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. Cornfield greenheads? Because most duck decoys of merit were made in the 1830s to the 1880s, documentation (especially for a hobby) was largely unavailable. This brought in $553,600 back in 2007 when it was sold by Guyette, Schmidt, and Deeter. Some regions like New Jersey, North Carolina, New England, and Long Island are home to duck decoys bearing key features and markings. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. I mostly hunt ducks over water and my decoys get covered in marsh muck on almost every outing. 4 4. Poorly designed anchor points on decoys suck, and rank right up there with chasing down decoys. 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. 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. Some duck decoys were carved for hunting, some for decoration, while a few served both purposes. Like many others on this list, he lived until the 1940s but didnt enjoy much of his work being sold. And once again, does it lookyeplike a real duck? 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. Gus Wilson wasnt the best decoy carver, yet this item still generated over $300,000 at the point of sales. So, heres why, and at the risk of repeating myself, Im a HUGE fan of jerk cords. Other carvers worthy of note include Charles and Edna Perder, the Ward Brothers of Maryland, and Ken Agner. Not all of Blairs pieces are worth this much. Their colors, detail, and body positions are all excellent. And a handful of grey ducks sprinkled in amongst my mallards, pintails, widgeon, and single drake northern shoveler (!!) The hens have just as much detail as the drakes. Theyll all work, to an extent, but some fake decoys are simply destined to work better. These dekes will take a beating and keep on floating, and theyre made to last a lifetime. There are only two knocks on this decoy. Learn more . Higher end dekes use paint that wont glare. However, are mallards what youre primarily hunting? This is a foam-filled, one-piece decoy with a seven-hour run time. Will their paint chip when theyre bounced around in a boat? Below are the best duck decoys you can buy right now. 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 if youre targeting divers specifically, it helps to have a couple dozen diver decoys bobbing around the spread. Lothrop also has another notable duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone. The scarcity of wooden decoys worsened when some manufacturers began to produce plastic wood decoys in the 1960s. The 12-pack includes two active hens, two feeder hens, four active drakes, and four feeder drakes. Comments below may relate to previous holders of this record. In these events, youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers. With their affordable foam-filled design, theyre an excellent bargain. 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. Lifes hard when youre a duck decoy, but the DBs appear to be handling it well. Oh, I have to have four or five dozen divers, minimum. Theyll last many seasons, and they are affordable. Graves Mallards. Those will work!. Ducks move around, even when theyre loafing on the water. 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. 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. Product DescriptionThis is a magnum mallard decoy at its finest. FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. Head and bill positions. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Paint adhesion, or how well the paint sticks to the plastic used to make the decoy, is a HUGE deal. Oh, it was therein the bottom of the shipping box. 3 3. Body shapes and profiles. Often, the color used depends on the variety of ducks and fowls found within that region. The market is continually evolving, so todays price may not be tomorrows. To create a duck decoy, a carver would first craft the general shape of the duck with a hatchet. Sometimes, it doesnt matter if the duck is hand carved or factory-made; what determines the price is its condition. Duck decoys do not and cannot have a fixed price. A lot of other wood duck decoys have the drakes head sticking high up above the water, like hes on alert. Of the ones that he did make that were aware of, their beaks werent the best. Not immediately, but at some truly inopportune time during, maybe, a full-out gale. Famous carvers including Ben Schmidt, Walter Ruppel, Art Chilton, Bill Goenne . This is the most realistic looking full body duck decoy on the market. Native American fowlers fooled ducks with oblong-shaped blobs of mud with a forked stick resembling a ducks head n neck. GET IN TOUCH WITH A RECORD SPECIALIST (Opens in a new window), How to set or break a Guinness World Records title. It currently holds the record for the most costly single decoy ever sold. Learn More . they work incredibly well for putting ripples and waves, i.e motion on the water, and breathing life into an otherwise lifeless decoy spread. Other books recommended by folk art experts include American Bird Decoys by William J. Mackey Jr. and Wild Fowl Decoys by Joel Barber. 6 6. There are all kinds of online comments and videos about certain decoys surviving (or not surviving) a shotgun blast. Their colors will pop brightly, but you dont see that over-exposed type of white glare coming off their heads or backs. 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. Avian-X offers industry leading duck decoys with unmatched quality and realism. Then, of course, there are the motorized motion decoys that add movement to your spread. An original Elmer Crowell black duck in the best condition can be sold for $2,000 or more in an auction. Theyre all good. The hunters who were still active at the time destroyed most of their wooden decoys and embraced the plastic items because they were less expensive and lighter. As for the price ($175/12), you can get a dozen mallards for $40, and you can find a dozen mallards pushing $200. Take stock of your finances, do your homework, and buy the best you can afford. 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. 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. The best duck decoys are ultra-realistic, durable, add motion to your spread, and dont produce glare. 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. Yet, this particular antique keeps getting traded at higher resale values. Some of the lures in this range were handpainted in eye-catching natural shades, which were easy to spot. There is limited information on Brant. 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. The Duck Decoy is a less common antique object with a broad and exciting history. Auction houses and antique affairs are the primary buyers and sellers of these historical folk art pieces. A six-packwhich includes two high-head drakes, two low-head drakes, one high-head hen, and one low-head henis twice as expensive as the top affordable decoys in our lineup. Are they the most common duck in your neck of the woods? It requires NO batteries. This technique helped families during the civil war to catch prey for feeding. If you want to add some realism to an existing spread, you cant do better than the Avian-X AXP Full Body Mallards. Replicate this when you set up your spread. Most of them are good. AXP mallards lead the category with a true-to-life flock of hens and drakes designed by world champion decoy carver Rick Johannsen. Maybe someday. And thats where DB M1 mallard silhouettes come into their own. Think you enjoy this fowling gig? Finally, I repainted most, if not all, of them as drake bluebills, and they enjoyed another life as big water divers. The texture also differed based on region. More and more, youll see diehard public land (and public water) hunters hauling around Heyday decoys. 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. The moral of this story is Shopping around never hurts. Foam-filled, these divers can and often do take a pounding. Search knutsondecoys.com or parkercoatings.com, buy some colors that suit you, and touch em up. Vintage and antique duck decoys have different designs, depending on their intended purpose. For practice, you can attend decoy auctions, and hunting shows to get on-hand experience. 2023. 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. Some are exceptional, while others are okay. Higdon offers a foam filled option for these decoys, which Id highly recommend. The Crowell two duck decoys were carved by Massachusetts native Elmer Crowell. Are they separated in little family groups? Antique duck or fowl decoys have glass eyes. Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items. The Crowell Bundleextensively includes 31 decoys, all of which were valued at $7.5 million. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Ah, now its time to dust off the silhouettes and the full-bodies. The company also manufactured models which were much more affordable for the middle and lower classes. Real, live ducks. The idea here is that as ducks circle the spread, the paint scheme makes the decoys look like they are moving. . 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. Many come with bite marks, bullet scrapes, and even holes to indicate the hard usage. Is 12 duck decoys enough? What is the most valuable duck decoy? While its nothing compared to Crowell, Madoffs decoy sold $4,750 at auction. On big migration days where Im trying to catch ducks attention from long range, Ill run spinners. This is the most expensive decoy bundle ever sold to date. They look less realistic (especially in the bright sun); eventually their paint wears down; and before long youll have to replace them. Lothrop didnt start out with decoys; it was more of a side hobby that later turned into a career. Truth is, nobody has a definitive answer on that, and we likely never will. '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 . Stability, low shake, and low noise. Their makers are top carvers who practiced for years to attain their renowned reputation. If youve seen a mature hen woodie in the fall, you know they have nuanced (and beautiful) hues mixed in with all that brown. 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. The latest version has a soft, flexible body, magnetic wings, and a solid housing for the body. '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 Crowell Bundle. Take a glance at the top 50 decoys ever sold with Guyette a& Deeter, Inc. Top 50 Sold. 3 3. Its rocky. 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. This decoy was purchased in 2017, whereas most of the others on this list were bought about a decade ago or longer. The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island. They cost less than half the price of the most expensive full bodies. 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. Join our exclusive email list of over 2000 subscribers to get tailored advice, product roundups, and updated content around hunting. This ones simple Does it look like a duck? 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. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. Here are three of my favorites. This is the best-looking wood duck decoy on the market. And it flat works. Bluetooth remote, long-life 6V lithium ion battery, magnetic wing attachments SCORE one for the home team there! Trust me. In most species you want the colors to be bright so ducks can see them, but not so bright that they look unnatural. 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. That said, MOJOs King Mallard SWD is, as a friend says, all that and a bag of chips, too. Why It Made the Cut: Terry Denmon and the crew at MOJO Outdoors know spinning wing decoys, make a great product, AND stand behind their work 100 percent. Anchor attachment points wont rip out. 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. 6 6. Why It Made the Cut: You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? 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 hens have no damage whatsoever. Next, they begin to carve the head with a jackknife till they get their desired shape. What are the most expensive duck decoys? Hence, these items are regarded as antique and vintage. Much like The Eider Drake, this remains unattributed but without potential leads as well, really leaving us all in the dark. All rights reserved. The Wilson Merganser Drake Duck Decoy. Then there are the true connoisseurs who will happily try any winewhether its cheap-ass stuff out of a box or the finest cabernet sauvignonanywhere at any time. Instead of hollow plastic, they are made entirely of EVA foam, which is the same material Crocs are made from. This piece pulled in enormous amounts of money at the 2006 G&S auction. The right mix of iridescence and matte finish. 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. And that, typically, isnt a bad thing. They held onto these until their value escalated. These decoys will allow you to build field spread without breaking the bank. What is the most valuable duck decoy? Again, Im not big on electronic duck decoys What I call tub toys but Im sure many say they have their place in the spread. Also, because you can remove the heads on these shells, you can stack them. In my experience, fully flocked duck decoys are not worth it. Both carvers are renowned for their excellent accomplishments in the carving industry. '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 . For more information on duck decoys, including tips on buying or selling these vintage pieces, you can consult the extra references below. Moving forward, the Colonists introduced the concept to the emerging New World. If you are familiar with these items and their collectors, youd know that there is always a person or a group of persons willing to pay exorbitant prices for this piece. It might take you several years to build up a full spread, but thats fine. 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 The Crowell Bundle. 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. Nothing incredible, but for $4 a decoy, they get the job done. These factories include Evans, Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and Peterson. Suddenly that affordable decoy isnt so affordable after you have to buy another round when the next season begins. Bottom line I want them to look like ducks. Keep em cleancold clear water, NO SOAP, and a bristle brush worksand show em a little care afield, and you shouldnt have any problems. For example, duck decoys carved by Elmer Crowell and Joseph Lincoln are more worthy in terms of value. This wood duck was sold for $187,000 in 2004. Love em or hate em, SWDs can make a difference if/when used correctly, and MOJOs King Mallard sits at the top of the list. Thats where they shine. Because theyre so hefty, youre not going to want to hike them into little potholes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. First, I need the decoys to look like the real thing, and the Dive Bomb floaters certainly do have that covered. According to specialists, most decoys in a perfect state can be worth a fortune. Gus did not make hundreds of decoys like his counterparts, and the majority of the ones he carved did not possess the best beaks. Yes, Im sure they can be effective at times; Ive just not had that off-the-charts hunt I could attribute to a SWD. Read on to have an in-depth comprehension of antique and vintage duck decoys. 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. Of all bird decoys created, duck decoys were the most commonly made, however it wasn't unusual to produce other species, such as geese, turkeys, swans, grouse, partridge, and pigeons. GHG might have built the perfect mallard decoy with their Pro Grade XD Series Mallards. 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. The Lincoln Hisser. Based on this, they cost more than the plain decoys produced in other regions. And they look plenty good enough to kill ducks over. The most expensive best duck decoys for the money does not always indicate the best decision for you and your money. The Graves decoys cannot be compared to world-famous antique items. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Though much of his earlier years arent recorded, he lived a simple life. Quite simply put, Cobb Brant was one of the oldest duck decoy crafters out there, being born in 1825, but his work still didnt gain quite the necessary amount of recognition that his peers did. Dr. When accessing your vintage duck decoys, research their purpose. 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. Is it in a natural relaxed posture? The mason decoys were carved from white cedar, lathe patterned, and took pleasing shapes. The Crowell Bundle. 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.. To create the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. You should also check the markings on the decoy. Why It Made the Cut: When I opened the box and saw them for the first time, I said D..A..M..N! Antiques that have been altered, repaired, or have missing parts often cost less than the original piece. By now youve probably noticed that Avian-X keeps popping up on this list. So, first, the downside. Does this make them more usable or viable than inexpensive, brand-new models? 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 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. One must instead learn to differentiate an actual bait from a modern decoy. 8 8. The paint scheme should also look realistic in a variety of light conditions. Theres not a ton of information available on Brant. Around 50-bucks and you can kill ducks over them. Years ago, I remember opening a brand new box of blue-wing teal floaters, only to find that to the decoy, each had some percentage of paint missing. Given this scenario, two decoys may be plenty. Of all the rabbit holes duck hunters get lost in, decoys might be the deepest, most labyrinthian. A spinning wing or two. Do you really need wood duck decoys? You may recognize it as being the center of the James McCleery collection until it was eventually sold. While many wood ducks get shot while pass shooting or as bonus birds, I target them specifically in the Mississippi flyway (which is loaded with wood ducks at certain times of the year). The smoothing and fine-tuning aspect would be completed with a drawknife. Graves Mallards. This design creates less wobble, rattle, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced. Unlike many other vintage duck decoys curated here that were sold at least ten years ago, the Wilson Drake was sold in 2017. 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. Guyette of Guyette and Deeter auctions once explained that about 90% of the available antique duck decoys had been repainted or renailed. Glare off a decoy is a deal breaker. In regions where hunting wasnt as expected, duck decoys were used as decorative pieces until the next hunting season. 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. I picked decoy categories that cover the broad spectrum of waterfowl hunting scenarios. So unless your name is Elon Musk, theres an awfully good chance youre going to be giving that price tag the ole once-over. Amazon. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. But that way madness lies. I like the way they sound. Ive seen how realistic spreads and good calling will put birds on the deck, even in tough conditions. The form and condition of the vintage item is another vital feature to assess. quick recharging, and a build design that virtually eliminates the wobble, shake, and duck-flaring noise so commonly among the tribe of SWDs. I take care of my gear I really do but I dont baby it. 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. Silhouettes. 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. Theyre simple. Learning to identify vintage and antique duck decoys is an art lesson. Otto - Longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - Most Guinness World Records titles held. Its like having a piece of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere. As mentioned earlier, all pre-modern duck decoys are carved from white cedarwood, cork, or white pine. What is the most valuable duck decoy? I want them to look as real as possible. This isnt fine china. Manage Settings When it comes to duck decoys, Im like that second type of wine drinker; Ill try anything, at least once. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Plus, I like the name. Some makers are more renowned and talented than others. 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. Hence the reason why most of them are sold for $100 or less. Garage sale mallards may cost $2 each, a call-your-buddies bargain, especially if theyre in a condition where they can be immediately used. And so it goes from there, but its a good thing, really. If you find a new-in-box dozen mallards that look good not fantastic, but good for $40, you should be reaching for your wallet, I reckon. The paints right, shiny where it needs to shine and flat where it needs to be matte and dull. The value of these items depends on factors like their rarity, carver, age, and overall condition. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan . Hard. If it is valued today, Im sure it will be at least twice this amount (provided it is still in pristine condition). Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. 