Pintail Drake
Charles H. Perdew (1874-1963)
Henry, IL, c. 1925
16 3/4 in. long
With its graceful head and pronounced cheeks, the carving of this pintail ranks near the top of any Perdew decoy. Finished with Edna Perdew's best paint, it features her delicate primary feather treatment and extensive combed vermiculation. The underside retains its original "..PERDEW.." weight.
Original paint with light gunning wear.
Provenance: Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection
Literature: Jackson Parker, "O'Brien Classic Decoys on Display," Maine Antiques Digest, November 1981, p. 32-B, exact decoy illustrated.
Stephen B. O'Brien, Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 73, similar decoy illustrated.
Jackson Parker, “O’Brien Classic Decoys on Display at Museum of American Folk Art,” North American Decoys Magazine, Spanish Fork, UT, Spring/Summer 1982, p. 38, exact decoy illustrated.
Exhibited: New York, New York, “The Art of the American Decoy: Folk Sculpture from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Donal C. O’Brien Jr.,” Museum of American Folk Art, September 3-November 8, 1981.
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.