Charles Perdew Barkhausen Rig Mallard Pair

Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963) Henry, IL, c. 1935 16 in. long

This pair emanates from the rig of an original board member and past president of Ducks Unlimited, Louis H. Barkhausen. His rig is marked by the original metal breathing holes behind each bird's neck.

In “Perdew: An Illinois River Tradition,” author Ann Tandy Lacy discusses this rig: “Further down the river, south of Peoria near Beardstown, one of Illinois’ most highly respected conservationists also hunted over a rig of Perdew decoys. This hunter, Louis H. Barkhausen, was a co-founder in 1937 of Ducks Unlimited, an international organization for the preservation and reclamation of wetlands and waterfowl breeding grounds...Located on the back of each decoy, at the base of the neck, was a small metal tube that had been inserted to leave an opening from the hollow cavity in the body of the decoy to the outside air. This opening appears to be a breathing hole, the theory being that it would allow the decoy to ‘breathe’ and dry evenly on the inside and out. Supposedly, this would decrease the chances of its cracking or splitting along the seams where the wood is joined. This breathing hole appears to be unique to the Barkhausen rig of Perdew decoys...” Hen in original paint, drake retains original feathering on back and has second coat of Perdew paint elsewhere. Both have gunning wear with some flaking.

Provenance: Louis H. Barkhausen Rig Robert Metcalf Collection

Literature: Ann Tandy Lacy, "Perdew: An Illinois Tradition," Muncie, IN, 1993, pp. 96-97, Barkhausen rig discussed.

Provenance

Louis H. Barkhausen Rig Robert Metcalf Collection