Stephen Lane Pintail Drake

Stephen Lane (1843-1900) Lacon, IL, c. 1890 15 in. long

Lane is one of the earliest recorded Midwestern decoy makers. He was also a talented woodworker who professionally constructed everything from houses to wagons to furniture. Born in Good Luck, New Jersey, his family moved to a farm in Lacon, Illinois, while he was in his teens. The farm was near prime duck-hunting habitat and it did not take Lane long to immerse himself in the growing market gunning movement. His carvings are highly unusual for Illinois River decoys in that no nails were used to attach the body halves together.

"McR" is incised on the bottom of the decoy. Original paint with gunning wear, a second coat of working paint to head taken down, an age line in bill, and restoration to bill tip and tail by GiGi Hopkins.

Provenance: Private Collection, Minnesota

Literature: Stephen O'Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 25, similar decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Minnesota