Bert Graves Hollow Pintail Drake

Bert Graves (1887-1956) Peoria, IL, c. 1915 This early decoy is from the famous Chet J. Caswell rig hunted on Rice Pond. The appearance of this decoy strongly resembles the work of Robert Elliston; in fact, the paint is by Catherine Elliston. Graves purchased Robert Elliston's entire business in 1915, including wood, patterns, tools, and commissioned rigs, employing Catherine Elliston to paint. Branded “CJC” twice on the underside. The bird retains Graves' earliest strip lead weight which bears a backwards “B G." In original paint with gunning wear; a tight age line extends around the neck; faint age lines along body seams; entire paint surface retains an appealing tight even craquelure.

Provenance: Private Collection, North Dakota Acquired by the present owner from the above

Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, Masterworks of the Illinois River, Boston, MA, 2005, pp. 97, 103. Paul W. Parmalee and Forrest D. Loomis, Decoys and Decoy Carvers of Illinois, DeKlab, IL, 1969, p. 310.

Provenance

Private Collection, North Dakota Acquired by the present owner from the above