Early and Important Mallard Drake by Henry Ruggles (1830-1897)

Lot 403

About Seller

20 Winter Street
Pembroke, MA 02359
United States

Founded in 2005, Copley Fine Art Auctions is a boutique auction house specializing in antique decoys and American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Over the course of the last two decades, the firm has set auction records for not only individual decoy makers, but also entire carving regions. Copley...Read more

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The Winter Sale 2025, Day 2 by Copley Fine Art Auctions

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The Winter Sale 2025, Day 2

By Copley Fine Art Auctions

Feb 22, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-02-22 10:00:00 2025-02-22 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Winter Sale 2025, Day 2 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/copley/the-winter-sale-2025-day-2-17705 Lots 262-501 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com

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Lot Description

Early and Important Mallard Drake
Henry Ruggles (1830-1897)
Henry, IL, c. 1870
17 in. long

"One of the earliest decoy carvers in the Illinois River Valley, Henry Ruggles created very fine and distinctive birds. Very few of his decoys have survived and been found, a fact that has limited recognition of his name. His style, however, influenced a generation of carvers, including Charles Perdew. Finding any Ruggles' decoys in original paint has proven difficult for collectors, making this prime mallard example all the more desirable." - Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River"

Finding any Ruggles' decoys in original paint is rare, making this prime mallard example a highly collectible Illinois River masterwork.

According to Edna Perdew, her husband, Charles, began making decoys in his mid-teens, about 1890. She states, "At that time he worked with a Mr. Henry Ruggles who was a decorator and decoy maker. He was very fond of Mr. Ruggles and still has a pair of quail mounted by him." In addition to being skilled carpenters and artisans, Ruggles' and Perdew's relationship was furthered as both were accomplished sportsmen and talented musicians.

Hunting and fishing were Ruggles' true passions. To aid in his success in luring waterfowl, he carved graceful birds with sleek bodies and elongated heads. Ruggles fashioned hollow, feather-weight decoys that were wide-bodied in comparison to other Illinois decoys. Another recognizable Ruggles carving trait is the unusual squared tail with which he finished his decoys, as seen on this mallard. His painting style was well honed with bold, sure-handed brush strokes.

Several Ruggles and Robert Elliston decoys migrated north to Wisconsin where affluent Chicago hunters brought them to the prestigious Nee-Pee-Nauk Club. Organized by A. H. Sellers in 1882 and situated by the Horicon Marsh, the Ne-Pee-Nauk Club is on some of the best hunting grounds in Wisconsin. The club boasted a distinguished membership, including Civil War General Philip Sheridan (1831-1888), along with numerous Chicago congressmen and doctors who would venture by train up from the city. The club has remained in continuous operation for nearly 140 years and is the oldest active duck club in Wisconsin.

The underside of this early mallard drake is branded "DENTON" and "MORRIS SELLERS" and the lead-strip weight is embossed "CHICAGO ILL."
Original paint with even gunning wear, including a minor chip on left side of neck seam. Original plug in back is inset.

Provenance: Morris Sellers and Denton Rigs
Herb Wetanson Collection
Trenton Spolar M.D. Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 21, related decoy illustrated. Tandy Lacy, "The Wooden Bird: Heritage Bird Carvers of the Upper Illinois River Valley," Washburn, IL, 1989, pp. 117-119, related example illustrated and discussed.

Condition

Please refer to the description; if you have questions, email colin@copleyart.com.
Shipping Info
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