John C. Schweikart Canvasback Hen

Capt. John Schweikart (1870-1954) Detroit and Strawberry Island, MI, c. 1910 A rare hollow St. Clair Flats, Detroit River decoy exhibiting glass eyes, carved bill detail, a "signature" bull neck, aluminum wing tips and primaries, a hollowed head, and a unique two-piece copper bottom plate which, when unlatched, provides a winged keel.

John Schweikart lived and worked in Detroit. He and his brother Carl were boatbuilders, who also built racing yachts on the Detroit waterfront. John would sail his own boat, "The Huntress," in regattas and to his camp on Strawberry Island in Lake St. Clair to hunt and fish. Original and repaint with gunning wear.

Literature: Donna Tonelli, "Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes," Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 62, rigmate illustrated.