VINTAGE ILLINOIS RIVER PREENING MALLARD HEN DUCK DECOY BY FRED DESTRI
This is a wonderful old Mallard hen duck decoy by Fred Destri of Spring Valley Illinois. Destri was born in 1908 and I believe died in the 1970’s. This is an extremely well carved and painted “Preening” Mallard with it’s head turned back and slightly cocked. Destri was known for these stylish and beautiful birds and they are highly sought after by collectors. It is in excellent original condition with a wonderful detailed paint with lots of feathering on the back and sides. The decoy has detailed bill carving and a very stylish head. The decoy carries the Destri stamp on the bottom. It is a full sized decoy 13 ½” long and 6” wide. It is hollow carved 2-piece construction. For more information on this carver please check the book “Decoys and Decoy Carvers of Illinois”. This classic Illinois River decoy would make a wonderful addition to any collection.
