Charles Perdew Raised-wing Wood Duck Pair

Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963) Henry, IL, c. 1945 9 1/2 in. long

An exceedingly rare pair of three-quarter-size wood ducks with bold raised wings and prominent crests. Only a handful of Perdew wood duck pairs are known to exist. The hen's head is slightly turned, and each has extra paint treatment, including ornate blue speculums. This pair was acquired approximately forty years ago at the Midwest Decoy Collectors show at Pheasant Run. Excellent original paint with light appealing craquelure and light wear, including minute rub to top of drake's crest.

Provenance: Private Collection, Midwest

Literature: Zac Zetterberg, ed., “American Decoy: The Invention,” Peoria, IL, 2020, p. 129, Masterworks pair illustrated. Ann Tandy Lacy, "Perdew: An Illinois Tradition," Muncie, IN, 1993, p. 232, Masterworks pair illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Midwest