346 347 346. Mallard hen by Charles Walker (1876-1954 of Princeton, IL. Referencing Decoys and Decoy Carvers of Illinois, Parmalee and Loomis, on page 252, the authors write, “Born in Princeton, Walker never ventured far from home in pursuit of his favorite sport and did most of his waterfowl shooting at Fish Pond and near Princeton and at the Princeton Club”. This exquisite mallard hen is in outstanding original condition in all respects. Minor flaws are a small chip out of the tip of the tail, a minor lower neck check and a small nick on the upper head. Walker was a master painter and finely skilled in the art of combing and painting which is evident on this exceptional decoy. 7500-10,000 347. Excellent example of a canvasback drake by Bert Graves, (1887-1956). Beautifully painted by Catherine Elliston with her signature flair to the feathers above the tail. Nice example of comb painting as well. A few flakes are off the surface. The Graves Decoy Company was located on the south side of Peoria. Parmalee and Loomis write in Decoys and Decoy Carvers of Illinois that “From this little building emerged some of the finest decoys made in Ilinois”. We agree. 3000-4000 detail 113 1194263 text.indd 113 6/20/19 11:50 AM 1194263 text_113 Page 113 28-Jun-19 Cyan Magenta Yellow Black