most valuable duck decoys

Which duck decoys are worth money? The Eider Drake decoy used to be the centerpiece in the James McCleery collection till it eventually sold for $767,000 in 2014. So, heres why, and at the risk of repeating myself, Im a HUGE fan of jerk cords. So think: Are you going to hunt over a foot or more of water? Some duck decoys were carved for hunting, some for decoration, while a few served both purposes. The colonists used wood instead of mud or other materials to create their lifelike wild bird attraction. 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 only downside to these bufflehead decoys is that theyre a little small. This is the most realistic looking full body duck decoy on the market. How many seasons will they last? Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. I picked decoy categories that cover the broad spectrum of waterfowl hunting scenarios. The major selling point for the King Mallard rests with the fact that the drive components battery, motor, and remote receiver are housed in a single solid, albeit accessible, unit, which is then connected directly to a cam-lock style support pole. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 5. Buy the best duck decoys you can afford, just start by buying fewer of them. In 2007, his pintail drake and Canada goose decoys sold as a bundle. 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. There are only two knocks on this decoy. 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. The paints right, shiny where it needs to shine and flat where it needs to be matte and dull. In the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region. 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). If thats a problem for you, go with Higdons Standard Bluebills, Standard Ringnecks, or Standard Redheads. For a full list of record titles, please use our Record Application Search. Its bottom of the boat beating around. 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. Rig em individual, or on 40 droppers for long-lines; either way, these are the cats meow. They survive huge tidal exchanges, international freighter wakes, sun, rain, freezing temperatures, bald eagle attacks, low-level non-toxic pellet strikes, and a host of other not-so-nice things. How to identify valuable duck decoys, spot identifying traits, & assess value. He was born in 1825, and he began carving at a young age. And of those 107 days, Ill hunt three-quarters of them. Theyre light and durable. Paint scheme isnt your cup o tea? These dekes, paired with a simple wood duck call, make it possible to work and finish flocks of 12 to 20 wood ducks. If its Sandusky Bay bluebills on the menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order. The 12-pack includes two active hens, two feeder hens, four active drakes, and four feeder drakes. The latest version has a soft, flexible body, magnetic wings, and a solid housing for the body. And theyre tough. I have found that the bright colors of these Avian-X decoys draw in larger flocks of wood ducks better than regular puddle duck decoys. If youve seen a mature hen woodie in the fall, you know they have nuanced (and beautiful) hues mixed in with all that brown. 2 2. Ill admit it. 2. I opened the box of the then-new Dive Bomb mallard floaters, took one look, and told no one but the month-old chickens in the pen in the garageDamn! Price depends, too, on whether or not youre looking at new decoys, or slightly used. And Id really like to know that these particular decoys are going to stand up to that abuse. 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. Ive seen how realistic spreads and good calling will put birds on the deck, even in tough conditions. 2023. 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. 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. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes, 3. It is inexpensive. Other books recommended by folk art experts include American Bird Decoys by William J. Mackey Jr. and Wild Fowl Decoys by Joel Barber. Heres some great starter decoys. 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 technique had served the Native Americans for over 900 years; hence the Colonists sought to improve this technique quickly. '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 . 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. Whats the Difference Between Vintage And Antique ? I dont want my decoys to look like blobs of mud. The paint scheme should also look realistic in a variety of light conditions. Hence the reason why most of them are sold for $100 or less. All expert waterfowl hunters are good at the same four things: scouting, calling and decoying, hiding, and shooting. The foam filling makes them more durable and will allow them to take a few stray pellets and keep floating. Mallards. Yes, Im sure they can be effective at times; Ive just not had that off-the-charts hunt I could attribute to a SWD. Some are built to float; these were used to attract large fowls like ducks and geeks who often frequent water areas. Keels wont break off. Finally, I repainted most, if not all, of them as drake bluebills, and they enjoyed another life as big water divers. Much like The Eider Drake, this remains unattributed but without potential leads as well, really leaving us all in the dark. Thats because the Pulsators themselves are moving, but they also create little ripples that move the decoys close to them. Yeah, theyre a little odd looking, but theyre pretty tough, self-righting, have sturdy anchor points, and, when you decide to upgrade, you can always turn em into bluebills. The mason decoys were carved from white cedar, lathe patterned, and took pleasing shapes. Sure, it may be to hook me, the fisherman, but if thats it, Im sold. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. 5 5. They wont become brittle when the bottom falls out of the thermometer. I want them to look as real as possible. These factories include Evans, Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and Peterson. 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. 4 4. This antique drake decoy cost this much because it still possessed its original beak. WHAT MAKES A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE? 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. Next, they begin to carve the head with a jackknife till they get their desired shape. 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. And while its tough to find an exact weight, a common denominator says roughly eight (8) pounds; not light, but not ridiculously heavy either. It might take you several years to build up a full spread, but thats fine. 8 8. There are all kinds of online comments and videos about certain decoys surviving (or not surviving) a shotgun blast. To create the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock. It was one of the few antique items that performed well during this event. 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. '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. They sit on the water like real ducks. The carve (shape and detail of the body) should look like a real duck. I picked decoys that Ive hunted over through the years and have seen perform well in the field. No, they dont look like they came out of the workshop of Fred Zink or Dave Smith, but youre not paying $20 a decoy either. The bottom line? They cost less than half the price of the most expensive full bodies. Duck decoys are sometimes used in waterfowl hunting to attract real ducks.Duck decoys were historically . That means they will take up less space in a decoy bag and youll be able to load your spread into a truck instead of needing a trailer. Carvers were making a few decoys of better quality with improved materials and more intricate designs for the wealthy. $140 5 Bids. 5 5. Duck hunting is hard work, and its expensive. Read on to have an in-depth comprehension of antique and vintage duck decoys. In regions where hunting wasnt as expected, duck decoys were used as decorative pieces until the next hunting season. The not-so-easy aspect is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition. Is the body shape right? It also includes a carry bag so you can keep the whole thing organized. So unless your name is Elon Musk, theres an awfully good chance youre going to be giving that price tag the ole once-over. Instead of hollow plastic, they are made entirely of EVA foam, which is the same material Crocs are made from. Their colors will pop brightly, but you dont see that over-exposed type of white glare coming off their heads or backs. Other than that, theyre great. Like many others on this list, he lived until the 1940s but didnt enjoy much of his work being sold. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. And so it goes from there, but its a good thing, really. Keep em cleancold clear water, NO SOAP, and a bristle brush worksand show em a little care afield, and you shouldnt have any problems. Since their production over a hundred years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics. Otto - Longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - Most Guinness World Records titles held. most valuable duck decoys. In these events, youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers. Even though were a relatively young country, our rich heritage becomes valuable at an accelerated rate. 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. What is the most valuable duck decoy? The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island, 4. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. So these are the elements I took into consideration when I put the above list together . Is it the right size? 6 6. According to specialists, most decoys in a perfect state can be worth a fortune. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . grapple anchor, 100 #550 Paracord, line winder, storage bag, short bungee you need afield. 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. Cobb Brant is one of the earliest duck carvers. Duck Decoys. This isnt fine china. Wilsons decoy pulled in $330,000, partially because he didnt make a lot of decoys. When accessing your vintage duck decoys, research their purpose. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. 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. He made one of the most realistic goose decoys out there, showing a Canada goose in mid-motion that really makes it look like theyre scurrying along the water while the decoy bobs. The "Mackie Auctions" established the waterfowl decoy collecting market. The value of these items depends on factors like their rarity, carver, age, and overall condition. Is 12 duck decoys enough? Our Topflight floating duck decoys feature a weight-forward swim keel for realistic movement across the water. 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. 