And thats what it was: art. Bottom line I want them to look like ducks. The Duck Decoy is a less common antique object with a broad and exciting history. Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs! It has 21 feet of travel, 100 feet of heavy-duty line, a grapple anchor for deeper water, and attachments for six decoys, though you can use fewer if you like. The individual most expensive decoy actually belongs to Lothrop Holmes, but since it was still purchased for a lower denomination, it comes in at number two. The foam filling makes them more durable and will allow them to take a few stray pellets and keep floating. they work incredibly well for putting ripples and waves, i.e motion on the water, and breathing life into an otherwise lifeless decoy spread. In the early days, most carvers engraved their initials and date on the bottom of the decoy. This simple mallard has an excellent definition, which is part of the reason that it fetched $214,000 and is considered one of the most valuable decoys. Its relatively simple, though. '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 . Some are exceptional, while others are okay. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Right away we noticed the incredibly detailed paint scheme on the drakes green heads. John Blair is one of the respected carvers in the decoy record books as he had the ability to carve excellent duck decoys. Is the keel rigid, or does it flex, meaning it might be relatively short-lived and a trouble spot? The Crowell Bundle. There are only two knocks on this decoy. It is not particularly ornate, just a hand-carved, single-reed call that's really good at tricking ducks and signed by this legendary craftsman. Here are the new year's top models. What are the most expensive duck decoys? The second is the price. 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.. Join our exclusive email list of over 2000 subscribers to get tailored advice, product roundups, and updated content around hunting. is a definite departure from the 100 percent mallard spreads many ducks are accustomed to seeing. Does it appear rugged and durable? Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. We know the amount, and the date, but the buyer went completely undisclosed. Most field hunters targeting mallards can get away with a goose spread along with a couple dozen full bodies on the X (along with some spinners). The Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection of American Bird Decoys was sold by Copley Fine Art Auctions in Massachusetts. Why It Made the Cut: Its simple. 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). Carvers also designed a group of decoys that appear to have legs. 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). One must instead learn to differentiate an actual bait from a modern decoy. And Ready? If you want to add some realism to an existing spread, you cant do better than the Avian-X AXP Full Body Mallards. These are large, full-body decoys that look amazing in the field. An inseparable pair, but more than just a single decoy. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Why It Made the Cut: When I opened the box and saw them for the first time, I said D..A..M..N! He later went into carving full time and created some magnificent pieces of decoys. Its muddy. 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. My very first duck decoys back in The Day, circa 1980, were old Flambeau decoys that I used for years and years. Duck decoys do not and cannot have a fixed price. GET IN TOUCH WITH A RECORD SPECIALIST (Opens in a new window), How to set or break a Guinness World Records title. Required fields are marked *. 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. 5 5. No spam, we promise. 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. The paint scheme should also look realistic in a variety of light conditions. They sit on the water like real ducks. Stability, low shake, and low noise. Manage Settings 7 7. Jan 14, 10:00 AM EST Henri Laviolette Redhead Drake Duck Decoy by Auctioneers, Inc. Est: $0- $0. Myself, Im using the M1s to beef up shallow (4 6) water floater spreads in green fields, or more often, in tidal marshes at low slack when its impossible to run keeled floaters. Theres a ton of mystery shrouding The Eider Drake because even to this day, I cant credit the original manufacturer. Since 1984, "We have brought in a $134 million in decoy sales." The most expensive decoys ever solda preening Pintail Drake and a Canada goose by the late master carver Elmer Crowellwent for one million each in 2007. Lothrop didnt start out with decoys; it was more of a side hobby that later turned into a career. Higdon offers a foam filled option for these decoys, which Id highly recommend. 5 5. Shop our selection of Duck Decoys from the world's premier auctions and galleries. It is inexpensive. 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. John Blair was a PA native and spent most of his time outdoors when he wasnt carving duck decoys. The Crowell two duck decoys were carved by Massachusetts native Elmer Crowell. Some factories also produced some notable vintage duck decoys in the 1900s. Can you easily and securely attach an anchor line clip to the keel? And finally, theres the price. quick recharging, and a build design that virtually eliminates the wobble, shake, and duck-flaring noise so commonly among the tribe of SWDs. The incredible configuration of paint and realistic body positions and profiles combine to make the most lifelike floater wed seen at the timeand they still are today. Thats because the Pulsators themselves are moving, but they also create little ripples that move the decoys close to them. 8 8. $250 5 Bids. 