Ferdinand Bach Rare and Early Tucked-head Black Duck

Ferdinand Bach (1888-1967) Detroit, MI, c. 1926 19 in. long

This decoy and its rigmate, lot 457, represent half of the known black ducks by Bach. These rare and highly distinct birds were made for the rig of John "Buck" Bockhausen Sr. They have both been widely featured, with appearances in Johnsgard’s “The Bird Decoy” book and exhibition, Walsh and Jackson’s Michigan book, and at least twice in, and once on the cover of "Decoy Magazine." Bach was a professional draftsman in the automotive industry and expertly applied his talents and creative designs.

The tucked head and wide body feature intricate carving, including a detailed bill and crossed and lifted wing tips. The underside has “Buck” and “Detroit” painted on either side of the weighted wedge keel and a “F. BACH” signature. Original paint with even gunning wear. Restoration to chipped wing tip and touch-up to rub on left shoulder.

Provenance: Johh "Buck" Bockhausen Sr. Rig, acquired from the carver Jerry J. Catana Collection Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys

Literature: Paul A. Johnsgard, "The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form," Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 94, fig. 98, exact decoy illustrated. Clune Walsh Jr. and Lowell Jackson, “Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region,” Detroit, MI, 1983, pl. 58, exact decoy illustrated. “Decoy Magazine,” May/June 2019, p. 28, exact decoy illustrated. Gene Kangas, “Bach: The Beginning,” Decoy Magazine, July/August 2014, p. 24 and front cover, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Johh "Buck" Bockhausen Sr. Rig, acquired from the carver Jerry J. Catana Collection Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys