Charles Perdew Pintail Drake

Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963) Henry, IL, c. 1925 16 3/4 in. long

With its graceful head and pronounced cheeks, the carving of this pintail ranks near the top of any Perdew decoy. Finished with Edna Perdew's best paint, it features her delicate primary feather treatment and extensive combed vermiculation. The underside retains its original "..PERDEW.." weight. Original paint with light gunning wear.

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

Literature: Jackson Parker, "O'Brien Classic Decoys on Display," Maine Antiques Digest, November 1981, p. 32-B, exact decoy illustrated.

Stephen B. O'Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 73, similar decoy illustrated.

Jackson Parker, “O’Brien Classic Decoys on Display at Museum of American Folk Art,” North American Decoys Magazine, Spanish Fork, UT, Spring/Summer 1982, p. 38, exact decoy illustrated.

Exhibited: New York, New York, “The Art of the American Decoy: Folk Sculpture from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Donal C. O’Brien Jr.,” Museum of American Folk Art, September 3-November 8, 1981.

Provenance

Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection