Makers / Bert Graves / Canvasback

Bert Graves Rare Canvasback Hen

G. Bert Graves (1880-1956) Peoria, IL, c. 1920

Bert Graves – Rare Canvasback Hen – 2022
$3,300
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $3,000–$4,000
Sold Jul 2022at Copley, July 2022

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesCanvasbackConfigHenSize16.5"PaintOriginal

The catalog record

G. Bert Graves (1880-1956) Peoria, IL, c. 1920 16 1/2 in. long

This hollow high head represents one of the maker's rarest diving duck carvings. Finding a hen in original paint is challenging, with the drakes far more common. Original paint with even gunning wear, including minor flaking and age lines to end grain. Crack in neck.

Literature: Donna Tonelli, "Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes," Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 122, related decoys illustrated.

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Bert Graves Canvasbacks to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
14 Oct 2026——$1,125
10 Oct 2026——$216
2 Aug 2026——$480
Jul 2026—Original$2,400
Apr 2026—Original$2,400

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