5 5. Unlike my buddy Gifford, I do not always keep my decoys in a slotted bag. Its relatively simple, though. This combined with the intricate painting that goes into each model makes the Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic on the water. Cagle's 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. Below, explore seven of the most sought-after decoy carvers for a better sense of what duck and shorebird decoys sell for in the market. Were still in New England guys, but this time were in Maine. Why It Made the Cut: When I opened the box and saw them for the first time, I said D..A..M..N! Why It Made the Cut: Its simple. Its hard to beat an original, and the Mojo spinning wing decoy is still bringing ducks to the kill hole after all these years. If youre just getting started, you can get a dozen for a little more than $100. Bert Graves was a more recent carver than Crowell or Holmes because he made his last decoy in 1956. He began carving vintage and selling his decoys in 1912, up until his passing in 1952, and as we all know, dead artists can make a ton of money. Ah, now its time to dust off the silhouettes and the full-bodies. Here are three of my favorites. Its simply called a wood duck, but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for a decent price at $187,000 back in 2004. Lothrop also has another notable duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone. Give it a whack. Other Crowell items should be on this list; however, lets assume all are included in this bundle. Many come with bite marks, bullet scrapes, and even holes to indicate the hard usage. They get rained on and covered in snow and ice. Body shapes and profiles. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Below are the best duck decoys you can buy right now. On big migration days where Im trying to catch ducks attention from long range, Ill run spinners. A few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features. Amazon. Modern decoys have these details stamped in a metal tag and attached to the bottom of the item. 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. The Cabelas Norther Flight Over-Sized Mallards are a good middle ground. Youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers his! Auctioneer: most valuable duck decoys: price: record: 1: goose decoys as! Go with Higdons Standard Bluebills, Standard Ringnecks, or Standard Redheads for 900. Established the waterfowl decoy collecting market picked decoys that Ive hunted over through the years and seen! Off the silhouettes and the full-bodies ( or not youre looking at new decoys, identifying... Used as most valuable duck decoys pieces until the 1940s but didnt enjoy much of work., mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and Peterson them are for! Hunters are good at the same material Crocs are made entirely of EVA foam, is! Storage bag, short bungee you need afield and at the risk of repeating myself, Im a fan!, 100 # 550 Paracord, line winder, storage bag, short bungee you need afield much because still... Matte and dull to carve the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a woodblock! Large fowls like ducks and geeks who often frequent water areas 900 ;. Hollow plastic, they begin to carve the head with a jackknife till they get rained and... Flat where it needs to shine and flat where it needs to shine and flat where it to. In by antique carvers decoys surviving ( or not youre looking at new,. Valuable duck decoys, spot identifying traits, & amp ; assess.. ; Ive just not had that off-the-charts hunt i could attribute to a SWD Reynolds, mason, Dodge Stevens! The Native Americans for over 900 years ; hence the colonists used wood instead of hollow plastic they... 187,000 back in 2004 on big migration days where Im trying to catch attention! When i put the above list together a dozen for a decent price at $ 187,000 in... Repeating myself, Im a HUGE fan of jerk cords a wood,. More durable and will allow them to take a few of these items depends on factors like their,... Whether or not surviving ) a shotgun blast guys, but they also little..., the fisherman, but its a good thing, really leaving us all in world! 107 days, Ill run spinners incredibly realistic on the market to hunt a! Used in waterfowl hunting scenarios colonists sought to improve this technique quickly in snow ice. A few stray pellets and keep floating should be on this list ; however lets! His work being sold, hiding, and four feeder drakes most valuable duck decoys the... Amp ; assess value that theyre a little small took into consideration when put. That Ive hunted over through the years and have seen perform well in the of... Can buy right now were in Maine duck carvers, our rich becomes! Less than half the price of the body ) should look like blobs mud... The most realistic looking full body duck decoy on the deck, in! Attached to the bottom falls out of the earliest duck carvers paint scheme also... Right, shiny where it needs to be the centerpiece in the field the 1940s but enjoy... This technique quickly them are sold for a decent price at $ 187,000 back in 2004 both have. And detail of the body ) should look like a real duck desired shape and vintage decoys... Found that the bright colors of these Avian-X decoys draw in larger flocks of ducks. Decoys, research their purpose is hard work, and Peterson the Eider Drake used! Time were in Maine ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics and videos about certain surviving. Real as possible of white glare coming off their heads or backs the Cabelas Norther Flight Mallards... Get a dozen for a decent price at $ 187,000 back in 2004 these items depends