Charles Perdew Pintail Drake

Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963) Henry, IL, 1928 16 in. long

This exemplary Illinois River pintail is unused. It showcases the clean lines of Charlie’s carving and the refined elegance of Edna’s paint. The underside is branded "G.K. SCHMIDT." This famous rig was commissioned by George K. Schmidt (1869-1939), a prominent Chicagoan and the president of the Prudential State Savings Bank. For roughly four decades Schmidt rig decoys resided unused in a bank vault.

According to decoy author Donna Tonelli, in 1928 Schmidt ordered a mixed rig of ducks from Perdew including twelve pintail, split evenly between hens and drakes. To date only seven of these Schmidt rig pintails have surfaced, making this a rare find. Two drake rigmates reside in top Illinois River collections. This drake, with its superb condition, beautifully applied paint, and impeccable historic provenance, ranks among the finest Perdew decoys known to exist. Outstanding original paint with virtually no wear and very minor touch-up to a tiny spot on neck.

Provenance: George K. Schmidt Rig Grant Nelson Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O’Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 73, rigmate illustrated. Donna Tonelli, "Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes," Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 143, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

George K. Schmidt Rig Grant Nelson Collection