most valuable duck decoys

Hunting isnt easy. In the early days, most carvers engraved their initials and date on the bottom of the decoy. Over the last few decades, weve seen some of the most expensive duck decoys ever sold, and the details are quite interesting. Its relatively simple, though. On early season hunts where youre targeting small groups of ducks, you can get away with as few as six decoys placed in the right spot. We have killed a lot of ducks over them through the years. Recent research points to a man by the name of Eben Weed being the original creator of this decoy, but some of the evidence is inconclusive. It requires NO batteries. . Is the body shape right? Their makers are top carvers who practiced for years to attain their renowned reputation. The right mix of iridescence and matte finish. Bluetooth remote, long-life 6V lithium ion battery, magnetic wing attachments SCORE one for the home team there! 2 Vintage Folk Art Hand Carved Painted Signed Dipper Bubble Body Duck Decoy Pair $355.00 16 bids $14.38 shipping 10h 15m Maryland Virginia Duck Decoy - Vintage Hunting Decoys #1 $81.00 15 bids $16.50 shipping 10h 50m carved duck decoy $300.00 25 bids $13.46 shipping 1h 38m or Buy It Now ANTIQUE JAMES T. HOLLY CANVASBACK DRAKE DECOY WITH BRAND Higher end dekes use paint that wont glare. The value of these items depends on factors like their rarity, carver, age, and overall condition. For example, duck decoys carved by Elmer Crowell and Joseph Lincoln are more worthy in terms of value. Just $1 per month , These decoys will have puddle ducks and divers coming in hot, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. If youre hunting a small corner in a secluded pin oak swamp for wood ducks, mallards, and the occasional black duck, then half a dozen mixed mallards and blacks should do just fine. But that way madness lies. Learning to identify vintage and antique duck decoys is an art lesson. Hence, these items are regarded as antique and vintage. Modern decoys have these details stamped in a metal tag and attached to the bottom of the item. This design creates less wobble, rattle, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced. A part of the puzzle. Do you really need wood duck decoys? Today, duck decoys are no longer used as hunting strategies, thanks to modern technology. But back to duck decoys. 7 7. And theyre tough. Vintage and antique duck decoys look and feel old. For instance, the Mason Factory Wood Duckis one of the rarest unique models of wood decoy. In regions where hunting wasnt as expected, duck decoys were used as decorative pieces until the next hunting season. The Wilson Merganser Drake Duck Decoy. Cant ask for more out of a decoy. When buying or selling any wooden ducks, you must consider every crack, chip, and gap. 20 September 2007 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, 1862-1952). Vintage duck decoys can be ridiculously expensive. Maybe you need to think of a pack setthree or four different species of dabblers combined into one multi-species package. The Eider Drake decoy used to be the centerpiece in the James McCleery collection till it eventually sold for $767,000 in 2014. Is it the right size? Face value, in part, but it never hurts to again do your homework. 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. No spam, we promise. This is the most realistic looking full body duck decoy on the market. You can always add more decoys; its what we do. On record, this is the most expensive decoy purchase to date, but it comes with some interesting and unique details. He was renowned for his artistic vintage decoys that featured multiple intricate details. They get rained on and covered in snow and ice. The best duck decoys are ultra-realistic, durable, add motion to your spread, and dont produce glare. Duck decoys are more valuable when their original parts are complete or havent been replaced. The Crowell Bundleextensively includes 31 decoys, all of which were valued at $7.5 million. If you want to kill ducks consistently, dont hunt with cheap decoys. If youre new to field hunting and set on starting a duck spread, these shells would be a good place to start. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. There are all kinds of online comments and videos about certain decoys surviving (or not surviving) a shotgun blast. Whats most impressive to me is how they also nailed the coloring on the hens. Mallard decoys can range from a low of $5 apiece to upwards of $30 per duck. When Mackey died in 1972, his vast collection was sold over several sessions. 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So, heres why, and at the risk of repeating myself, Im a HUGE fan of jerk cords. It also includes a carry bag so you can keep the whole thing organized. Many come with bite marks, bullet scrapes, and even holes to indicate the hard usage. The word decoy is a dutch word that refers to the cages used by hunters in the Old World to tame wild animals, especially birds. 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. Love it (! No matter which species you chase or which flyway youre hunting, these four skills are required for success. The texture also differed based on region. 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. Joe Lincoln painted decoys well into his 70s and remains an underdog in the decoy world. Ive hunted with many of these picks for several years and can attest to their durability. 7 7. How to identify valuable duck decoys, spot identifying traits, & assess value. A lot of other wood duck decoys have the drakes head sticking high up above the water, like hes on alert. 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. Its true. The only downside to these bufflehead decoys is that theyre a little small. Still, the Pulsator does muddle up the surface, making it look like an avian free-for-all. You must carefully inspect the duck item. 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. Rule of thumb. '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 . 2 2. I picked decoy categories that cover the broad spectrum of waterfowl hunting scenarios. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold. Or filler decoys, if youre looking to bulk up a smaller out-all-season spread. Bigger duck decoys are likely to cost more. Gus did not make hundreds of decoys like his counterparts, and the majority of the ones he carved did not possess the best beaks. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Price depends, too, on whether or not youre looking at new decoys, or slightly used. The hunters who lie in wait would then capture the live birds that approach the dummy. (here is another example of their work) And that, typically, isnt a bad thing. Silhouette on the water. That said, theres nothing wrong with starting off with a dozen mallards and building from there. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Most floating (floater) decoys today come with weighted keels; that is, the keel or bottom portion of the decoy is weighted, making the decoy self-righting when thrown. In the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region. At this point, hunting was growing to be a pastime for privileged individuals in England. The measure immediately put a stop to commercial and sport hunting. The foam construction allows for more carved-in detail and texture than a typical deke. Take stock of your finances, do your homework, and buy the best you can afford. A brand with high-quality products and outstanding customer service is the ideal choice for best duck decoys for the money. The "Mackie Auctions" established the waterfowl decoy collecting market. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This isnt fine china. Im not a fan of spinning wing decoys (SWD). 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. Theyre nice, but theyre heavy. Top 50 Decoys Ever Sold at Auction. Is there a downside to silhouettes? Guyette of Guyette and Deeter auctions once explained that about 90% of the available antique duck decoys had been repainted or renailed. It currently holds the record for the most costly single decoy ever sold. I picked decoys that Ive hunted over through the years and have seen perform well in the field. Heres some great starter decoys. Higdon offers a foam filled option for these decoys, which Id highly recommend. Size. With their affordable foam-filled design, theyre an excellent bargain. In these events, youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers. Yeah, they look that good. But if youre shooting into your decoys, something has gone wrong (with the exception of diver hunters). 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 4 4. '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 . The hens have just as much detail as the drakes. He was born in 1825, and he began carving at a young age. Why It Made the Cut: Fifty bucks at The Walmart, and you can kill ducks over them, Im guessing, throughout the season. Make it look really real. The latest crop of cams is one of the best in years, including one unit that claims eliminate false triggers. grapple anchor, 100 #550 Paracord, line winder, storage bag, short bungee you need afield. Since their production over a hundred years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics. If you have one of these, you may be in possession of a treasured antique piece. High end of the ballpark for DB, but not out of the ballpark. 2 2. But, the most realistic duck decoys on the planet arent worth a damn if you cant afford them. 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. 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. And Ready? Hence the reason why most of them are sold for $100 or less. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At 44 ounces, the XS Pulsator is reasonably light, making it a possibility for the mobile fowler. However, as these terms are often interchangeable, its important to note that this decoy was actually a structure, not just a carving or decoy duck. Thats where they shine. Body shapes and profiles are good. The scarcity of wooden decoys worsened when some manufacturers began to produce plastic wood decoys in the 1960s. Theyre all good. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. But these dekes can also take a beating unless stored properly. Fifteen years ago, Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail drake decoys were sold as a unit to an unnamed buyer. Avian-X offers industry leading duck decoys with unmatched quality and realism. Because theyre so hefty, youre not going to want to hike them into little potholes. . If you come across a decoy made from canvas or plastic, it is likely a modern decoy. If youre just building your spread, Id go with buffleheads first because theyre prominent in so many flyways, and the bright white contrasting on the black is really what diver ducks key in on (plus, buffies always like to land by other buffies). Thats because the Pulsators themselves are moving, but they also create little ripples that move the decoys close to them. Alex Robinson is Outdoor Lifes editor-in-chief. These decoys are affordable and functional. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Many people use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and pintails for their visibility and good pulling power. This piece is shrouded in a tone of mystery. 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. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Right away we noticed the incredibly detailed paint scheme on the drakes green heads. For a full list of record titles, please use our Record Application Search. This in itself is a tricky task. What is the most valuable duck decoy? Yes, Im sure they can be effective at times; Ive just not had that off-the-charts hunt I could attribute to a SWD. 5 5. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. they work incredibly well for putting ripples and waves, i.e motion on the water, and breathing life into an otherwise lifeless decoy spread. Below are the best duck decoys you can buy right now. Glare off a decoy is a deal breaker. Probably. 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. As hunting became more common, buyers began to request decoys that were beautiful and useful. While a few make the markings on the wing side. I also relied on my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters to recommend their favorite decoys. 8 8. Ah, yesduck decoys. '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 . Gus Wilson wasnt the best decoy carver, yet this item still generated over $300,000 at the point of sales. (You will need to register / login for access). There are hundreds of valuable duck decoys worldwide. Crowell began his carving career in the early 1900s and continued carving excessively till he kicked the bucket in 1952. It is inexpensive. Most of them are good. 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. 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. The reason these were so expensive is that they were some of Crowells first documented decoys. The Duck Decoy is a less common antique object with a broad and exciting history. In my experience, fully flocked duck decoys are not worth it. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . "DU made a fat pile of . When it comes to expensive duck decoys, Joe Lincoln is a name that often comes up. There are only two knocks on this 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. Is it in a natural relaxed posture? Lothrop also has another notable duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone. People who have fallen in love with the art of vintage duck decoys often find it difficult to value, identify, and determine the style of duck decoy theyd love to purchase. One of the rarest decoy models ever is the Mason Factory wood duck, which had the highest grade for $690,000 in 2014! And Id really like to know that these particular decoys are going to stand up to that abuse. Its rocky. Interestingly, some John Blair decoys have gone for $12,000 or less, but this one mallard has been trading hands and increasing in value for years. . But now theres a wide variety of motion decoys available. The common feature of duck decoys at that period was the wood used; white pine and white cedar. However, if you hunt fields and can keep your decoys clean and free from abuse, then flocked decoys probably are worth it. 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. Our Topflight floating duck decoys feature a weight-forward swim keel for realistic movement across the water. I like the way they sound. Today, Cory Foskett and the folks at Tanglefree still make that line, along with a lengthy list of other fowling products, including decoys. You can always count on the . This ones simple Does it look like a duck? The current condition of an antique duck decoy plays a significant role in determining its value. The details of these ridiculously expensive vintage items are captivating. Otto - Longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - Most Guinness World Records titles held. If youve seen a mature hen woodie in the fall, you know they have nuanced (and beautiful) hues mixed in with all that brown. When they were first introduced in 2018, we tested theirHarvester Pack, which is a six-pack that includes two active drakes (heads up), two swimmer drakes, and two active hens. 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. Ive hunted with these decoys for several seasons now and I beat the ever-loving hell out of them. On highly pressured local ducks, I leave the spinners at home. Often, the color used depends on the variety of ducks and fowls found within that region. The bottom line? What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? If you hunt big-water mallards and are willing to pay top dollar, you wont do better than these. Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items. If you wanted to build a spread of, say, five dozen full bodies, it would cost you $2,000. 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. This version from Avery is a standby for many veteran waterfowlers. Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs! That concept holds true for the Avian-X AXP Full Body Mallards. 6 6. Bert Graves was a more recent carver than Crowell or Holmes because he made his last decoy in 1956. most valuable duck decoys. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Replicate live birds the best you can and make sure you have a little landing zone (known as a kill hole) set about 20 yards out, right in front of the blind. An inseparable pair, but more than just a single decoy. Some of the lures in this range were handpainted in eye-catching natural shades, which were easy to spot. John Blair is one of the respected carvers in the decoy record books as he had the ability to carve excellent duck decoys. Here are the new year's top models. 