Illinois River Decoy

Description

July 4th special 9.00
I believe this is a Lane Family decoy .
There is not a letter S stamped on the throat or neck BUT has the classic "S" shape breast up thru the to the bill. Steve Lane from the Lacon IL area.....i think . 1850's +
Very high quality eyes have survived nicely. About as fine of eyes as i have ever seen & for the age.....better yellow than what usually found on decoys of this age.
The 6 tiny nails holding the leather tie on matches the single nail on the side of the neck. One of the head photos should show the tiny nail. There is a another nail on the back of the neck that is larger and looks to have been added later.
Does have a rattle when you shake it.
The back combing paint is restoration and the photos show the over paint on the tail ,the breast, the head, and the bottom that was done many many years
ago as common on a decoy with this history.
The last photo is from a April 2014 auction catalog, page 88. Look them upS if you have the catalog. Shows two similar Lane Bluebills. Buy it now or Offers considered. Tight decoy for it age
Thanks for looking, offers considered if your interested in this decoy.