Ferdinand Bach Rare and Early Sleeping Black Duck

Ferdinand Bach (1888-1967) Detroit, MI, c. 1926 16 in. long

This decoy and its rigmate, lot 458, represent half of the known black ducks by Bach. These rare and highly distinct birds were made for the rig of John "Buck" Bockhausen Sr. They have both been widely featured with appearances in Johnsgard’s “The Bird Decoy” book and exhibition, Walsh and Jackson’s Michigan book, and at least twice in, and once on the cover of, "Decoy Magazine." Bach was a professional draftsman in the automotive industry and expertly applied his talents and creative designs to decoy making.

The turned resting head and wide body feature intricate carving, including a detailed bill and crossed and raised wing tips. The underside has “Buck” and “Detroit” painted on either side of the weighted wedge keel. Original paint with even gunning wear.

Provenance: John "Buck" Bockhausen Sr. Rig, acquired from the carver Jerry J. Catana Collection Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys

Literature: Paul A. Johnsgard, "The Bird Decoy: An American Art Form," Lincoln, NE, 1976, p. 94, fig. 98, exact decoy illustrated. “Decoy Magazine,” May/June 2019, p. 28, exact decoy illustrated. Gene Kangas, “Bach: The Beginning,” Decoy Magazine, July/August 2014, p. 24 and front cover, exact decoy illustrated. Clune Walsh Jr. and Lowell Jackson, “Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region,” Detroit, MI, 1983, pl. 59, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

John "Buck" Bockhausen Sr. Rig, acquired from the carver Jerry J. Catana Collection Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys