Charles Walker High-head Pintail Drake

Charles Walker (1873-1954) Princeton, IL, c. 1930 18 1/4 in. long

This elegant, hollow Illinois River decoy hails from the Skinner Rig, which represents Walker’s best work. It features a turned head with pronounced cheeks, a long neck, raised wings, and the maker’s finest feather-combed paint. The underside retains its original weight, remnants of a painted “22,” and has an incised “JL” from the John Lellos Collection.

Originally this bird was commissioned by Henry Gross, an early member of the Princeton Game and Fish Club. This was one of six pintails acquired by George Skinner in 1956 when he purchased Gross’s share in the club.

This is the first time that this decoy has been offered for sale in over 40 years. Outstanding original paint with even gunning wear, minor touch-up to hairline cracks and some putty in reset neck.

Provenance: Henry Gross Rig George Skinner Rig, acquired from the above John Lellos Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1975

Literature: Donna Tonelli, "Fish and Fowl Decoys of the Great Lakes," Atglen, PA, 2002, front dust jacket cover and p. 180, rigmate illustrated. Stephen O'Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 54, rigmate illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 10, rigmate illustrated. Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, p. 49, lot 77, related example illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 185, plate 149, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Henry Gross Rig George Skinner Rig, acquired from the above John Lellos Collection Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above, c. 1975