Mallard Hen Duck Decoy by Donna Tonelli

Donna Tonelli is a well-known Illinois River decoy carver and author of several books on decoys and hunting collectibles. She has been a contributing columnist for American Waterfowler Magazine, author of articles in various online publications such as Decoypedia and newsletters for decoy collector clubs and associations. Donna and her husband Joe Tonelli, a prominent decoy collector, seller and expert, have exhibited some of their large collection at venues such as the Peoria {Illinois} Riverfront Museum. Donna is from Spring Valley, Illinois, on the Illinois River and close to the Mississippi River Valley, a major waterfowl flyway.

This solid wood female mallard decoy by Donna Tonelli is all original, with glass eyes, head slightly turned to its right and nicely done painted stippling with scalloped feathers. It's hand signed in paint on the bottom 'D. Tonelli.' Measuring 8 1/2 inches in length, it's 1/3 the size of an actual mallard hen. It's nearly 3 1/2 inches tall, weighs in at 5 ounces and is in outstanding condition, with just a bit of shelf rubbing on the bottom, but no other wear noted. We estimate it was carved in the 1980's or 1990's. This mallard hen is an excellent display decoy by an eminent carver.

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