Makers / Robert Elliston / Canvasback

Robert Elliston Canvasback Drake

Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1890

Robert Elliston – Canvasback Drake – 2018
$3,600
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $600–$900over estimate
Sold Jul 2018at Copley, July 2018

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesCanvasbackConfigDrakeSize15.75"PaintOriginal

The catalog record

Robert Elliston (1847-1925) Bureau, IL, c. 1890 15 3/4 in. long

This exact decoy is illustrated in Mackey's "American Bird Decoys," where the author notes the rarity of this example and that "Robert Elliston's work in original condition ranks with the best produced in the Midwest." Original paint with heavy gunning wear, chips to tail, and cracks in breast.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Literature: William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 181, pl. 146, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Robert Elliston Canvasbacks to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
May 2025——$390
Jul 2024—Original$15,600
Jul 2023—Original$5,100
Apr 2023—Repaint$540
Feb 2023—Repaint$1,110

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Robert Elliston sales