Robert Elliston Preening Mallard Hen

Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1890 An extremely rare high-turned-head Illinois River decoy. Considered by many to be Elliston's best form, these elevated-head preeners are quintessential examples of decoys as floating sculpture. In addition to being carved by the region's most revered commercial decoy carver, this example was also painted by one of the region's most acclaimed decoy painters, Edna Perdew (1882-1974).

Perfectly proportioned, this gunning decoy has a nice dry surface with fine feather paint to the entire decoy. The decoy exhibits glass eyes and Elliston's pronounced "V" carved bill detail. Overall very good condition with a second coat of paint by Edna Perdew with light gunning wear including a tight age line in the neck and some minor flaking mostly on the bottom where the strip lead weight was removed.

Literature: Stephen O'Brien and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 30, similar decoy illustrated. Alan G. Haid, "Decoys of the Mississippi Flyway," Exton, PA, 2002, p. 157, similar decoy illustrated.