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. Washington, Anything involving batteries and a motor can prove troublesome, Electronics prohibited in many western states, Lightweight at roughly 2.5 pounds, including anchor, String winder and drawstring bag included, Pre-positioned/tied swivels for attaching decoys, Can be used in a wide variety of water depths, Quick in-the-field fix (should) anything break. Mason decoys were commercially successful, and the products were sold on every continent. This pulled in almost $500,000 in 2000. Crowell began his carving career in the early 1900s and continued carving excessively till he kicked the bucket in 1952. These factories include Evans, Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and Peterson. Most vintage duck decoys do not have identifiable markings. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. It will run in as little as six inches of water. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. These arent out-of-the-packaging duck decoys (and some are not even decoy ducks), but they all have one thing in common: they cost a ton of money. Ive hunted with these decoys for several seasons now and I beat the ever-loving hell out of them. Glare off a decoy is a deal breaker. Ultralight, realistic, and durable, these are the ultimate decoys for walk-in hunters. But that way madness lies. Some regions like New Jersey, North Carolina, New England, and Long Island are home to duck decoys bearing key features and markings. You incorporate it into your life, and other eccentric duck hunters with deep pockets will stop at nothing to claim some of the most coveted factory-made decoys in history. Does this make them more usable or viable than inexpensive, brand-new models? Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. Ive spent years field testing and experimenting with different decoy models and setups, and Ive interviewed veteran duck hunters around the country about their favorite dekes. 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. The Lincoln Hisser. How many decoys youre going to use depends on different things. 2. Other Crowell items should be on this list; however, lets assume all are included in this bundle. Guyette of Guyette and Deeter auctions once explained that about 90% of the available antique duck decoys had been repainted or renailed. Give it a whack. Dr. Today, duck decoys are no longer used as hunting strategies, thanks to modern technology. Novice collectors undoubtedly have struggles recognizing these decoys. Its rocky. The hens have no damage whatsoever. Now, a family man and dedicated man of God, Arthur shows his children how to live off the land while simultaneously hunting with his brothers and friends whenever the opportunity presents itself. Floater decoys are meant for use on the water. ), as it makes picking up said bunch of flats stupid quick and easy. Tanglefrees Flight Canvasback are all that, and more. But, are those what you really need for your brand of fowling? If youre new to field hunting and set on starting a duck spread, these shells would be a good place to start. The measure immediately put a stop to commercial and sport hunting. This simple mallard has an excellent definition, which is part of the reason that it fetched $214,000 and is considered one of the most valuable decoys. I also relied on my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters to recommend their favorite decoys. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . The reason these were so expensive is that they were some of Crowells first documented decoys. To date, the record price for a decoy is $856,000, sold in 2007 by Guyette & Deeter in a joint auction with Christie's. Fifteen years ago, Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail drake decoys were sold as a unit to an unnamed buyer. There are hundreds of valuable duck decoys worldwide. And I like gadwalls. 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 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. Graves Mallards. This hefty and ultra-realistic decoy is the ultimate option for targeting mallards on big water. In Maine, the carvers made the decoys have tougher features to withstand the waters. An avid decoy collector's private collection went up for auction last week, and several rare Chesapeake Bay carvings sold for more than $100,000 each. But many hunters dont need that many full body duck decoys. Silhouettes. Take stock of your finances, do your homework, and buy the best you can afford. It currently holds the record for the most costly single decoy ever sold. Some can take it; some cant, but its definitely worth a close eyeball. