Bert Graves Mallard Pair

Bert Graves (1887-1956) Peoria, IL, c. 1930 A big bold gunning pair, both birds retain the original "G.B. Graves Decoy Co. Peoria, ILL" weight on the bottom.

Hen is in original paint with in use touch-up along both sides of the body seam, minor rubs to the hen's bill, head and edge of tail. Drake is in strong original paint with minor darkening to a few flake areas on the back, some wear and flaking to the drake's head and bill, overall good condition.

Literature: A. Haid, Decoys of the Mississippi Flyway, Exton, PA, 1981, pp. 156, 166. S. O'Brien and J. Carlson, Masterworks of the Illinois River, Boston, 2005, pp. 99-100, 102.