Charles Perdew The "masterworks" Perdew Wood Duck Pair

Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963) Henry, IL, c. 1945 12 1/2 in. long

"They were made as decorative pieces for Harley J. Hart, a friend of Charlie's who traded paint and other supplies for decoys, calls, and decorative carvings." — Ann Tandy Lacy discussing this exact pair in "Perdew: An Illinois River Tradition"

This celebrated pair has been selected for numerous publications and exhibitions. Many consider this pair to be the region's finest representation of this ornate species. The duo displays raised wing tips, slightly turned heads, and bold crests sweeping off the backs of their heads.

In addition to carving world-famous decoys and decoratives, Charles Perdew was a market gunner, trapper, gun shop owner, and carpenter who helped as a builder of Chicago’s Worlds Fair of 1893-1894. Excellent original paint with minimal wear, hen has old chip to tip of crest, the drake has a slight age line at the neck seam.

Provenance: Harley J. Hart Collection, acquired directly from the maker Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 84, exact carvings illustrated. Zac Zetterberg, ed., “American Decoy: The Invention,” Peoria, IL, 2020, p. 129, exact pair illustrated. Ann Tandy Lacy, "Perdew: An Illinois Tradition," Muncie, IN, 1993, p. 232, exact pair illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2–November 13, 2005. Peoria, Illinois, “American Decoy: The Invention,” Peoria Riverfront Museum, February 9–April 28, 2019.

Provenance

Harley J. Hart Collection, acquired directly from the maker Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection