Robert Elliston G. K. Schmidt Pintail Drake

Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1920

$10,800
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $12,000–$14,000under estimate
Sold Feb 2021at Copley, February 2021

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesPintailConfigDrakeSize16.75"ConditionExcellent

The catalog record

Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1920 16 3/4 in. long

This decoy showcases the clean lines of Elliston’s carving and the refined elegance of Edna Perdew’s paint. The underside is branded "G.K. SCHMIDT." This famous rig was commissioned by George K. Schmidt (1869-1939), the president of the Prudential State Savings Bank in Chicago. For four decades, the Schmidt rig of decoys resided unused in a bank vault. This drake, with its superb condition, beautifully applied paint, and historic provenance, is an Illinois River classic. In excellent second coat of Edna Perdew paint with minimal wear. This meticulous treatment is typical of Ellistons from this rig.

Provenance: G. K. Schmidt Rig Herb Wetanson Collection

Provenance

G. K. Schmidt Rig Herb Wetanson Collection

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Robert Elliston Pintails to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
14 Oct 2026——$688
Jul 2026——$4,200
Jul 2026ExcellentOriginal$3,000
Apr 2026—Original$4,200
Jul 2025—Original$5,100

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Robert Elliston sales