Very Rare Pair of High-Head Mallards, Walter 'Tube' Dawson, Putnam, Illinois, 1930-1940

decoy has imperceptible crack in neck, small drip varnish left side of drake; the drake has a professional re-glue to a crack in its long neck and a varnish drip on the left side near the chest; the hen has a small in-painted area on the chest where some paint had flaked off; the unique original painting on the neck of the hen is similar to "folk grain painting" extant on some early painted country furniture.

Decoys of the Mississippi, Alan Haid, 1981, p. 168
National Directory of Decoy Collectors, 1981, Book II, Kangas, p. 33
Decoys: A North American Survey, Kangas, 1983, p. 246
Collector's Guide to Decoys, Kangas, 1992, p. 134

tightening of split in breast, hunting touch ups; tiny, minor flaking.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Walter "Tube" Dawson (1882-1955) was from Putnam, Illinois. The high necks represent Dawson's best work, circa 1930-40, and were part of a special order of just one dozen made for hunting in high grass.  The book Decoys of the Mississippi by Alan Haid describes them as "unique" and "classic Illinois River folk art."

This exact pair of high necks is well documented through numerous decoy publications.