Bert Graves Pintail Drake

George "Bert" Graves (1880-1956) Peoria, IL, c. 1925 A stellar example from the Caswell rig, this hollow, Illinois River, pintail drake decoy exhibits Catherine Elliston’s (1849-1953) finest original paint. It retains the original weight marked “G. B. Graves Decoy Co.” A “CJC,” for the famous Chet Caswell rig is branded twice on the underside.

Bert Graves, along with Robert Elliston (1847-1925), Charles Perdew (1874-1963), and Charles Walker (1873-1954), forged the Illinois River style that has become synonymous with carving excellence. Closely linked with the carvings of Elliston, Graves employed Catherine Elliston, Robert’s wife, along with his sister-in-law, Millie Graves, to paint his decoys. Bert Graves, who worked out of the shop behind his Peoria home, took great pride in his work, selling his decoys for $100 per dozen, a steep price in the 1930s. Outstanding original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Chester J. Caswell Rig Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, pp. 96 and 97, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Chester J. Caswell Rig Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection