Bert Graves Hollow Canvasback Drake

Bert Graves (1887-1956) Peoria, IL, c. 1930 A Graves of similar quality is illustrated on page 104 of "Masterworks of the Illinois River" with this example featuring an additional dropped primary wing cut. Displays Graves’ finest comb and swirl paint. Retains the original “G.B. GRAVES DECOY CO. PEORIA, ILL” strip weight on the bottom of the bird. In strong original paint with minimal gunning wear; crack to one glass eye; two small 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch dabs of incidental white paint on breast.

Provenance: Private Collection, North Dakota Acquired by the present owner from the above

Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, Masterworks of the Illinois River, Boston, MA, 2005, p. 104. Adele Earnest, The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings, New York, NY, 1965, p. 63.

Provenance

Private Collection, North Dakota Acquired by the present owner from the above