Carriage House Rig Bluebill

Carriage House Rig Lacon, IL, c. 1880 12 1/4 in. long

A very hollow decoy, with raised upper wing delineations, originating from the Carriage House rig. This celebrated rig was found in a carriage house on the Ernest Lehmann estate, in Lake Villa, Illinois. Like other birds from this rig, the hollow construction is superb. Birds from this group are known for their animation in form and this bluebill shows nice attitude. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: Ronald S. Swanson Collection Private Collection

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, Session I, 1973, lot 83, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Ronald S. Swanson Collection Private Collection