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). Mallards. Colors? If youre a novice collector, get prepared to be blown away by the costs of the following antique duck decoys. 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 3 3. Even while dead, Crowell is still taking in tons of money. Flocking eliminates glare, which is a killer on sunny days in the field. Lothrop didnt start out with decoys; it was more of a side hobby that later turned into a career. 2. These are large, full-body decoys that look amazing in the field. AXP mallards lead the category with a true-to-life flock of hens and drakes designed by world champion decoy carver Rick Johannsen. 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. Duck decoys do not and cannot have a fixed price. $140 5 Bids. They have a consistent overall worn-out look that sometimes has bullet holes. Those will work!. Not necessarily, but you have to understand that black duck hunting is a pastime. 3 3. Its hard to beat an original, and the Mojo spinning wing decoy is still bringing ducks to the kill hole after all these years. This technique had served the Native Americans for over 900 years; hence the Colonists sought to improve this technique quickly. Still, he brought in $168,000 almost a century later for this single duck decoy. 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. This is the best-looking wood duck decoy on the market. Bottom line I want them to look like ducks. 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. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. Lifes hard when youre a duck decoy, but the DBs appear to be handling it well. Rig em individual, or on 40 droppers for long-lines; either way, these are the cats meow. Many of them snapped off and were replaced, but this one hit such a high price point because the original beak is still completely intact. 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. He doesnt baby them, but he does keep them in slotted bags, and we expect theyll last for many seasons to come. 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. You can buy jackets,, Your email address will not be published. Holmes spent his time as a ships carpenter for years, which allowed him to grow his proficiency in woodworking. And what about divers, the canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and buffleheads? Can you easily and securely attach an anchor line clip to the keel? However, Lothrop started as a Ship Carpenter and carved only as a hobby. First, youll notice the colors. Hard. As for the price ($175/12), you can get a dozen mallards for $40, and you can find a dozen mallards pushing $200. Vintage and antique duck decoys have different designs, depending on their intended purpose. Not all of Blairs pieces are worth this much. I like the way they work a spread, when they work a spread. The most expensive best duck decoys for the money does not always indicate the best decision for you and your money. With the above information, you would be able to successfully delve into the vintage duck decoy ecosystem without any hindrance. Tanglefrees Flight Canvasback are all that, and more. Water keel decoys that land on their sides stay on their sides. 3 3. Wilsons decoy pulled in $330,000, partially because he didnt make a lot of decoys. 5. Here, decoys numbers equal what youre hunting, and where. Join our exclusive 2,500+ email list to get tailored advice, product roundups, and be the first to see our new content. Its simply called a wood duck, but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for a decent price at $187,000 back in 2004. The Crowell Bundle. Some can take it; some cant, but its definitely worth a close eyeball. 1 1. Think M1A1 Abrams tank tough, and youre starting to appreciate Tanglefrees divers. Carved by John Blair, this simple antique piece fetched about $214,000. 3 3. Other books recommended by folk art experts include American Bird Decoys by William J. Mackey Jr. and Wild Fowl Decoys by Joel Barber. The Crowell Bundle. And thats where DB M1 mallard silhouettes come into their own. In my humble opinion, duck decoys are all about two thingsvisual realism, and durability. What is the most valuable duck decoy? Mason decoys were commercially successful, and the products were sold on every continent. Other than that, theyre great. The unit includes everything1.5 pound folding (!!) Required fields are marked *. As the years went by, decoys were mass-produced and used by commercial and sports huntersto catch prey for food and sports activities, respectively. Much like Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually came from Massachusetts as well, where duck hunting was a common sport. Much like The Eider Drake, this remains unattributed but without potential leads as well, really leaving us all in the dark. Chambers is the only one on this list who wasnt American-born. And it flat works. Comments below may relate to previous holders of this record. Anchor attachment points wont rip out. Cabelas Northern Flight Over-Sized Mallard, 60/40 DuraKeel for handling chop and current, Paint scheme creates the illusion of movement, Weighted keel with multiple attachment points, Most realistic wood duck decoy on the market, Self-righting keel weights for high wind and waves, Stakes can be hard to set on frozen ground. All of these conditions work to ruin flocking. The hens have no damage whatsoever. Or five. Some manufacturers inscribe particular one-of-a-kind features to their duck decoys. Duck hunting is hard work, and its expensive. Shop around, and you can find Flambeaus Masters Series mallards for $4/each, which isnt bad in this day and age. The large profile (18 inches from tail to the tip of the bill) makes it highly visible from a distance and the marine-grade body makes it bomb proof. I hate No, I abhor feeble means of anchoring a decoy to the bottom. These factories include Evans, Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and Peterson. The Graves decoys cannot be compared to world-famous antique items. On the flipside, you dont have to buy the most expensive duck decoys either. 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. is a definite departure from the 100 percent mallard spreads many ducks are accustomed to seeing. This piece pulled in enormous amounts of money at the 2006 G&S auction. The not-so-easy aspect is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition. These dekes will take a beating and keep on floating, and theyre made to last a lifetime. Ive seen how realistic spreads and good calling will put birds on the deck, even in tough conditions. A few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features. These decoys will allow you to build field spread without breaking the bank. While its nothing compared to Crowell, Madoffs decoy sold $4,750 at auction. Here are three of my favorites. And if you give them just the smallest amount of care, they will last you many years of good hunting. GHG sells 12-packs and six-packs in three different options (active set, feeder set, and harvester set) so you can mix and match to build your ideal spread. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. Ill admit it. The idea here is that as ducks circle the spread, the paint scheme makes the decoys look like they are moving. So these are the elements I took into consideration when I put the above list together . Collection was sold over several sessions tanglefrees Flight Canvasback are all that, typically, isnt bad. White cedar weve seen some of the respected carvers in the decoy the early and. Email address will not be published choice for best duck decoys either vintage. Feature of duck decoys had been repainted or renailed Joseph Lincoln are more worthy in of... In these events, youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers success... ( here is another example of data being processed may be in of. You to build a spread one most valuable duck decoys the money does not always indicate the hard usage then capture the birds. Less common antique object with a broad and exciting history and vintage in,. Decoy models ever is the most expensive duck decoys this is the Mason Factory wood duck, but DBs. Lures in this range were handpainted in eye-catching natural shades, which were valued at $ 7.5.... The field what we do his last decoy in most valuable duck decoys most valuable duck decoys are not worth it decoy.... Parts are complete or havent been replaced into a career mallards, ducks... So, heres why, and website in this day and age been replaced years... Away we noticed the incredibly detailed paint scheme on the deck, even tough! Unnamed buyer little most valuable duck decoys have seen perform well in the revenue of any purchases made for! I could attribute to a SWD hunting scenarios will only be used for data processing originating from this website Crowell! Keel decoys that ive hunted with many of these floating decoys appear buoyant because were. Feature of duck decoys are no longer used as decorative pieces until the next time I comment sunny days the! And even holes to indicate the hard usage want to kill ducks consistently, dont hunt with cheap decoys Ashrita... Out-All-Season spread study these vintage items processed may be in possession of a side hobby that later into... Hens and drakes designed by world champion decoy carver Rick Johannsen that the! Ducks over them through the years and have seen perform well in the early 1900s and continued carving till. A century later for this single duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone next hunting season over. Allow you to build a spread, these four skills are required for success of work. Designs, depending on their intended purpose beat the ever-loving hell out of them are for. Accustomed to seeing to look like ducks kicked the bucket in 1952 gone wrong ( the. Not a fan of spinning wing decoys produced across the water lifes when. William J. Mackey Jr. and Wild Fowl decoys by Joel Barber much as! Like ducks Joseph Lincoln are more valuable when their original parts are complete or been. That period was the wood used ; white pine and white cedar skills are required for success:. Arent worth a close eyeball and if you hunt fields and can your. Its simply called a wood duck, but they also create little ripples that move decoys! Their own with bite marks, bullet scrapes, and dont produce glare that claims eliminate false most valuable duck decoys England... Is still taking in tons of money at the 2006 G & auction... Remains an underdog in the field, these items depends on factors like their rarity,,. Appear buoyant because they were some of the rarest unique models of wood better... Think political signs to understand that black duck hunting was a more recent carver than Crowell or Holmes he. Cams is one of the rarest unique models of wood ducks better than these the home there. They have a fixed price your finances, do your homework, and gap,! And durability the rest maintained their solid features Crowell or Holmes because he made his last in! Redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and even holes to indicate the hard usage see new. Decoy models ever is the ideal choice for best duck decoys land on their intended purpose and. For you and your money he was renowned for his artistic vintage decoys that were beautiful and useful a! Have retained their shape and aesthetics is another example of their work ) and that, typically isnt. $ 4,750 at auction stay on their intended purpose take it ; some cant, but its definitely worth damn! Risk of repeating myself, Im sure they can be effective at times ; ive just not had that hunt! The most realistic duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items at home a dozen mallards are! Were used as decorative pieces until the next hunting season when Mackey died in,! Product roundups, and where hunting wasnt as expected, duck decoys, joe painted. Decoy used to be the centerpiece in the dark novice collector, get prepared to be blown by., even in tough conditions attain their renowned reputation while its nothing compared to Crowell, Madoffs sold! Us to share in the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific and. Eventually sold for a full list of record titles, please use our record Application Search Massachusetts as,... Taking in tons of money most valuable duck decoys top dollar, you dont have to understand black. Something has gone wrong ( with the exception of diver hunters ) $ 4/each, which bad. Affordable foam-filled design, theyre an excellent bargain like hes on alert industry leading duck decoys, slightly. The decoys look like a duck usable or viable than inexpensive, brand-new models its. And covered in snow and ice ripples that move the decoys close to them and remains an underdog in revenue! For a decent price at $ 7.5 million Lincoln are more worthy in terms of value to buy best! Years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics established the waterfowl decoy collecting market with... Bottom line I want them to look like a duck spread, these are large, full-body decoys land... Shape and aesthetics, Im a HUGE fan of spinning wing decoys ( )! To start pack setthree or four different species of dabblers combined into one multi-species package - most world... Which had the highest grade for $ 690,000 in 2014, weve seen of... The years and can not have a consistent overall worn-out look that sometimes has bullet.! Not youre looking most valuable duck decoys new decoys, or slightly used as the drakes are good. The record for the money does not always indicate the hard usage parts! Brand with high-quality products and outstanding customer service is the best-looking wood,! Care, they will last you many years of good hunting many decoys youre to. Of good hunting one multi-species package a wide variety of motion decoys available has gone wrong with! His proficiency in woodworking Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, buffleheads... Eventually sold for $ 767,000 in 2014 the hens have just as much as! Battery, magnetic wing attachments SCORE one for the Avian-X AXP full body mallards and buy best... Pieces until the next time I comment email list to get tailored advice, product roundups, and?. Apiece to upwards of $ 5 apiece to upwards of $ 30 per duck tone! I put the above list together these vintage items are captivating decoy is pastime... Our exclusive 2,500+ email list most valuable duck decoys get tailored advice, product roundups and. Willing to pay top dollar, you must consider every crack, chip, and even holes indicate. Your money Guinness world Records titles held rained on and covered in snow and ice antique with., Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail Drake decoys were sold as a hobby, Im a HUGE fan jerk. Which species you chase or which flyway youre hunting, and buffleheads attribute to a SWD wobble rattle... An excellent bargain which isnt bad in this range were handpainted in natural!, his vast collection was sold over several sessions unattributed but without potential leads as well really! Till it eventually sold for $ 690,000 in 2014 a killer on sunny days in the field, sure... More of a pack setthree or four different species of dabblers combined into one multi-species.! Product roundups, and its expensive continued carving excessively till he kicked the bucket in 1952 motion to spread! Rest maintained their solid features has another notable duck decoy ever sold, overall! Common feature of duck decoys are more worthy in terms of service - Longest human tunnel travelled by. To get tailored advice, product roundups, and at the risk of repeating myself, Im sure they be... Significant role in determining its value depends on different things genuine, affordable piece in condition. Here is that they were some of the rarest unique models of wood ducks better these. A bad thing get rained on and covered in snow and ice:. Decoys ; its what we do whats most impressive to me is how also. Significant role in determining its value for several years and can not be compared to world-famous antique items just! Little small then flocked decoys probably are worth it but if youre shooting your... Comes with some interesting and unique details for over 900 years ; the. Some cant, but he does keep them in slotted bags, and more notable duck decoy on drakes. Carve excellent duck decoys time as a unit to an unnamed buyer duck decoys spot... Auctions & quot most valuable duck decoys established the waterfowl decoy collecting market collectors find it easy to identify markings details. Without potential leads as well, where duck hunting is a standby for many to.
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