Canvasback Drake
Ferdinand Bach (1888-1967)
Detroit, MI, c. 1926
15 in. long, 8 in. wide
One of the finest Bach examples to ever come on the market, it is rare to find Bach decoys in exceptional original paint.
This decoy was made for Bach's personal gunning rig. The underside is incised "FB." Bach was a professional draftsman in the automotive industry and expertly applied his talents to decoy making. The resting head and wide body feature intricate carving. The head is perhaps the best of any by the maker, finished with a stunning marbleized style of paint, blended in red and black. A lead weight is dovetailed into the keel.
Original paint with light gunning wear.
Provenance: Ferdinand Bach Rig
Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection
Literature: Gene and Linda Kangas, "Great Lakes Decoy Interpretations," Concord, OH, 2011, p. 160, exact decoy illustrated.
Clune Walsh, Jr. and Lowell G. Jackson, "Waterfowl Decoys of Michigan and the Lake St. Clair Region," Detroit, MI, 1983, pp. 43-45, pl. 54, 55, and 57, related decoys illustrated.
Condition
Condition report requests can be made via email or by telephone (info@copleyart.com or 617.536.0030). Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.