Vinyl Records Value: Your Old Value Records Worth a Fortune, Vintage Stiffel Lamps: Value and Price Guide, Vintage Smith Corona Typewriter: History, Models, and Value, Vintage Schwinn Bikes: [Types, Identification, and Values], Vintage Rooster Cookie Jar Identification and Value Guide. Why It Made the Cut: Its simple. Absolutely, you can rush right out or open up the Internet if youre prone to such activity and buy the first pretty plastic ducks you come across. FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. The Duck Decoy is a less common antique object with a broad and exciting history. Though much of his earlier years arent recorded, he lived a simple life. Let me put it this way. Alex Robinson is Outdoor Lifes editor-in-chief. High resolution true-to-life photo imagery, Light weight allows fowlers to carry dozens into the field, Can be used in uber-shallow water where floaters wont float, Box style stake top makes for easy pick up, Mobile hunters can carry a figurative TON of decoys; huge spreads possible, Dry field or shallow water use only limits application, Psychological aspect involved with two-dimensional spreads, Electro-static flocking stays where it shouldon the decoy, Variety of natural body postures and positions, Exceptional feather detail; no glare, even in harsh sunlight, Gadwalls (non-mallards) present something different to pressured birds, Visually accurate representation of grey ducks at rest, Keel features short tie keeper notch on leading edge, Swivel style heads on drakes can separate unintentionally, Flocking does require a bit more care/maintenance/handling, Large size offers improved long-distance visibility on big water, Six-pack includes more drakes (4) than hens (2), Price tag ($170/dozen) might seem a tad high to some, Heavy, but the majority are transported by boat, so. The new crop of crossbows is out, including Can you use a 3-season tent for winter Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Its like having a piece of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere. My decoys get banged up on everything imaginable. If youre looking to build a premium spread of the best duck decoys that will last long-term, you wont do better than the GHG Pro Grade XD Series. Lothrop didnt start out with decoys; it was more of a side hobby that later turned into a career. 'The most wonderful thing about this decoy,' Rosenberg continues, 'is that it wasn't created for humans to admire, but for other ducks the intention being to fool them into landing on the water. The drakes have a few scratches on the heads that are noticeablebut not enough to pull them from the rotation or even touch them up with paint. So, first, the downside. Foam-filled, these divers can and often do take a pounding. In 2007, his pintail drake and Canada goose decoys sold as a bundle. Bernie Madoff might just go down as this centurys biggest American villain, but his decoy fetched a rather handsome amount of money during the auctioning of his estate. Its a fetching decoy, but nothing like Crowell or Holmes could make, yet it still sold for a hefty price tag of $767,000 back in 2014. When it comes to duck decoys, Im like that second type of wine drinker; Ill try anything, at least once. With the above information, you would be able to successfully delve into the vintage duck decoy ecosystem without any hindrance. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. How many decoys youre going to use depends on different things. Mason Vintage Hunting Duck Decoys Mason Vintage Hunting Duck Decoys All Auction Buy It Now 144 Results Brand: Mason Brand Duck Type Features Condition Price Buying Format All Filters Antique Mason Black duck decoy $25.00 0 bids $13.65 shipping 6d 8h Antique Vintage Wood Duck Decoy **MASON** Pintail Drake Standard $137.50 3 bids $16.75 shipping On a sunny day ducks will spot it from long distance and avoid your spread, because it doesnt look natural. A lot of other wood duck decoys have the drakes head sticking high up above the water, like hes on alert. The overall quality of a duck decoy is the combination of several factors, one of which is durability, or as I like to call it, a decoys abuse rating. The reason these were so expensive is that they were some of Crowells first documented decoys. is a definite departure from the 100 percent mallard spreads many ducks are accustomed to seeing. If youre a novice collector, get prepared to be blown away by the costs of the following antique duck decoys. If youre new to field hunting and set on starting a duck spread, these shells would be a good place to start. . Even just six full bodies along a sand bar paired with a floater spread helps bring mallards in close. It was one of the largest amounts of money they made at their 2006 auction. The "preening pintail drake" and the "sleeping Canada goose" were both sold to an anonymous buyer on 20 September 2007 in a sale brokered by Stephen O'Brien Jr Fine Arts in Boston, USA. A few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features. These decoys are affordable and functional. We have killed a lot of ducks over them through the years. What is the most valuable duck decoy? It wasnt until the late 1900s that many of the vintage lures we have now emerged as collectors items. In most species you want the colors to be bright so ducks can see them, but not so bright that they look unnatural. As far as the number of decoys to use, 12 to 24 puddle duck decoys is a good range for most people, with fewer than 18 being about right for a solo hunter to set up alone. Hunting divers often calls for big spreads on big waters, so if youre in a diver hot zone, Id recommend getting a few of the Standard Diver packs, which includes redhead, bluebill, and ringneck species. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The Best Duck Decoys of 2023 Best Overall: GHG Pro Grade XD Series Mallards Best for the Money (Mallards): Cabela's Northern Flight Over-Sized Mallard Best for the Money (Divers): Higdon Standard Bufflehead Best Oversized Mallard Decoy: Avian-X Topflight Open Water Pack Best Lightweight Decoys: Heyday HydroFoam Mallards Vintage duck decoys can be ridiculously expensive. Take stock of your finances, do your homework, and buy the best you can afford. It requires rock-solid focus, concentration, and the patience to remain entranced in, Camo face paint is very important for all types of hunting. Valuable Antique Duck Decoys 1.The Crowell Bundle 2.The Eider Drake Decoy 3.The Merganser Hen Carving 4.The Wilson Drake Duck Decoy 5.Cobb Brant Mallard Duck Decoys 6.The Blaird Mallard decoy 7.Graves Mallard Decoys 8.Simple Wood Duck by Thomas Chambers Final Note The History Of Antique Duck Decoys But if you target wood ducks specifically, especially larger flocks of migrating woodies, it definitely pays to have a dozen wood duck dekes in your arsenal, and you wont find more realistic ones than the Avian-X Topflight Wood Ducks. This piece is shrouded in a tone of mystery. When youre scouting, pay close attention to how and where the ducks are positioned. 4 4. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? The smoothing and fine-tuning aspect would be completed with a drawknife. Antiques that have been altered, repaired, or have missing parts often cost less than the original piece. Why It Made the Cut: When I opened the box and saw them for the first time, I said D..A..M..N! Its simply called a wood duck, but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for a decent price at $187,000 back in 2004. Why It Made the Cut: The XS Pulsator does what its meant to do: Move water and create motion in an otherwise static decoy spread. 6 6. The original carver of the work is unknown, and all indications point out that no one will ever find out. Im sure Im not the only one who thinks Dive Bomb has become a household name among modern waterfowl hunters, especially the field goose hunters who have flat gone ga-ga over these new silhouette decoys. Maybe someday. All of these conditions work to ruin flocking. How many seasons will they last? The current condition of an antique duck decoy plays a significant role in determining its value. Best Hunting Advice. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. I take care of my gear I really do but I dont baby it. Are they realistic in appearance? $250 5 Bids. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. The only problem is that theyre very expensive. This is a foam-filled, one-piece decoy with a seven-hour run time. Why It Made the Cut: Fifty bucks at The Walmart, and you can kill ducks over them, Im guessing, throughout the season. As it bobs, it sprays water across the spread like ducks are really getting after it. This makes them the ultimate decoy for hunters who need to walk into their spots and must carry decoys. The Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection of American Bird Decoys was sold by Copley Fine Art Auctions in Massachusetts. The two most expensive duck decoys sold in a private deal for $1.13 million (504,188) each and were carved by A Elmer Cromwell (USA, 18621952). Instead of hollow plastic, they are made entirely of EVA foam, which is the same material Crocs are made from. McIntyre took those first decoys the decent looking ones at least to Ducks Unlimited dinners, where he sold the three dollar ducks for $15, the $20 ducks for $50. Crowell began his carving career in the early 1900s and continued carving excessively till he kicked the bucket in 1952. As for the price ($175/12), you can get a dozen mallards for $40, and you can find a dozen mallards pushing $200. Do you really need wood duck decoys? 2 2. And if your intent is realistic on-the-water motion without the, what some might call, inconvenience of pulling on a jerk cord string, then Higdons XS Pulsator might just be what youre looking for. Garage sale mallards may cost $2 each, a call-your-buddies bargain, especially if theyre in a condition where they can be immediately used. Some duck decoys were carved for hunting, some for decoration, while a few served both purposes. Are they spread out loafing? The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island. Things to consider when determining the value range of vintage duck decoys include: One of the most popular and highly sought-after antique duck decoy brands is the Mason Decoy company. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . If you have been duck hunting for a while and have more or less figured out what you are doing, then you probably want to invest in some higher quality floaters. . Gus Wilson wasnt the best decoy carver, yet this item still generated over $300,000 at the point of sales. So now, head on to eBay, Etsy, 1stDibs, Amazon, or any antique store close to you to buy or list your original vintage duck decoys. Many people use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and pintails for their visibility and good pulling power. Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items. Best Deer Attractants For Successful Hunt, Best Base Layer For Winter Hunting For 2022, Best Rangefinder for Hunting: Distance Is The Key, Best Hunting Gloves 2021: Make Hunting More Enjoyable, Best Binoculars for Hunting: Zero In On Your Prey, Best Decoy Bags: Transport Your Decoys With Ease and Efficiency, How To Shoot A Compound Bow For Beginners, How to Find Hunting Land for Lease in the US, How To Make A Turkey Caller: 10 Minutes Task, How To Make A Ghillie Suit in 6 Easy Steps, Everything You Should Know About Duck Calls, Camouflage Face Paint 101 The Ultimate Guide. Theyre inexpensive; in fact, they make quite an easy and even less expensive DIY project. Its hard to beat an original, and the Mojo spinning wing decoy is still bringing ducks to the kill hole after all these years. It might take you several years to build up a full spread, but thats fine. Arthur Anderson grew up in rural Indiana, where he spent much of his time going on hunting trips with friends from a young age, and braving the outdoors to get the most authentic hunting experience possible. Cornfield greenheads? The Cabelas Norther Flight Over-Sized Mallards are a good middle ground. Bottom line I want them to look like ducks. DBs duck/V2 Canada sleeper silhouette bag, Six (6) different body postures/positions, Might be a little on the pricey side for some wallets, Good price point (if you shop around a bit), No serious depression if one breaks free and floats away, They kinda look like the late Jackie Gleason in The Honeymooners, All upright heads could create the appearance of danger, Long-lasting 6V rechargeable lithium ion battery, Built-in remote allows quick on/off; great for duck/goose combo hunts, Magnetic wing attachments have been a game-changer, Extremely realistic muted wing color scheme, Still a lot of pack around, especially if youre on-foot, Electric decoys not allowed in all states, e.g. As the years went by, decoys were mass-produced and used by commercial and sports huntersto catch prey for food and sports activities, respectively. There are other videos, articles, and books you can consult on this subject to learn to recognize these antique items. The coolest thing about these decoysand the reason they stand out from the competitionis the material itself. And if you give them just the smallest amount of care, they will last you many years of good hunting. . I want a variety of body postures per dozen. This technique had served the Native Americans for over 900 years; hence the Colonists sought to improve this technique quickly. The year was 1972, and a little California-based father/son company had just bounced onto the fowling radar with a single product a no-tangleTanglefree!decoy line and a lead anchor system that would, like Kleenex for any tissue and Xerox for any copy machine, serve as THE name for decoy cord, regardless of who made it, for decades to come. These decoys will allow you to build field spread without breaking the bank. Where Foskett and Tanglefree excel, perhaps, is in the diver realm; that is, with their canvasbacks, redheads, and bluebills. the effectiveness of flats/skinnies on ducks. I also relied on my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters to recommend their favorite decoys. 5. Do a little homework, answer a few to-the-point questions, and youll be well on your way to filling that shop, floor to ceiling, with dozens upon dozens. Shop around, and you can find Flambeaus Masters Series mallards for $4/each, which isnt bad in this day and age. Ill admit it. Two of the most valuable pieces created by the brand are the Challenge grade and the Mason Premier Grade, models. Finally, I repainted most, if not all, of them as drake bluebills, and they enjoyed another life as big water divers. What is the most valuable duck decoy? Your email address will not be published. Here are three of my favorites. It all depends on the birds, the wind, the pressure, and more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theyre light and durable. Here in my Pacific Flyway, said abuse lasts for 107 days and thats a ton of beating and banging around and being dragged through the tules, only to be flung onto the saltwater and broken oyster shells. Stephen B. OBrien Jr with the record breaking pair of Duck Decoy by Elmer Crowell. The unit includes . That said, MOJOs King Mallard SWD is, as a friend says, all that and a bag of chips, too. In the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region. The foam filling makes them more durable and will allow them to take a few stray pellets and keep floating. But many hunters dont need that many full body duck decoys. Ive hunted with these decoys for several seasons now and I beat the ever-loving hell out of them. By the mid-19th century, the style and construction of decoys began to vary based on the region and the carver. But, are those what you really need for your brand of fowling? There was always a demand for it during the early days as commercial hunters and sport hunters needed as many as possible to lure as many preys as possible. This brought in $553,600 back in 2007 when it was sold by Guyette, Schmidt, and Deeter. They look real enough, if you take care of them. 2 2. These decoys look killer. GLOWYE Duck Decoy Realistic Plastic Floating Duck for Hunting Decoy Garden Decor Pond Decorations Holiday Decoration Mallard Decoy Goose Decoy Features : Extremely RealisticDuck decoy fine workmanship, the feather texture is carefully carved, and it floats on the water like real life. Oh, I have to have four or five dozen divers, minimum. Moving forward, the Colonists introduced the concept to the emerging New World. There are all kinds of online comments and videos about certain decoys surviving (or not surviving) a shotgun blast. You can always add more decoys; its what we do. Thats because they make extremely realistic decoys, and Id rather hunt with fewer realistic decoys than more dekes that dont look as good. Now THATS how I want my decoys to look. Will their paint chip when theyre bounced around in a boat? Famous carvers including Ben Schmidt, Walter Ruppel, Art Chilton, Bill Goenne . Sure, it may be to hook me, the fisherman, but if thats it, Im sold. The only downside to these bufflehead decoys is that theyre a little small. In general, if you scout diligently and are hunting on the X (where the birds want to be) you will need fewer decoys.For many other hunting scenarios, two dozen to four dozen decoys will get the job done. ), as it makes picking up said bunch of flats stupid quick and easy. An inseparable pair, but more than just a single decoy. Ducks move around, even when theyre loafing on the water. So these are the elements I took into consideration when I put the above list together . The guy we all know and hate. Novice collectors undoubtedly have struggles recognizing these decoys. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? These are large, full-body decoys that look amazing in the field. No spam, we promise. Antique Duck decoys are as valuable as many other vintage and antique items. Both decoys have detailed paint designs, solid bodies, flat bottoms, and hollow centers. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Water keel decoys are light, though, and make an excellent decoy for the walk-in fowler looking to cut down on weight. Guinness World Records Kids (opens in a new window), Guinness World Records store (opens in a new window), Corporate Social Responsibility activities & fundraising ideas, Community engagement & tourism marketing activities. Hard. Most of them are good. No spam, we promise. In my experience, fully flocked duck decoys are not worth it. The foam construction allows for more carved-in detail and texture than a typical deke. The Crowell Bundle. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. If its Sandusky Bay bluebills on the menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order. It comprises two duck decoys, and both are worth $1,130,000. The paint scheme should also look realistic in a variety of light conditions. Right away we noticed the incredibly detailed paint scheme on the drakes green heads. Much like Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually came from Massachusetts as well, where duck hunting was a common sport. Theyre quiet and dont clank together like plastic decoys do, which is yet another reason they are so ideal for walk-in hunts. For practice, you can attend decoy auctions, and hunting shows to get on-hand experience. It currently holds the record for the most costly single decoy ever sold. Were giving Crowell his dues here, and while he isnt included further down the list since weve already mentioned him, its important to state that this 1.13 million dollar purchase for two decoys was actually part of a large sale of 31 Crowell decoys, which in total ended up costing about $7,500,000. WHAT MAKES A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE? Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. Duck decoys do not and cannot have a fixed price. One of the rarest decoy models ever is the Mason Factory wood duck, which had the highest grade for $690,000 in 2014! To create the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock. Why It Made the Cut: You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? Yes, Im sure they can be effective at times; Ive just not had that off-the-charts hunt I could attribute to a SWD. Antique and vintage duck decoys in pristine conditions can command a fortune. Many of Gus pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. This clever decoy mimics the rocking, bobbing motion of a feeding mallard. If youd like to see a graphical breakdown of expensive wooden decoys, we got you covered: Im calling it this because two decoys were sold together for a whopping $1,130,000. They wont crack or immediately fade. Some can take it; some cant, but its definitely worth a close eyeball. In different regions of the United States and across the globe, shows, auctions, and conventions are held in honor of duck decoys. Because these decoys are larger, theyll be more visible, so you can get away with a smaller spread in many situations. At this point, hunting was growing to be a pastime for privileged individuals in England. Most duck hunters start with a dozen, maybe two. The right mix of iridescence and matte finish. Best Floater Decoy. In these events, youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers. Colors? But now theres a wide variety of motion decoys available. Oh, and the square handle (box style) stake. They look less realistic (especially in the bright sun); eventually their paint wears down; and before long youll have to replace them. Post author: Post published: October 5, 2022 Post category: high temp wood stove paint Post comments: pre built log cabins for sale in alaska pre built log cabins for sale in alaska But, the most realistic duck decoys on the planet arent worth a damn if you cant afford them. And thats what it was: art. Quite simply put, Cobb Brant was one of the oldest duck decoy crafters out there, being born in 1825, but his work still didnt gain quite the necessary amount of recognition that his peers did. Wilsons decoy pulled in $330,000, partially because he didnt make a lot of decoys. The 750 gallon-per-hour bilge pump at the heart of the Pulsator is powered by a 12V lithium ion battery, which, says Higdon, will provide up to seven hours of service, and, whats better, will recharge in 180 minutes. 1 1. Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs! Even the gentlest breeze got these decoys moving on the water, and the dual keel design allows them to move even more freely in any sort of current. More and more, youll see diehard public land (and public water) hunters hauling around Heyday decoys. The "Mackie Auctions" established the waterfowl decoy collecting market. The not-so-easy aspect is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition. 'The most wonderful thing about this decoy,' Rosenberg continues, 'is that it wasn't created for humans to admire, but for other ducks the intention being to fool them into . Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. Hunting isnt easy. Throw it out, set a spread around it, and youre in the catbird seat. Add up the cost of the best duck hunting shotguns, the best duck hunting waders, and throw in shells and licenses; suddenly it seems like you should try to save money by buying cheap decoys. They are gorgeous and vibrant, just like a real woodie. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. BUT, and its a big BUT, they dont right themselves. Divers are typically not the wariest of ducks and they will come into a puddle duck spread. Theyll last many seasons, and they are affordable. There is limited information on Brant. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Other books recommended by folk art experts include American Bird Decoys by William J. Mackey Jr. and Wild Fowl Decoys by Joel Barber. Ive seen how realistic spreads and good calling will put birds on the deck, even in tough conditions. Sometimes, it could depend on the pose of the decoy; some duck decoys are carved in feeding, swimming, and even sleeping positions. And so it goes from there, but its a good thing, really. And then it builds from there. Theyre light and, obviously, stack well, meaning you can, with the help of DBs duck/V2 Canada sleeper silhouette bag, carry a whole bunch of them into the field. In my humble opinion, duck decoys are all about two thingsvisual realism, and durability. By now youve probably noticed that Avian-X keeps popping up on this list. This in itself is a tricky task. There are hundreds of valuable duck decoys worldwide. Whats nice is I can use the jerk cord rigged with these smaller decoys in four to five inches of sheet water with no problem. Is the body shape right? The Crowell Bundle. Since their production over a hundred years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics. Truth is, nobody has a definitive answer on that, and we likely never will. One must instead learn to differentiate an actual bait from a modern decoy. This is often all it takes to convince wary ducks to commit. Even though were a relatively young country, our rich heritage becomes valuable at an accelerated rate. Learn more . Product DescriptionThis is a magnum mallard decoy at its finest. Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. Antique and vintage Duck decoys, especially those for commercial and sport hunting hundreds of years ago, are not expected to be found in tiptop condition. Flocking eliminates glare, which is a killer on sunny days in the field. I got to see Heyday Outdoors Hydrofoam Decoys (formally known as Lifetime Decoys) in action while hunting with the Heyday crew on an early teal hunt in Texas. You may recognize it as being the center of the James McCleery collection until it was eventually sold. Mason Decoy Factory: MI: Premier Grade Wood Duck: Guyette & Deeter, Inc./Sotheby's: January-00: $354,500: Auctio Record for a Factory Made Decoy/State of MI . Singles and pairs will lock into a regular mallard spread. And it flat works. However, the majority had two-dimensional profiles. Theres a ton of mystery shrouding The Eider Drake because even to this day, I cant credit the original manufacturer. Its rocky. As with all antique items, the rare models of duck decoys which are often hard to locate, tend to cost a whole lot more than others. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes, 3. Are they separated in little family groups? In 1965, decoy expert William J. Mackey Jr. published American Bird Decoys and Adele Earnest published The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings, further legitimizing the folk artform. Holmes spent his time as a ships carpenter for years, which allowed him to grow his proficiency in woodworking. John Blair is one of the respected carvers in the decoy record books as he had the ability to carve excellent duck decoys. When the first colonists settled in North America, they observed that the natives of the land used bulrushes, fowl carcasses, and mud to create duck and fowl-like figures. Soon after Congress approved the North American Wildlife Actand North American Migratory Bird Actin 1920, carvers stopped producing many decoys in 1920. Antique duck or fowl decoys have glass eyes. An antique duck decoy with some imperfections. 5 5. Were still in New England guys, but this time were in Maine. Higdon offers a foam filled option for these decoys, which Id highly recommend. In the early days, most carvers engraved their initials and date on the bottom of the decoy. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Most duck hunters should be more concerned about how their dekes hold up to regular hunting conditions. William Bowman Image 1: William Bowman Carved and Painted Greater Yellowlegs Christie's, London, United Kingdom (January 2007) Estimate: $65,000 - $85,000 Price Realized: $78,000 When Mackey died in 1972, his vast collection was sold over several sessions. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. For a full list of record titles, please use our Record Application Search. My buddy and diehard duck hunter, Todd Gifford, has been hunting with those same test decoys for several years now, and they still look as good as new (even though we hunt the frigid waters of the upper Midwest year after year). Or five. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Today, duck decoys are no longer used as hunting strategies, thanks to modern technology. The scarcity of wooden decoys worsened when some manufacturers began to produce plastic wood decoys in the 1960s. The primary reason why some duck decoys are highly-priced is not that theyre rare or produced by the best carvers; instead, it is because they are still in good condition. For once, were not in New England with this origin story, either; Bert is actually from Peoria, IL, and has set the scene for high-quality duck decoys ever since. In all cases, I leaned toward decoys that look realistic in the field. Join our exclusive 2,500+ email list to get tailored advice, product roundups, and be the first to see our new content. Branding. My wife would say I have a duck decoy collection problem, but I contend its only a problem if youre trying to solve it, which I am not. Download our FREE pdf guide and learn what decoys you should be using. Yeah, they look that good. Its relatively simple, though. Search knutsondecoys.com or parkercoatings.com, buy some colors that suit you, and touch em up.
