Cohen Rig Sleeping Hen Mallard
Bert Graves (1880-1956)
Peoria, IL, c. 1920
14 1/2 in. long

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. Along with fellow Illinois River masters Elliston and Perdew, Graves produced preeners and this graceful form is their most coveted by collectors today.

Graves sold decoys to affluent 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.

This hollow decoy shows the maker's best form with full cheeks and a delicate bill. The underside is fitted with a "B GRAVES DECOY CO" weight and bears the "LBC" brand for Louis Cohen of Peoria.
Original paint with gunning wear and touch-up to flaked areas, including back, sides, and head.

Provenance: Louis B. Cohen Rig
Kangas Collection of International Folk Art and Decoys

Literature: Stephen O'Brien Jr. 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.

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