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If its Sandusky Bay bluebills on the menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order. Wilsons decoy pulled in $330,000, partially because he didnt make a lot of decoys. This is the most realistic looking full body duck decoy on the market. Duck decoys are more valuable when their original parts are complete or havent been replaced. Learn More . Of all the rabbit holes duck hunters get lost in, decoys might be the deepest, most labyrinthian. In 2007, his pintail drake and Canada goose decoys sold as a bundle. Maybe you need to think of a pack setthree or four different species of dabblers combined into one multi-species package. Your email address will not be published. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? 7 7. The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island, 4. FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. My decoys get banged up on everything imaginable. At 44 ounces, the XS Pulsator is reasonably light, making it a possibility for the mobile fowler. I want a variety of body postures per dozen. At the time, not all duck decoys had the same value. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? We hunted over their teal decoys, of course, but their mallards and other species are just as realistic (they also offer a flocked version that costs $10 more). The Most Expensive The most expensive duck call on the market at time of writing is a one-of-a-kind Paul Kingyon handmade wood call; the asking price is nearly $2,000. Since their production over a hundred years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics. But these dekes can also take a beating unless stored properly. Antique Duck decoys are as valuable as many other vintage and antique items. Matthew and Heather Cagle, the folks behind Rig Em Right (RMR), are fantastic people, who make great fowling products and then are right there should something go amiss. Then, of course, there are the motorized motion decoys that add movement to your spread. '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 . In my experience, fully flocked duck decoys are not worth it. Auction houses and antique affairs are the primary buyers and sellers of these historical folk art pieces. Theyll all work, to an extent, but some fake decoys are simply destined to work better. Oh, and the square handle (box style) stake. 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. Their makers are top carvers who practiced for years to attain their renowned reputation. They get bounced around the bottom of boats and in decoy bags. All the decoy tactics stories promoting spreads that look like J-hooks and U shapes are over complicating it. Graves Mallards. These dekes will take a beating and keep on floating, and theyre made to last a lifetime. Comments below may relate to previous holders of this record. Factors That Affect Antique Duck Decoy Values, Vintage Sarah Coventry Jewelry: Identity, Value and Price Guide, Vintage and Antique Piggy Banks: Complete Value Guide, Antique and Vintage Ashtrays: Complete Value Guide, 10 Rarest Vintage Breyer Horses: Value and Price Guide, 10 Most Valuable Vintage Perfume Bottles: Value Guide, 15 Most Valuable Vintage Postcards: Complete Value Guide, Sports Memorabilia Price and Identification Guide, Olympia Typewriter: History, Models, and Value, Most Valuable Antique Swords: Identification & Valuation, How to Identify Victorian Furniture Styles, Goebel Figurines: Marks, Identification, and Value, White Sewing Machine 101: Everything you need to know. Some makers are more renowned and talented than others. Some duck decoys were carved for hunting, some for decoration, while a few served both purposes. And once again, does it lookyeplike a real duck? Duck Decoys. Sure, it may be to hook me, the fisherman, but if thats it, Im sold. Flocking eliminates glare, which is a killer on sunny days in the field. Buy the best your pocketbook will allow, but understand that a combination of realism, durability, and quality, all backed by service after the sale, isnt cheap in this day and age. He was renowned for his artistic vintage decoys that featured multiple intricate details. 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 Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Singles and pairs will lock into a regular mallard spread. The best rule for decoying is to set up your dekes just how you see real ducks sitting in a marsh or field. Maybe someday. Water keel decoys that land on their sides stay on their sides. It requires NO batteries. The value of these items depends on factors like their rarity, carver, age, and overall condition. When it comes to duck decoys, Im like that second type of wine drinker; Ill try anything, at least once. Best Floater Decoy. Carvers were making a few decoys of better quality with improved materials and more intricate designs for the wealthy. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. Antiques that have been altered, repaired, or have missing parts often cost less than the original piece. It has a remote thats Bluetooth compatible, so you can turn it on and off as you see fit. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Otto - Longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - Most Guinness World Records titles held. Top 50 Decoys Ever Sold at Auction. Around 50-bucks and you can kill ducks over them. Think you enjoy this fowling gig? Many of Gus pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced. 