Charles Walker Zearing-rig Mallard

Charles Walker (1873-1954) Princeton, IL, c. 1945 17 in. long

Walker was a member of the Princeton Fish and Game Club of Bureau, Illinois, from 1902-1910. Unfortunately, with a wife and four small children to support, the young painter by trade had to give up the luxury of his duck club membership. However, he continued to hunt there as a guest. After he made a rig of decoys for his host, other club members took note and started placing orders.

He eventually began carving decoys in earnest and set up a workshop near his home on Pleasant Street that became a social hub for club members, fellow carvers, friends, and family.

This turned-head example has excellent original combed feathering, a double weight on the bottom, and a painted "25" for club member Joseph Zearing's rig. As was typical for Walker and his patrons, the maker maintained the rigs he made. This decoy appears to be an important piece in the Walker portfolio. In addition to refreshing some paint, it appears he rounded the lower edges of a working flat-bottom decoy. That makes this bird the keystone in his transition from his early flat-bottoms to the round bottoms. Original feathering on the back, typical working paint by the maker elsewhere. Small crack to back of crown and touch-up to white speculum trim.

Provenance: Joseph Zearing Rig Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Provenance

Joseph Zearing Rig Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection