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THBThe Konopasek-Graves Preening Mallard
About Seller
65 Sharp Street
Hingham, MA 02043
United States
Copley Fine Art Auctions is the world's leading American sporting art auction company. Located in Hingham, MA, Copley specializes in antique decoys and 19th- and 20th-century American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Principal Stephen O'Brien Jr., a fourth-generation sportsman with a refined colle...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJul 24, 2016 - Jul 25, 2016
Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (472)
- Lot Description
The Konopasek-Graves Preening Mallard
Bert Graves (1880-1956) and Catherine Elliston (1849-1953)
Peoria, IL, c. 1920
A search through our extensive decoy library does not reveal a finer paint execution on an Illinois River preener than that found on this elegant hen. Many in the decoy collecting field consider this to be the finest Graves decoy ever to be offered for sale due to its combination of ideal paint, exquisite form, and near mint condition.
Graves built the Graves Decoy Company out of the workshop behind his home. Upon the death of Robert Elliston in 1915, Graves purchased Elliston's entire business including wood, patterns, tools, and commissioned rigs. He also astutely hired Catherine Elliston to continue painting decoys for his company. As with fellow Illinois River masters Elliston and Perdew, Graves produced preeners and this graceful form is the most coveted by collectors today. The high placement of the glass eyes evolved from his early, Elliston-influenced pieces. Graves's middle and later period carvings have eye placement more in the center of the head.
Graves sold decoys to wealthy hunters and to sporting goods stores for the handsome sum of $75-100 per dozen and his decoys today continue to demand a premium among collectors.
Near mint original paint with minimal gunning wear, tiny paint flake with touch-up on right side.
Provenence: Gene Konopasek Collection, acquired from Joe Tonelli
Dan Coombe Collection, acquired from the Konopasek estate c. 1998
Private Collection, Maryland
Literature: Stephen O'Brien and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, p. 98, related decoy illustrated.
Donna Tonelli, "Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes," Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 120, related decoy illustrated.
Joe Engers, ed. "The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys," San Diego, CA, 1990, p. 232, related decoy illustrated. - Shipping Info
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Shipping info
Copley Fine Art Auctions does not handle the shipping of any items. Shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Once your payment has cleared, and we have received your authorized shipping release form items may be released for shipment. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items. Buyers should allow up to four weeks for shipment.PLEASE BE AWARE THAT INTERNET BIDDERS MAY NOT PICK UP THEIR ITEMS AT THE SALE SITE. ITEMS CAN BE PICKED UP BY APPOINTMENT OR SHIPPED STARTING FIVE DAYS AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE SALE
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