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Vinyl Records Value: Your Old Value Records Worth a Fortune, Vintage Stiffel Lamps: Value and Price Guide, Vintage Smith Corona Typewriter: History, Models, and Value, Vintage Schwinn Bikes: [Types, Identification, and Values], Vintage Rooster Cookie Jar Identification and Value Guide. Why It Made the Cut: Its simple. Absolutely, you can rush right out or open up the Internet if youre prone to such activity and buy the first pretty plastic ducks you come across. FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. The Duck Decoy is a less common antique object with a broad and exciting history. Though much of his earlier years arent recorded, he lived a simple life. Let me put it this way. Alex Robinson is Outdoor Lifes editor-in-chief. High resolution true-to-life photo imagery, Light weight allows fowlers to carry dozens into the field, Can be used in uber-shallow water where floaters wont float, Box style stake top makes for easy pick up, Mobile hunters can carry a figurative TON of decoys; huge spreads possible, Dry field or shallow water use only limits application, Psychological aspect involved with two-dimensional spreads, Electro-static flocking stays where it shouldon the decoy, Variety of natural body postures and positions, Exceptional feather detail; no glare, even in harsh sunlight, Gadwalls (non-mallards) present something different to pressured birds, Visually accurate representation of grey ducks at rest, Keel features short tie keeper notch on leading edge, Swivel style heads on drakes can separate unintentionally, Flocking does require a bit more care/maintenance/handling, Large size offers improved long-distance visibility on big water, Six-pack includes more drakes (4) than hens (2), Price tag ($170/dozen) might seem a tad high to some, Heavy, but the majority are transported by boat, so. The new crop of crossbows is out, including Can you use a 3-season tent for winter Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Its like having a piece of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere. My decoys get banged up on everything imaginable. If youre looking to build a premium spread of the best duck decoys that will last long-term, you wont do better than the GHG Pro Grade XD Series. Lothrop didnt start out with decoys; it was more of a side hobby that later turned into a career. 'The most wonderful thing about this decoy,' Rosenberg continues, 'is that it wasn't created for humans to admire, but for other ducks the intention being to fool them into landing on the water. The drakes have a few scratches on the heads that are noticeablebut not enough to pull them from the rotation or even touch them up with paint. So, first, the downside. Foam-filled, these divers can and often do take a pounding. In 2007, his pintail drake and Canada goose decoys sold as a bundle. Bernie Madoff might just go down as this centurys biggest American villain, but his decoy fetched a rather handsome amount of money during the auctioning of his estate. Its a fetching decoy, but nothing like Crowell or Holmes could make, yet it still sold for a hefty price tag of $767,000 back in 2014. When it comes to duck decoys, Im like that second type of wine drinker; Ill try anything, at least once. With the above information, you would be able to successfully delve into the vintage duck decoy ecosystem without any hindrance. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. How many decoys youre going to use depends on different things. Mason Vintage Hunting Duck Decoys Mason Vintage Hunting Duck Decoys All Auction Buy It Now 144 Results Brand: Mason Brand Duck Type Features Condition Price Buying Format All Filters Antique Mason Black duck decoy $25.00 0 bids $13.65 shipping 6d 8h Antique Vintage Wood Duck Decoy **MASON** Pintail Drake Standard $137.50 3 bids $16.75 shipping On a sunny day ducks will spot it from long distance and avoid your spread, because it doesnt look natural. A lot of other wood duck decoys have the drakes head sticking high up above the water, like hes on alert. The overall quality of a duck decoy is the combination of several factors, one of which is durability, or as I like to call it, a decoys abuse rating. The reason these were so expensive is that they were some of Crowells first documented decoys. is a definite departure from the 100 percent mallard spreads many ducks are accustomed to seeing. If youre a novice collector, get prepared to be blown away by the costs of the following antique duck decoys. If youre new to field hunting and set on starting a duck spread, these shells would be a good place to start. . Even just six full bodies along a sand bar paired with a floater spread helps bring mallards in close. It was one of the largest amounts of money they made at their 2006 auction. The "preening pintail drake" and the "sleeping Canada goose" were both sold to an anonymous buyer on 20 September 2007 in a sale brokered by Stephen O'Brien Jr Fine Arts in Boston, USA. A few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features. These decoys are affordable and functional. We have killed a lot of ducks over them through the years. What is the most valuable duck decoy? It wasnt until the late 1900s that many of the vintage lures we have now emerged as collectors items. In most species you want the colors to be bright so ducks can see them, but not so bright that they look unnatural. As far as the number of decoys to use, 12 to 24 puddle duck decoys is a good range for most people, with fewer than 18 being about right for a solo hunter to set up alone. Hunting divers often calls for big spreads on big waters, so if youre in a diver hot zone, Id recommend getting a few of the Standard Diver packs, which includes redhead, bluebill, and ringneck species. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. The Best Duck Decoys of 2023 Best Overall: GHG Pro Grade XD Series Mallards Best for the Money (Mallards): Cabela's Northern Flight Over-Sized Mallard Best for the Money (Divers): Higdon Standard Bufflehead Best Oversized Mallard Decoy: Avian-X Topflight Open Water Pack Best Lightweight Decoys: Heyday HydroFoam Mallards Vintage duck decoys can be ridiculously expensive. Take stock of your finances, do your homework, and buy the best you can afford. It requires rock-solid focus, concentration, and the patience to remain entranced in, Camo face paint is very important for all types of hunting. Valuable Antique Duck Decoys 1.The Crowell Bundle 2.The Eider Drake Decoy 3.The Merganser Hen Carving 4.The Wilson Drake Duck Decoy 5.Cobb Brant Mallard Duck Decoys 6.The Blaird Mallard decoy 7.Graves Mallard Decoys 8.Simple Wood Duck by Thomas Chambers Final Note The History Of Antique Duck Decoys But if you target wood ducks specifically, especially larger flocks of migrating woodies, it definitely pays to have a dozen wood duck dekes in your arsenal, and you wont find more realistic ones than the Avian-X Topflight Wood Ducks. This piece is shrouded in a tone of mystery. When youre scouting, pay close attention to how and where the ducks are positioned. 4 4. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? The smoothing and fine-tuning aspect would be completed with a drawknife. Antiques that have been altered, repaired, or have missing parts often cost less than the original piece. Why It Made the Cut: When I opened the box and saw them for the first time, I said D..A..M..N! Its simply called a wood duck, but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for a decent price at $187,000 back in 2004. Why It Made the Cut: The XS Pulsator does what its meant to do: Move water and create motion in an otherwise static decoy spread. 