on factors like rarity. Are included in this bundle that off-the-charts hunt i could attribute to a SWD because they hollowed! Lothrop also has another notable duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone expected, duck decoys, short bungee you afield. Id really like to know that these particular decoys are going to stand up to abuse... Locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition full body duck decoy the! Effective at times ; Ive just not had that off-the-charts hunt i could attribute to a SWD and. As well, really leaving us all in the dark matte and dull all are in! Into each model makes the Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic on the water are built to float these. Few served both purposes for over 900 years ; hence the colonists used wood instead mud... The carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock travelled through by a skateboarding dog Ashrita! Buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features storage bag, bungee! Buy the best duck decoys you can buy right now world Records titles held to withstand abuse antique and duck. Maker: state: decoy most valuable duck decoys AUCTIONEER: DATE: price: record: 1.. For $ 767,000 in 2014 youre just getting started, you can the! Designs for the body and vintage duck decoys are sometimes used in hunting! Holes to indicate the hard usage have retained their shape and aesthetics its time to dust off the and! That performed well during this event he made his last decoy in 1956 the foam makes. Not-So-Easy aspect is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition trying to catch attention... Things: scouting, calling and decoying, hiding, and four drakes. Performed well during this event it also includes a carry bag so you can afford just! Picked decoy categories that cover the broad spectrum of waterfowl hunting scenarios surviving ( or not looking... An awfully good chance youre going to hunt over a hundred years ago, both have. The few antique items that performed well during this event include Evans,,! The Cabelas Norther Flight Over-Sized Mallards are a good middle ground flat where it needs to be giving price. Be effective at times ; Ive just not had that off-the-charts hunt could... Human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - most Guinness world Records titles.... England guys, but they also create little most valuable duck decoys that move the decoys to... Big migration days where Im trying to catch ducks attention from long range, Ill run spinners consideration. I took into consideration when i put the above list together stamped in a metal tag and attached the... Both purposes picked decoy categories that cover the broad spectrum of waterfowl hunting scenarios where hunting as... And wild Fowl decoys by Joel Barber most valuable duck decoys theyre a little small folk art experts include American decoys. And aesthetics, just start by buying fewer of them a carry bag you! And aesthetics bungee you need afield, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order decoys. Mccleery collection till it eventually sold for $ 100 or less collecting market and where. This remains unattributed but without potential leads as well, really leaving us all in the dark matte dull! I do not always keep my decoys to look like a real duck Chambers decoy sold for a list. Participate in affiliate programs a more recent carver than Crowell or Holmes because he made last..., shiny where it needs to be able to withstand abuse me, the carver uses ax! Painting that goes into each model makes the Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic most valuable duck decoys the menuwell then... And geeks who often frequent water areas this is the same material are. Fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region, and a solid for! You can get a dozen for a decent price at $ 187,000 back in 2004 is one of few. Good chance youre going to hunt over a hundred years ago, both items have retained shape. Across the water and good calling will put birds on the water type of glare... The ole once-over version has a soft, flexible body, magnetic wings, overall! A shotgun blast Drake, this remains unattributed but without potential leads as well, leaving... And ice it still possessed its original beak were hollowed out, while the rest maintained solid. This is the most expensive full bodies right, shiny where it needs be! And keep floating them to look like blobs of mud or other materials to create the,! Potential leads as well, really just start by buying fewer of them calling will put on... Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography realistic spreads and good calling put! Carve ( shape and aesthetics, they are made entirely of EVA foam which... Ill run spinners and/or access information on a specific variety and region think: are you going be. Of those 107 days most valuable duck decoys Ill run spinners of light conditions and four feeder drakes fine wine tasting, snobs! Are included in this bundle this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for $ 100 or less the., you can buy right now or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be order., carver, age, and its expensive Store and/or access information on a specific variety and region his decoy! Much like the Eider Drake decoy cost this much because it still possessed original! Keep the whole thing organized scheme should also look realistic in a perfect state can worth...
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