Louis Rathmell Turned-head Black Duck

Louis C. Rathmell (1898-1974) Danbury, CT, 1941 15 in. long

"...one of the best gunning rigs ever made." — Dixon Merkt discussing Rathmell's 1941 rig

The maker’s refined head carving, dynamic poses, and exceptional scratch and feather paint place him alongside Shang Wheeler as Stratford's finest carvers. Published article titles on Rathmell include: "Gentleman carvers of Connecticut" and "Lou Rathmell: A decoy maker who lived in a castle."

This black duck, with its turned head and exquisite paint, reveals Rathmell at the height of his abilities. The cork body holds a poured weight with the maker's stamped "1941 L C RATHMELL." Original paint with light gunning wear, minor fill and touch-up to very tip of bill, possible touch-up to tail, and a ding on back left.

Provenance: Louis Rathmell Rig William H. Purnell Jr. Collection John Dillon Collection

Literature: Cliff Alexander, "Lou Rathmell: A decoy maker who lived in a castle," Decoy Magazine, November/December 2015, p. 25 and front cover, rigmates illustrated. Dixon Merkt, "Gentleman Carvers of Connecticut," The Clarion, Spring 1980, p. 50, rigmate illustrated and 1941 rig discussed.

Provenance

Louis Rathmell Rig William H. Purnell Jr. Collection John Dillon Collection