Bert Graves The "masterworks" Cashwell-rig Black Duck

G. Bert Graves (1880-1956) Peoria, IL, c. 1930 17 in. long

Black ducks, while common along the Eastern Seaboard, are rarely seen in the fresh waters of the Midwest. Thus, decoys of this species were seldom made in the Midwest.

One of the best rigs that Graves carved was for Chet J. Cashwell who used the decoys to gun Rice Pond in the 1930s. The birds from this rig are identified by the "CJC" brand as this decoy is with two crisp strikes. The underside also retains its "G.B. GRAVES DECOY CO. PEORIA ILL" weight.

The form, paint, condition, provenance, and rarity of this black duck place it among the most important Graves decoys extant. Original paint with minimal gunning wear.

Provenance: Chester J. Cashwell Rig Fort Cowan 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. 105, exact decoy illustrated.

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

Provenance

Chester J. Cashwell Rig Fort Cowan Collection Masterworks of the Illinois River Collection