Trego-Rig Blue-Winged Teal
Robert Elliston (1847-1925)
Bureau, IL, c. 1890
12 1/4 in. long

An exceedingly rare and early teal decoy. Widely regarded as the "Dean" of the Illinois River carving tradition, Robert Elliston's carving was as exceptional as his wife's paint. The underside of this hollow teal retains "THE 'ELLISTON' DECOY" weight and a "TREGO" brand. Charles Trego was a prominent member of the Nee-Pee-Nauk Club and a grain broker from Chicago. The Nee-Pee-Nauk clubhouse sat at the head of Lake Puckaway in Montello, Wisconsin. This duck hunting club was first organized in 1882 by A. H. Sellers, President of Chicago Guaranty Trust Company.
Original paint with even gunning wear. A small patch of old green overpaint has been successfully removed from the speculums. Touch-up around replaced left eye and some varnish has been removed. Tight age line in front of neck.

Provenance: Peter and Janet Van Trigt Collection
Private Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Julie Carlson, "Masterworks of the Illinois River," Boston, MA, 2005, pp. 29-37, related teal illustrated.

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