Makers / James R. Kelson / Canvasback

James R. Kelson Canvasback Drake

James Kelson (1888-1968) Mount. Clemens, MI, c. 1940

James R. Kelson – Canvasback Drake – 2026
$300
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $500–$800under estimate
Sold Jul 2026at Copley, July 2026

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesCanvasbackConfigDrakeSize15"

The catalog record

James Kelson (1888-1968) Mount. Clemens, MI, c. 1940 15 in. long

A tucked-head decoy with a weighted keel and balsa body and the Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection ink stamp on the undersides. Working paint with gunning wear and minor touch-up.

Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection Private Collection

Literature: Clune Walsh Jr. and Lowell G. Jackson, "Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region," Detroit, MI, 1983, p. 33, pl. 43, similar decoys illustrated. Bernard W. Crandell, "Decoying: St. Clair to St. Lawrence," Erin, ON, 1988, pp. 31-32, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Donal C. O'Brien Jr. Collection Private Collection

Comparable sales

The 2 most recent James R. Kelson Canvasbacks to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
Jul 2018——$660
21 Jan 2013—Original$748

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All James R. Kelson sales