Robert Elliston Weeks-mclean Elliston Mallard Pair

Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1915 14 in. long

The Weeks-McLean Act of 1913 established the first federal prohibition on the spring shooting of migratory waterfowl. This diminished the need for bluebill decoys in the upper Midwest and Atlantic Flyway. This Elliston pair began their hunting career as bluebills; however, due to the Weeks-McLean effect, they were then repurposed by Catherine as charming little mallards. Elliston paint with even gunning wear, including some stacking marks. Tight hairline crack in hen's bill.