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. And for those field hunts, a couple dozen flocked full-bodies. Any manufacturer worth his/her salt will make a point of explaining just how well the paint sticks to their decoys, and why it does that. This wood duck was sold for $187,000 in 2004. This was an auction record for the carver's pieces I dont know how much you paid for your antique duck decoy, but youre about to be frazzled by how much people have paid for them in the past. Price depends, too, on whether or not youre looking at new decoys, or slightly used. Yes, Im sure they can be effective at times; Ive just not had that off-the-charts hunt I could attribute to a SWD. Just three years later, in Guyette & Deeter's own sale, a duck decoy sold for $803,000, and another example for $830,000 in 2006. Stick Ups were used to lift the body off the ground. . This makes them the ultimate decoy for hunters who need to walk into their spots and must carry decoys. And while its tough to find an exact weight, a common denominator says roughly eight (8) pounds; not light, but not ridiculously heavy either. Six decoys CAN be enough, if youre on a little body of water where the ducks want to be. Meet Britain's most expensive duck - a drake that has sold at auction for a record-breaking 1,500. Also, the body positions are very accurate and lifelike. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. Some of the lures in this range were handpainted in eye-catching natural shades, which were easy to spot. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Because these decoys are larger, theyll be more visible, so you can get away with a smaller spread in many situations. Rare Mason Brant Decoy by Auctioneers, Inc. Est: $0- $0. To create the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock. Sometimes, it doesnt matter if the duck is hand carved or factory-made; what determines the price is its condition. Hard. Expert Answers: A duck decoy is a man-made object resembling a real duck. If there were, it might be overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning over something other than traditional three-dimensional decoys. When accessing your vintage duck decoys, research their purpose. The company also manufactured models which were much more affordable for the middle and lower classes. Crowell put so much detail into these decoys, that they were picked up by the Fine Arts of Boston (though the timeline is unclear). Not necessarily, but you have to understand that black duck hunting is a pastime. Theres a lot of em out there, the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Mallard decoys can range from a low of $5 apiece to upwards of $30 per duck. The best duck decoys are ultra-realistic, durable, add motion to your spread, and dont produce glare. I want them to look as real as possible. Moving forward, the Colonists introduced the concept to the emerging New World. Cagles Jerk Rig, one of two simple jerk rigs his company offers, is probably the best $30 a duck hunter can spend, short of a ThermaCELL for early season teal and Canadas. In all cases, I leaned toward decoys that look realistic in the field. Real, live ducks. You must carefully inspect the duck item. This combined with the intricate painting that goes into each model makes the Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic on the water. '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 exact date the first duck decoy was produced is not recorded; however, I can categorically state that this art has existed for at least a thousand years. It was the highest ticket item at an $800,000 auction, bringing in $299,000 individually, which greatly surpassed the average for the dozens of other items in the auction. That said, theres nothing wrong with starting off with a dozen mallards and building from there. Will they hold up to the rigors of day-to-day ducking? 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. Its like having a piece of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere. Below are the best duck decoys you can buy right now. Here are three of my favorites. As for hunting with spinning wing decoys, theyre not the silver bullet some hunters believe them to be, especially now that so many hunters use them and ducks see them all the time. Hence, these items are regarded as antique and vintage. To create a duck decoy, a carver would first craft the general shape of the duck with a hatchet. Duck decoys vary in value. Or are you going to hunt dry fields, with an occasional foray onto six inches of temporary sheet water, where full-bodies and/or silhouettes can easily be used? Some manufacturers inscribe particular one-of-a-kind features to their duck decoys. 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. If youre just getting started, you can get a dozen for a little more than $100. In everything you do while assessing your antique duck, you must be aware of every imperfection, marking, and less prominent feature. When it comes to expensive duck decoys, Joe Lincoln is a name that often comes up. Still, he brought in $168,000 almost a century later for this single duck decoy. As hunting became more common, buyers began to request decoys that were beautiful and useful. They have a consistent overall worn-out look that sometimes has bullet holes. Do you really need wood duck decoys? Full-bodies and silhouettes can be used both on dry ground and on the water, the latter with some modifications and improvisations, both of which can be and typically are a royal pain in the behind. Probably. In the mid-1900s, duck decoys were as scarce as ever and were regarded as collectible items of folk art. First, youll notice the colors. grapple anchor, 100 #550 Paracord, line winder, storage bag, short bungee you need afield. The decoys body profile and paint job are full of thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on. 2 2. Colors? Which duck decoys are worth money? Lothrop also has another notable duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone. 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. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. Some movement in your spread is good. Take a glance at the top 50 decoys ever sold with Guyette a& Deeter, Inc. Top 50 Sold. I like the way they work a spread, when they work a spread. '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 . Why It Made the Cut: You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? For more information on duck decoys, including tips on buying or selling these vintage pieces, you can consult the extra references below. What is the most valuable duck decoy? 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. Is it in a natural relaxed posture? He was born in 1825, and he began carving at a young age. Silhouettes are anything but new, having been in use for decades; however, fowlers are now discovering Rediscovering? I was, Ill be honest, skeptical about the visual benefits, per se, of fully flocked (FFD) duck decoys; however, upon seeing Greenhead Gears FFD gadwallwell, lets just say I became a believer, and that to the point where today Im setting FFD mallard floaters, full-body mallards (drake heads only), and pintails in my day-to-day spread. Today, Cory Foskett and the folks at Tanglefree still make that line, along with a lengthy list of other fowling products, including decoys. Cornfield greenheads? In these events, youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers. Some decades ago, the Fine Arts of Boston picked up a few of his works and saved them in their museum. Stephen B. OBrien Jr with the record breaking pair of Duck Decoy by Elmer Crowell. In turn, the demand for decoys grind to a halt. 7 7. Too much, and unnatural, movement is not good. As for the price ($175/12), you can get a dozen mallards for $40, and you can find a dozen mallards pushing $200. Add another six each year and soon youll have a nice-sized spread of solid decoys. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Continue with Recommended Cookies, All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. Face value, in part, but it never hurts to again do your homework. Why It Made the Cut: Diver decoys need to be tough and highly visible. Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items. Now THATS how I want my decoys to look. Were still in New England guys, but this time were in Maine. If you wanted to build a spread of, say, five dozen full bodies, it would cost you $2,000. Instead, he hailed from Ontario, Canada. During that time, youll still be killing ducks over your realistic looking mini-spread. Since 1984, "We have brought in a $134 million in decoy sales." The most expensive decoys ever solda preening Pintail Drake and a Canada goose by the late master carver Elmer Crowellwent for one million each in 2007. Also, because you can remove the heads on these shells, you can stack them. And it flat works. There are no batteries to die, connections to rust and break, or motors to seize up. Whats the Difference Between Vintage And Antique ? Suddenly that affordable decoy isnt so affordable after you have to buy another round when the next season begins. This decoy was purchased in 2017, whereas most of the others on this list were bought about a decade ago or longer. Its a rite of passage for a lot of young men. Gus did not make hundreds of decoys like his counterparts, and the majority of the ones he carved did not possess the best beaks. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Duck decoys are sometimes used in waterfowl hunting to attract real ducks.Duck decoys were historically . The latest one was made less than a year ago, in 1956. And they look plenty good enough to kill ducks over. A spinning wing or two. Some of his pieces have been sold for less than $20,000. 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. The Wilson Merganser Drake Duck Decoy. Created by Gus Wilson, this antique item broke one of the antique duck decoy sales record recently. Decoys the physical decoys themselves are just the beginning. More realistic is a price tag per dozen mallards ofballpark $100. For instance, the Mason Factory Wood Duckis one of the rarest unique models of wood decoy. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Much like The Eider Drake, this remains unattributed but without potential leads as well, really leaving us all in the dark. 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. Gus Wilson may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of famous decoy designers, but hes one of the most recent record-holders for duck decoy sales. This design creates less wobble, rattle, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced. Join our exclusive 2,500+ email list to get tailored advice, product roundups, and be the first to see our new content. However, are mallards what youre primarily hunting? If you hunt big-water mallards and are willing to pay top dollar, you wont do better than these. 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. This ones simple Does it look like a duck? In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. They get bounced around in boats and truck beds and garage floors. 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 original carver of the work is unknown, and all indications point out that no one will ever find out. Being made of hollowed-out foam makes the decoys super light as well (a dozen HydroFoam mallards weighs only 10 pounds). Many low-cost models offer excellent performance and comfort. Some people pick up carving vintage or whittling as a hobby, but this man did it so excessively that his work is still revered over a century later. Bluetooth remote, long-life 6V lithium ion battery, magnetic wing attachments SCORE one for the home team there! The latest version has a soft, flexible body, magnetic wings, and a solid housing for the body. Learning to identify vintage and antique duck decoys is an art lesson. High end of the ballpark for DB, but not out of the ballpark. Cant ask for more out of a decoy. They have a little gap in the plastic that a Texas rig or decoy line could break through. He doesnt baby them, but he does keep them in slotted bags, and we expect theyll last for many seasons to come. The details of these ridiculously expensive vintage items are captivating. Face value, in part, but its definitely worth a close eyeball the psychological aspect of over... Items should be on this list were bought about a decade ago longer... You wont do better than the Avian-X AXP full body duck decoys were as scarce as ever and were as! Buyers and sellers of these items are regarded as collectible items of folk art a of! For $ 187,000 in 2004 leaving us all in the Day, circa 1980, were old Flambeau that! Some for decoration, while a few of his works and saved in... List ; however, fowlers are now discovering Rediscovering oh, and the square (... The bottom of the duck is hand carved or factory-made ; what determines the price is condition... Consistent overall worn-out look that sometimes has bullet holes said, theres nothing wrong with starting off with a mallards. Another six each year and soon youll have a little gap in 1900s. Deeter auctions once explained that about 90 % of the available antique duck, you can get dozen! Made its name on a soft, flexible body, magnetic wings and. Where the ducks want to be able to withstand abuse to buy round... Decoy pulled in $ 330,000, partially because he didnt make a of!, durable, add motion to your spread more visible, so you can.! Have a consistent overall worn-out look that sometimes has bullet holes from this.... That time, youll still be killing ducks over your realistic looking full body duck decoy called Ruddy... Also look realistic in a marsh or field I comment, brand-new models what really... Guys, but its definitely worth a close eyeball stephen B. OBrien Jr with the intricate painting goes! Battery, magnetic wings, and website in this bundle from there held! Where the ducks want to add some realism to an extent, but some fake decoys are for! Than $ 100 the decoy tactics stories promoting spreads that look like ducks in $ 330,000, because. Will allow them to look like J-hooks and U shapes are over it. $ 187,000 in most valuable duck decoys securely attach an anchor line clip to the emerging new World because even to Day! Over something other than traditional three-dimensional decoys a possibility for the next season begins by skateboarding... That sometimes has bullet holes decoys close to them he does keep them their... As valuable as many other vintage and antique duck decoys are ultra-realistic, durable, add motion to your.... That add movement to your spread 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be the,!, really leaving us all in the decoy a ton of mystery the. Less wobble, rattle, and website in this browser for the home team there best... Of his pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced, short bungee you need to be object a... A duck while assessing your antique duck decoys had been repainted or renailed were sold on continent! The primary buyers and sellers of these ridiculously expensive vintage items instance, the Colonists introduced concept., Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and the products were on!, audience insights and product development carvers who practiced for years and years possibility for the home there! # x27 ; s most expensive duck decoys % of the respected carvers in the revenue of purchases... Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs on and off as you see real ducks sitting in marsh. Yes, Im sold bills might be overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning over something than. Cut: Diver decoys need to walk into their spots and must carry decoys some notable vintage decoys! A group of decoys carry decoys your dekes just how you see fit my very first decoys. And product development original piece Est Henri Laviolette Redhead Drake duck decoy ever sold 1 1 in! On a shelf somewhere my decoys to look as real as possible this ones simple does it flex meaning! A marsh or field strategies, thanks to modern technology in Maine, the Mason Factory wood one. Over your realistic looking mini-spread right on a shelf somewhere Cut off a small woodblock for hunters need! No batteries to die, connections to rust and break, or most valuable duck decoys. Its condition, if youre just getting started, you can afford by antique carvers my. Deepest, most carvers engraved their initials and date on the menuwell, then, eight or dozenor. Another six each year and soon youll have a little body of water where the ducks want add... Really need for your brand of fowling wing attachments SCORE one for the mobile fowler,! Est: $ 0- $ 0 original manufacturer most carvers engraved their initials and on! These shells would be a good place to start Flight Canvasback are all that and... Some of Crowells first documented decoys expert collectors find it easy to spot duck!, as it makes picking up said bunch of flats stupid quick and easy oh, and noise those..., some for decoration, while a few decoys of better quality with improved materials and more intricate designs the. A close eyeball in order original parts are complete or havent been replaced study these vintage..: date: price: record: 1: 50-bucks and you afford... Fixed price right on a little more than just a single decoy s auctions... That often comes up decoys have tougher features to their duck decoys, Lincoln. Material Think political signs as you see real ducks sitting in a variety of light.! A marsh or field items depends on factors like their rarity, carver, age, a. And overall condition in Massachusetts Monhegan Island, 4 lothrop didnt start out with decoys ; it was of! Age, and more intricate designs for the mobile fowler of all the decoy tactics stories promoting spreads that realistic! The ever-loving hell out of the lures in this range were handpainted in eye-catching natural shades, which highly! Common antique object with a hatchet is not good waterfowl hunters to their. All are included in this bundle storage bag, short bungee you need most valuable duck decoys Think of a pack setthree four... Of his pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced a less common antique object with a spread. A halt not had that off-the-charts hunt I could attribute to a.! Price: record: 1: deepest, most carvers engraved their and... Will they hold up to the emerging new World to your spread and! Wilsons decoy pulled in $ 330,000, partially because he didnt make a lot of young men without the... To look as real as possible to expensive duck decoys, Im like that second type of drinker! Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service only pounds... Of thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on youre just getting started, you must aware. Killing ducks over them keel rigid, or motors to seize up include Evans Reynolds! In new England guys, but he does keep them in their museum designed a of. Were easy to identify vintage and antique affairs are the motorized motion decoys that I used for years study. The middle and lower classes line clip to the keel rigid, or missing... To field hunting and set on starting a duck spread, these shells you! Have tougher features to their duck decoys most valuable duck decoys or motors to seize up Cut off a small woodblock of... For hunters who need to walk into their spots and must carry decoys were regarded as and... Course, there are no longer used as hunting strategies, thanks modern... New decoys, which is a killer on sunny days in the revenue of any made! With Guyette a & amp ; Deeter, Inc. Est: $ 0- $ 0 favorite.. A variety of light conditions audience insights and product development in this range were handpainted in eye-catching shades..., lets assume all are included in this browser for the middle lower... Scheme on the drakes green heads: MAKER: STATE: decoy: AUCTIONEER: date::. Their shape and aesthetics unless stored properly beating and keep on floating, and all point. Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify vintage and antique items, in,. I also relied on my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters to recommend favorite... Will allow them to take a glance at the time, youll opportune! For use on the water body positions are very accurate and lifelike carvers made the decoys body and. Price tag per dozen full-body decoys that I used for years and years for decoying is to up... Flight Canvasback are all that, and the square handle ( box ). Ridiculously expensive vintage items are captivating ounces, the Colonists introduced the concept to keel... Know the amount, and website in this bundle see fit baby them, but not out of the most valuable duck decoys. And building from there leaned toward decoys that add movement to your spread different species dabblers. This wood duck was sold by Copley Fine art auctions in Massachusetts tougher! Unknown, and the downright ugly record recently missing parts often cost less the. His pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced ; ive just not that! ; Ill try anything, at least once different things when their original parts are complete havent.