Charles Perdew The Perdew Preening Black Duck

Charles Perdew (1874-1963) and Edna Perdew (1882-1974) Henry, IL, c. 1910 15 in. long

This early three-piece preening black duck is a singular decoy with no peers. Indeed, it is rare on several separate accounts, including its early three-piece construction, the preening pose, and as a black duck. The closest Illinois River comparable is an oversized black duck by Robert Elliston held in the Elaine and Alan Haid Collection. Rarity aside, Charlie's sublime preening form was finished with Edna's finest brushwork with embellishments only seen on her earliest work, including brushed-out feathering within the primary delineations.

Earl W. Poggemoeller of Portage des Sioux, Missouri was the first collector to claim this decoy. After his passing in 1984, his birds were sold as "the finest collection of Illinois River decoys to ever come at auction." This standout preener has been celebrated in numerous publications and museum exhibitions since it was acquired at the Poggemoeller sale. Overall excellent original paint with light gunning wear and some areas of touch-up including right body seam.

Provenance: Earl W. Poggemoeller 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. 67, exact decoy illustrated. Tandy Lacy, “The Wooden Bird: Heritage Bird Carvers of the Upper Illinois River Valley,” Washburn, IL, 1989, p. 11, exact decoy illustrated. Zac Zetterberg, ed., “American Decoy: The Invention,” Peoria, IL, 2020, p. 117, exact decoy illustrated. Jackson Parker, "Fine collection of Illinois River decoys tops Maine auction," Decoy Magazine, Winter 1986, p. 21, Poggemoeller sale discussed.

Exhibited: Salisbury, Maryland, “The Illinois River Meets the Chesapeake,” Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, September 2 - November 13, 2005. Peoria, Illinois, “The Wooden Bird Exhibition,” Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences, January 7–February 18, 1990. Springfield, Illinois, “The Wooden Bird Exhibition,” The Illinois State Museum, March 3–April 22, 1990. Peoria, Illinois, “American Decoy: The Invention,” Peoria Riverfront Museum, February 9–April 28, 2019.

Provenance

Earl W. Poggemoeller Collection Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection