Charles Perdew Extremely Rare G. K. Schmidt Rig Redhead Hen

Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963) Henry, IL, c. 1928 13 in. long

The rarity of Perdew redheads cannot be overstated with only perhaps six known in good condition. This sterling example boasts exceptional paint by Edna Perdew (1882-1974), and displays the maker's skills at their finest. The underside is branded "G. K. SCHMIDT."

This famous rig was commissioned by George K. Schmidt (1869-1939), a prominent Chicagoan and the president of the Prudential State Savings Bank. For roughly four decades Schmidt rig decoys resided unused in a bank. Since then the carving has spent much of its time in museums across the country. Excellent original paint with minimal wear.

Provenance: G. K. Schmidt Rig Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, pp. 70-75, rigmates illustrated. Zac Zetterberg, ed., “American Decoy: The Invention,” Peoria, IL, 2020, p. 126, exact decoy illustrated. Ann Tandy Lacy, "Perdew: An Illinois River Tradition," Indianapolis, IN, 1993, p. 104, rigmate drake illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2–November 13, 2005. Peoria, Illinois, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Center for American Decoys, Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Provenance

G. K. Schmidt Rig Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection