Hiram Hy Hotze Mallard Pair

Hiram "Hy" Hotze (1886-1977) Peoria, IL, c. 1930 16 1/4 in. long

This hollow Illinois River mallard pair displays all of the elements of the maker’s refined craftsmanship and Jack Franks' best paint. Franks was employed to paint not only Hotze's fine mallards, but also many of Charles Shoenheider's best decoys as well. These carvings have elegant wing tips, which draw back to a sharp point, abruptly dropping into the tail. Franks saved some of his most elaborate paint detail for his hens, which feature intricate "cut brush" stippling throughout most of the body. Proud of his work, Hotze is known to have signed and dated the inside of some of his hollowed bodies. Original paint with even gunning wear. The hen has small repair to tail tip and a spot of touch-up under bill. The drake has a yellow drip on right side.

Provenance: Herb Wetanson Collection

Literature: Stephen O'Brien and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 114, similar decoys illustrated. Alan Haid, "Decoys of the Mississippi Flyway," Exton, PA, 1981, p. 172, similar bird illustrated.

Provenance

Herb Wetanson Collection