Charles Schoenheider, Sr. Mallard Hen

Charles S. Schoenheider Sr. (1854-1944) Peoria, IL, c. 1910 15 1/2 in. long

A rare mallard hen by the maker displaying his signature long-body style. Like all Schoenheider's best decoys, this hollow bird was finished with exceptional Jack Franks paint. With its sublime carving and meticulous paint, this is one of the most refined Schoenheider decoys known to exist. The underside has a "H.S.M." rig brand. Original paint with gunning wear showing some wood, and a tail crack.

Provenance: Schoenheider Rig Walter White Collection Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 51, exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2–November 13, 2005.

Provenance

Schoenheider Rig Walter White Collection Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection