Ben Schmidt Important Preening Black Duck

Benjamin Schmidt (1884-1968) Centerline, MI, c. 1920 16 in. long

This important preening black duck is featured prominently in "Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region," in which a detail of the head covers a full page. This early preener is not only rare, but also one of the most animated and stylish Michigan decoys known. Original paint with even gunning wear and a crack along right side, age line and ding in breast, a knot hole in left side of bill, head is slightly loose.

Provenance: Len Carnaghi Collection

Literature: Clune Walsh Jr. and Lowell G. Jackson, "Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region," Detroit, MI, 1983, p. 129, pl. 169, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Len Carnaghi Collection