Bert Graves Pintail Pair

G. Bert Graves (1880-1956) and Catherine Elliston (1849-1953) Peoria, IL, c. 1925 17 1/2 in. long

Displaying Catherine Elliston’s exceptional and elaborate paint on very strong Graves carvings, these are among the Graves Decoy Company’s finest productions.

G. Bert Graves built the Graves Decoy Company out of the workshop behind his home. Upon the death of Robert Elliston (1847-1925), Graves purchased the old master’s entire business including wood, patterns, tools, and rig commissions. He also astutely hired the widowed Catherine Elliston to continue painting decoys for his company. Each has a "B. GRAVES. DECOY. CO" lead weight on the underside.

This pair was owned by pioneer decoy collector Gene Konopasek. This past president of the Midwest Decoy Collectors Association is known for sourcing decoys directly from hunting clubs along the Illinois River. Excellent original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Gene Konopasek Collection Private Collection, New York

Literature: Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 105, related pair illustrated. Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, pp. 97 and 103, related decoys illustrated.

Provenance

Gene Konopasek Collection Private Collection, New York