Ferdinand Bach Canvasback Drake

Ferdinand Bach (1888-1967) Detroit, MI, c. 1926 15 in. long, 8 in. wide

One of the finest Bach examples to ever come on the market, it is rare to find Bach decoys in exceptional original paint.

This decoy was made for Bach's personal gunning rig. The underside is incised "FB." Bach was a professional draftsman in the automotive industry and expertly applied his talents to decoy making. The resting head and wide body feature intricate carving. The head is perhaps the best of any by the maker, finished with a stunning marbleized style of paint, blended in red and black. A lead weight is dovetailed into the keel. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Ferdinand Bach Rig Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection

Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, "Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations," Concord, OH, 2011, p. 160, exact decoy illustrated. Clune Walsh, Jr. and Lowell G. Jackson, "Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region," Detroit, MI, 1983, pp. 43-45, pl. 54, 55, and 57, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Ferdinand Bach Rig Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection