Robert Elliston Important Turned-head Mallard Hen

Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1890 This exquisite Illinois decoy, with a dynamic turned head, shows Robert Elliston’s finest form with Catherine Elliston’s (1849-1953) best swirl paint. Only a few Elliston’s in original paint with this striking head position are know to exist. “C. H. W.” initials imprinted in the original Elliston weight. This is the first time this bird has been offered at auction. Original paint with even gunning wear and two very faint age lines in the neck. Trace of old overpaint under tail.

Provenance: Private Collection, Wisconsin Private Collection, Midwest

Literature: Adele Earnest, "The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings," New York, NY, 1965, p. 188, nearly identical example illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Wisconsin Private Collection, Midwest