Oscar Alford Rare Mallard

Oscar Alford (1883-1962) Beardstown, IL, c. 1920 13 1/2 in. long

Along with Otto Garren (1890-1968), Oscar Alford had perhaps the most whimsical style of all the Illinois River decoy makers. With perfectly round heads, thin pointed bills, gently concave backs, intricate tail carving, and highly stylized paint patterns, Alford's hollow decoys are capricious examples of American folk art. Oscar Alford, along with his sons, Howard and Glenn, produced a total of only three dozen decoys for personal use. Original paint with light gunning wear, appealing varnish craquelure, and a few drips on lower right side.

Provenance: Alford Family Rig Robert Metcalf Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, pp. 70-75, rigmates illustrated.

Provenance

Alford Family Rig Robert Metcalf Collection