Charles Perdew "masterworks" G.k. Schmidt Rig Pintail Drake

Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963) Henry, IL, c. 1928 16 in. long

This exemplary Illinois River pintail showcases the clean lines of Charlie’s carving with his early deep-bodied, three-piece-body construction and the refined elegance of Edna’s very finest scratch comb paint. The attention to detail is sublime, including the delicate curvature of the bill tip. The underside is branded "G.K. SCHMIDT." This famous rig was commissioned by George K. Schmidt (1869-1939), a prominent Chicagoan and the president of the Prudential State Savings Bank. For roughly four decades Schmidt rig decoys resided unused in a bank.

According to decoy author Donna Tonelli, in 1928 Schmidt ordered a mixed rig of ducks from Perdew including twelve pintail, split evenly between hens and drakes. To date only seven of these Schmidt rig pintails have surfaced, making this truly a rare find and a historic contribution to Illinois River duck hunting lore. This drake, with its superb condition, beautifully applied paint, and impeccable historic provenance, ranks among the finest Perdew decoys known to exist. Excellent original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: George K. Schmidt Rig Walter White Collection Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 73, exact decoy illustrated. Donna Tonelli, "Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes," Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 143, rigmate illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2 - November 13, 2005.

Provenance

George K. Schmidt Rig Walter White Collection Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection