Wallace O'Neal, Sr. (NC, 1867-1955), Redhead

Currituck, North Carolina, circa 1920s, carved and painted wood.

Length 16.75 in.

From the Collection of a Gentleman, Durham, North Carolina

A skilled market hunter and commercial fisherman, O’Neal worked the waters of Currituck Sound and, by the early 1900s, operated four licensed hunting blinds. Renowned for his expert boat handling and marksmanship, he became a respected figure among coastal watermen.
O’Neal assembled an extensive decoy rig of over 500 wooden ducks and dozens of canvas geese and swans. Many were his own hand-carved creations, joined by works from fellow craftsmen like John & Pell Austin and the Lewark family. His carvings—especially of canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills, and widgeons—are celebrated for their elegant form and fine craftsmanship, reflecting both artistic skill and practical function in the golden age of North Carolina waterfowling.

Original paint with light gunning wear, tight age check on bottom.