6 6. The original carver of the work is unknown, and all indications point out that no one will ever find out. Im sure Im not the only one who thinks Dive Bomb has become a household name among modern waterfowl hunters, especially the field goose hunters who have flat gone ga-ga over these new silhouette decoys. Maybe someday. All of these conditions work to ruin flocking. How many seasons will they last? The current condition of an antique duck decoy plays a significant role in determining its value. Best Hunting Advice. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. I take care of my gear I really do but I dont baby it. Are they realistic in appearance? $250 5 Bids. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. The only problem is that theyre very expensive. This is a foam-filled, one-piece decoy with a seven-hour run time. Why It Made the Cut: Fifty bucks at The Walmart, and you can kill ducks over them, Im guessing, throughout the season. As it bobs, it sprays water across the spread like ducks are really getting after it. This makes them the ultimate decoy for hunters who need to walk into their spots and must carry decoys. The Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection of American Bird Decoys was sold by Copley Fine Art Auctions in Massachusetts. The two most expensive duck decoys sold in a private deal for $1.13 million (504,188) each and were carved by A Elmer Cromwell (USA, 18621952). Instead of hollow plastic, they are made entirely of EVA foam, which is the same material Crocs are made from. McIntyre took those first decoys the decent looking ones at least to Ducks Unlimited dinners, where he sold the three dollar ducks for $15, the $20 ducks for $50. Crowell began his carving career in the early 1900s and continued carving excessively till he kicked the bucket in 1952. As for the price ($175/12), you can get a dozen mallards for $40, and you can find a dozen mallards pushing $200. Do you really need wood duck decoys? 2 2. And if your intent is realistic on-the-water motion without the, what some might call, inconvenience of pulling on a jerk cord string, then Higdons XS Pulsator might just be what youre looking for. Garage sale mallards may cost $2 each, a call-your-buddies bargain, especially if theyre in a condition where they can be immediately used. Some duck decoys were carved for hunting, some for decoration, while a few served both purposes. Are they spread out loafing? The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island. Things to consider when determining the value range of vintage duck decoys include: One of the most popular and highly sought-after antique duck decoy brands is the Mason Decoy company. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . If you have been duck hunting for a while and have more or less figured out what you are doing, then you probably want to invest in some higher quality floaters. . Gus Wilson wasnt the best decoy carver, yet this item still generated over $300,000 at the point of sales. So now, head on to eBay, Etsy, 1stDibs, Amazon, or any antique store close to you to buy or list your original vintage duck decoys. Many people use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and pintails for their visibility and good pulling power. Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items. Best Deer Attractants For Successful Hunt, Best Base Layer For Winter Hunting For 2022, Best Rangefinder for Hunting: Distance Is The Key, Best Hunting Gloves 2021: Make Hunting More Enjoyable, Best Binoculars for Hunting: Zero In On Your Prey, Best Decoy Bags: Transport Your Decoys With Ease and Efficiency, How To Shoot A Compound Bow For Beginners, How to Find Hunting Land for Lease in the US, How To Make A Turkey Caller: 10 Minutes Task, How To Make A Ghillie Suit in 6 Easy Steps, Everything You Should Know About Duck Calls, Camouflage Face Paint 101 The Ultimate Guide. Theyre inexpensive; in fact, they make quite an easy and even less expensive DIY project. Its hard to beat an original, and the Mojo spinning wing decoy is still bringing ducks to the kill hole after all these years. It might take you several years to build up a full spread, but thats fine. Arthur Anderson grew up in rural Indiana, where he spent much of his time going on hunting trips with friends from a young age, and braving the outdoors to get the most authentic hunting experience possible. Cornfield greenheads? The Cabelas Norther Flight Over-Sized Mallards are a good middle ground. Bottom line I want them to look like ducks. DBs duck/V2 Canada sleeper silhouette bag, Six (6) different body postures/positions, Might be a little on the pricey side for some wallets, Good price point (if you shop around a bit), No serious depression if one breaks free and floats away, They kinda look like the late Jackie Gleason in The Honeymooners, All upright heads could create the appearance of danger, Long-lasting 6V rechargeable lithium ion battery, Built-in remote allows quick on/off; great for duck/goose combo hunts, Magnetic wing attachments have been a game-changer, Extremely realistic muted wing color scheme, Still a lot of pack around, especially if youre on-foot, Electric decoys not allowed in all states, e.g. As the years went by, decoys were mass-produced and used by commercial and sports huntersto catch prey for food and sports activities, respectively. There are other videos, articles, and books you can consult on this subject to learn to recognize these antique items. The coolest thing about these decoysand the reason they stand out from the competitionis the material itself. And if you give them just the smallest amount of care, they will last you many years of good hunting. . I want a variety of body postures per dozen. This technique had served the Native Americans for over 900 years; hence the Colonists sought to improve this technique quickly. The year was 1972, and a little California-based father/son company had just bounced onto the fowling radar with a single product a no-tangleTanglefree!decoy line and a lead anchor system that would, like Kleenex for any tissue and Xerox for any copy machine, serve as THE name for decoy cord, regardless of who made it, for decades to come. These decoys will allow you to build field spread without breaking the bank. Where Foskett and Tanglefree excel, perhaps, is in the diver realm; that is, with their canvasbacks, redheads, and bluebills. the effectiveness of flats/skinnies on ducks. I also relied on my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters to recommend their favorite decoys. 5. Do a little homework, answer a few to-the-point questions, and youll be well on your way to filling that shop, floor to ceiling, with dozens upon dozens. Shop around, and you can find Flambeaus Masters Series mallards for $4/each, which isnt bad in this day and age. Ill admit it. Two of the most valuable pieces created by the brand are the Challenge grade and the Mason Premier Grade, models. Finally, I repainted most, if not all, of them as drake bluebills, and they enjoyed another life as big water divers. What is the most valuable duck decoy? Your email address will not be published. Here are three of my favorites. It all depends on the birds, the wind, the pressure, and more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theyre light and durable. Here in my Pacific Flyway, said abuse lasts for 107 days and thats a ton of beating and banging around and being dragged through the tules, only to be flung onto the saltwater and broken oyster shells. Stephen B. OBrien Jr with the record breaking pair of Duck Decoy by Elmer Crowell. The unit includes . That said, MOJOs King Mallard SWD is, as a friend says, all that and a bag of chips, too. In the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region. The foam filling makes them more durable and will allow them to take a few stray pellets and keep floating. But many hunters dont need that many full body duck decoys. Ive hunted with these decoys for several seasons now and I beat the ever-loving hell out of them. By the mid-19th century, the style and construction of decoys began to vary based on the region and the carver. But, are those what you really need for your brand of fowling? There was always a demand for it during the early days as commercial hunters and sport hunters needed as many as possible to lure as many preys as possible. This brought in $553,600 back in 2007 when it was sold by Guyette, Schmidt, and Deeter. They look real enough, if you take care of them. 2 2. These decoys look killer. GLOWYE Duck Decoy Realistic Plastic Floating Duck for Hunting Decoy Garden Decor Pond Decorations Holiday Decoration Mallard Decoy Goose Decoy Features : Extremely RealisticDuck decoy fine workmanship, the feather texture is carefully carved, and it floats on the water like real life. Oh, I have to have four or five dozen divers, minimum. Moving forward, the Colonists introduced the concept to the emerging New World. There are all kinds of online comments and videos about certain decoys surviving (or not surviving) a shotgun blast. You can always add more decoys; its what we do. Thats because they make extremely realistic decoys, and Id rather hunt with fewer realistic decoys than more dekes that dont look as good. Now THATS how I want my decoys to look. Will their paint chip when theyre bounced around in a boat? Famous carvers including Ben Schmidt, Walter Ruppel, Art Chilton, Bill Goenne . Sure, it may be to hook me, the fisherman, but if thats it, Im sold. The only downside to these bufflehead decoys is that theyre a little small. In general, if you scout diligently and are hunting on the X (where the birds want to be) you will need fewer decoys.For many other hunting scenarios, two dozen to four dozen decoys will get the job done. ), as it makes picking up said bunch of flats stupid quick and easy. An inseparable pair, but more than just a single decoy. Ducks move around, even when theyre loafing on the water. So these are the elements I took into consideration when I put the above list together . The guy we all know and hate. Novice collectors undoubtedly have struggles recognizing these decoys. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? These are large, full-body decoys that look amazing in the field. No spam, we promise. Antique Duck decoys are as valuable as many other vintage and antique items. Both decoys have detailed paint designs, solid bodies, flat bottoms, and hollow centers. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Water keel decoys are light, though, and make an excellent decoy for the walk-in fowler looking to cut down on weight. Guinness World Records Kids (opens in a new window), Guinness World Records store (opens in a new window), Corporate Social Responsibility activities & fundraising ideas, Community engagement & tourism marketing activities. Hard. Most of them are good. No spam, we promise. In my experience, fully flocked duck decoys are not worth it. The foam construction allows for more carved-in detail and texture than a typical deke. The Crowell Bundle. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. If its Sandusky Bay bluebills on the menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order. It comprises two duck decoys, and both are worth $1,130,000. The paint scheme should also look realistic in a variety of light conditions. Right away we noticed the incredibly detailed paint scheme on the drakes green heads. Much like Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually came from Massachusetts as well, where duck hunting was a common sport. Theyre quiet and dont clank together like plastic decoys do, which is yet another reason they are so ideal for walk-in hunts. For practice, you can attend decoy auctions, and hunting shows to get on-hand experience. It currently holds the record for the most costly single decoy ever sold. Were giving Crowell his dues here, and while he isnt included further down the list since weve already mentioned him, its important to state that this 1.13 million dollar purchase for two decoys was actually part of a large sale of 31 Crowell decoys, which in total ended up costing about $7,500,000. WHAT MAKES A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE? Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. Duck decoys do not and cannot have a fixed price. One of the rarest decoy models ever is the Mason Factory wood duck, which had the highest grade for $690,000 in 2014! To create the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock. Why It Made the Cut: You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? Yes, Im sure they can be effective at times; Ive just not had that off-the-charts hunt I could attribute to a SWD. Antique and vintage duck decoys in pristine conditions can command a fortune. Many of Gus pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. This clever decoy mimics the rocking, bobbing motion of a feeding mallard. If youd like to see a graphical breakdown of expensive wooden decoys, we got you covered: Im calling it this because two decoys were sold together for a whopping $1,130,000. They wont crack or immediately fade. Some can take it; some cant, but its definitely worth a close eyeball. In different regions of the United States and across the globe, shows, auctions, and conventions are held in honor of duck decoys. Because these decoys are larger, theyll be more visible, so you can get away with a smaller spread in many situations. At this point, hunting was growing to be a pastime for privileged individuals in England. Most duck hunters start with a dozen, maybe two. The right mix of iridescence and matte finish. Best Floater Decoy. In these events, youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers. Colors? But now theres a wide variety of motion decoys available. Oh, and the square handle (box style) stake. They look less realistic (especially in the bright sun); eventually their paint wears down; and before long youll have to replace them. Post author: Post published: October 5, 2022 Post category: high temp wood stove paint Post comments: pre built log cabins for sale in alaska pre built log cabins for sale in alaska But, the most realistic duck decoys on the planet arent worth a damn if you cant afford them. And thats what it was: art. Quite simply put, Cobb Brant was one of the oldest duck decoy crafters out there, being born in 1825, but his work still didnt gain quite the necessary amount of recognition that his peers did. Wilsons decoy pulled in $330,000, partially because he didnt make a lot of decoys. The 750 gallon-per-hour bilge pump at the heart of the Pulsator is powered by a 12V lithium ion battery, which, says Higdon, will provide up to seven hours of service, and, whats better, will recharge in 180 minutes. 1 1. Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs! Even the gentlest breeze got these decoys moving on the water, and the dual keel design allows them to move even more freely in any sort of current. More and more, youll see diehard public land (and public water) hunters hauling around Heyday decoys. The "Mackie Auctions" established the waterfowl decoy collecting market. The not-so-easy aspect is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition. 'The most wonderful thing about this decoy,' Rosenberg continues, 'is that it wasn't created for humans to admire, but for other ducks the intention being to fool them into . Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. Hunting isnt easy. Throw it out, set a spread around it, and youre in the catbird seat. Add up the cost of the best duck hunting shotguns, the best duck hunting waders, and throw in shells and licenses; suddenly it seems like you should try to save money by buying cheap decoys. They are gorgeous and vibrant, just like a real woodie. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. BUT, and its a big BUT, they dont right themselves. Divers are typically not the wariest of ducks and they will come into a puddle duck spread. Theyll last many seasons, and they are affordable. There is limited information on Brant. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Other books recommended by folk art experts include American Bird Decoys by William J. Mackey Jr. and Wild Fowl Decoys by Joel Barber. Ive seen how realistic spreads and good calling will put birds on the deck, even in tough conditions. Sometimes, it could depend on the pose of the decoy; some duck decoys are carved in feeding, swimming, and even sleeping positions. And so it goes from there, but its a good thing, really. And then it builds from there. Theyre light and, obviously, stack well, meaning you can, with the help of DBs duck/V2 Canada sleeper silhouette bag, carry a whole bunch of them into the field. In my humble opinion, duck decoys are all about two thingsvisual realism, and durability. By now youve probably noticed that Avian-X keeps popping up on this list. This in itself is a tricky task. There are hundreds of valuable duck decoys worldwide. Whats nice is I can use the jerk cord rigged with these smaller decoys in four to five inches of sheet water with no problem. Is the body shape right? The Crowell Bundle. Since their production over a hundred years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics. Truth is, nobody has a definitive answer on that, and we likely never will. One must instead learn to differentiate an actual bait from a modern decoy. This is often all it takes to convince wary ducks to commit. Even though were a relatively young country, our rich heritage becomes valuable at an accelerated rate. Learn more . Product DescriptionThis is a magnum mallard decoy at its finest. Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. Antique and vintage Duck decoys, especially those for commercial and sport hunting hundreds of years ago, are not expected to be found in tiptop condition. Flocking eliminates glare, which is a killer on sunny days in the field. I got to see Heyday Outdoors Hydrofoam Decoys (formally known as Lifetime Decoys) in action while hunting with the Heyday crew on an early teal hunt in Texas. You may recognize it as being the center of the James McCleery collection until it was eventually sold. Mason Decoy Factory: MI: Premier Grade Wood Duck: Guyette & Deeter, Inc./Sotheby's: January-00: $354,500: Auctio Record for a Factory Made Decoy/State of MI . Singles and pairs will lock into a regular mallard spread. And it flat works. However, the majority had two-dimensional profiles. Theres a ton of mystery shrouding The Eider Drake because even to this day, I cant credit the original manufacturer. Its rocky. As with all antique items, the rare models of duck decoys which are often hard to locate, tend to cost a whole lot more than others. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes, 3. Are they separated in little family groups? In 1965, decoy expert William J. Mackey Jr. published American Bird Decoys and Adele Earnest published The Art of the Decoy: American Bird Carvings, further legitimizing the folk artform. Holmes spent his time as a ships carpenter for years, which allowed him to grow his proficiency in woodworking. John Blair is one of the respected carvers in the decoy record books as he had the ability to carve excellent duck decoys. When the first colonists settled in North America, they observed that the natives of the land used bulrushes, fowl carcasses, and mud to create duck and fowl-like figures. Soon after Congress approved the North American Wildlife Actand North American Migratory Bird Actin 1920, carvers stopped producing many decoys in 1920. Antique duck or fowl decoys have glass eyes. An antique duck decoy with some imperfections. 5 5. Were still in New England guys, but this time were in Maine. Higdon offers a foam filled option for these decoys, which Id highly recommend. In the early days, most carvers engraved their initials and date on the bottom of the decoy. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Most duck hunters should be more concerned about how their dekes hold up to regular hunting conditions. William Bowman Image 1: William Bowman Carved and Painted Greater Yellowlegs Christie's, London, United Kingdom (January 2007) Estimate: $65,000 - $85,000 Price Realized: $78,000 When Mackey died in 1972, his vast collection was sold over several sessions. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. For a full list of record titles, please use our Record Application Search. My buddy and diehard duck hunter, Todd Gifford, has been hunting with those same test decoys for several years now, and they still look as good as new (even though we hunt the frigid waters of the upper Midwest year after year). Or five. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Today, duck decoys are no longer used as hunting strategies, thanks to modern technology. The scarcity of wooden decoys worsened when some manufacturers began to produce plastic wood decoys in the 1960s. The primary reason why some duck decoys are highly-priced is not that theyre rare or produced by the best carvers; instead, it is because they are still in good condition. For once, were not in New England with this origin story, either; Bert is actually from Peoria, IL, and has set the scene for high-quality duck decoys ever since. In all cases, I leaned toward decoys that look realistic in the field. Join our exclusive 2,500+ email list to get tailored advice, product roundups, and be the first to see our new content. Branding. My wife would say I have a duck decoy collection problem, but I contend its only a problem if youre trying to solve it, which I am not. Download our FREE pdf guide and learn what decoys you should be using. Yeah, they look that good. Its relatively simple, though. Search knutsondecoys.com or parkercoatings.com, buy some colors that suit you, and touch em up.
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