outstanding original condition. Carved from redwood and retaining its original paint, the decoy presents a graceful, low-bodied profile with a gently raised head and simplified contours that capture the essential character of the bird.

The restrained black-and-white paint scheme is especially effective, with the dark body, pale underside, and distinctive neck marking creating a strong graphic presence. The decoy also retains its original rigging straps, an important survival detail that speaks to its working use and preservation.

The underside bears the McCleery collection stamp, placing the decoy within the renowned collection of Dr. James M. McCleery, one of the significant American decoy collections. Published examples from this rig appear in Linda and Gene Kangas, Decoys: A North American Survey; Michael Hall, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture; and Michael Miller and Frederick Hanson, Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Northwest.

Provenance:
Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery.

Published / Related Examples:
Linda and Gene Kangas, Decoys: A North American Survey, p. 275.
Michael Hall, The Decoy as Folk Sculpture, fig. 70.
Michael Miller and Frederick Hanson, Wildfowl Decoys of the Pacific Northwest, p. 129.