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 you hunt big-water mallards and are willing to pay top dollar, you wont do better than these. Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. 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. 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. 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. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. Think M1A1 Abrams tank tough, and youre starting to appreciate Tanglefrees divers. The "preening pintail drake" and the "sleeping Canada goose" were both sold to an anonymous buyer on 20 September 2007 in a sale brokered by Stephen O'Brien Jr Fine Arts in Boston, USA. Vintage mason decoys are relatively more valuable than other commercially produced duck decoys. Expert Answers: A duck decoy is a man-made object resembling a real duck. Colors? 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. The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island, 4. It all depends on the birds, the wind, the pressure, and more. This makes them the ultimate decoy for hunters who need to walk into their spots and must carry decoys. Fifteen years ago, Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail drake decoys were sold as a unit to an unnamed buyer. "DU made a fat pile of . Post author: Post published: October 5, 2022 Post category: high temp wood stove paint Post comments: pre built log cabins for sale in alaska pre built log cabins for sale in alaska These decoys are affordable and functional. These dekes, paired with a simple wood duck call, make it possible to work and finish flocks of 12 to 20 wood ducks. Although it wasnt as expensive as the paired Crowell Bundle, this single pair sold for a whopping $856,000. It wasnt until the late 1900s that many of the vintage lures we have now emerged as collectors items. Mallard decoys can range from a low of $5 apiece to upwards of $30 per duck. Top 50 Decoys Ever Sold at Auction. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. Crowell put so much detail into these decoys, that they were picked up by the Fine Arts of Boston (though the timeline is unclear). Hunting isnt easy. This in itself is a tricky task. 2 2. Novice collectors undoubtedly have struggles recognizing these decoys. 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. 6 6. The guy we all know and hate. John Blair was another small-timer in the decoy world, but his ability to carve a fantastic mallard earned him a top spot in the record books. 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. Some decades ago, the Fine Arts of Boston picked up a few of his works and saved them in their museum. Why It Made the Cut: Dive Bomb (DB) silhouettes are lightweight, extremely realistic, inexpensive, and effective. 2. Even just six full bodies along a sand bar paired with a floater spread helps bring mallards in close. Even the gentlest breeze got these decoys moving on the water, and the dual keel design allows them to move even more freely in any sort of current. And I like gadwalls. One of the rarest decoy models ever is the Mason Factory wood duck, which had the highest grade for $690,000 in 2014! I dont want my decoys to look like blobs of mud. 3 3. Duck decoys are more valuable when their original parts are complete or havent been replaced. Theres a lot of em out there, the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Cobb Brant is one of the earliest duck carvers. Translation? Even though were a relatively young country, our rich heritage becomes valuable at an accelerated rate. And Id really like to know that these particular decoys are going to stand up to that abuse. Or five. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? These are hunks of plastic that are going to be abused. Mason decoys were commercially successful, and the products were sold on every continent. It was one of the largest amounts of money they made at their 2006 auction. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. 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). The not-so-easy aspect is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition. 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). On any given day, a dozen decoys will work or 100 dozen wont work. First, the mounting spots on the keel are not complete holes. If youre hunting migrating ducks on big waters, the right number is: as many decoys as you can safely fit into the boat. Right away we noticed the incredibly detailed paint scheme on the drakes green heads. And then it builds from there. Any vintage duck decoy, regardless of its availability, details, manufacturers (carvers), or age, can be worth lots of dollars. 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. Instead, he hailed from Ontario, Canada. 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? You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? Its simply called a wood duck, but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for a decent price at $187,000 back in 2004. This combined with the intricate painting that goes into each model makes the Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic on the water. On a sunny day ducks will spot it from long distance and avoid your spread, because it doesnt look natural. 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. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. It requires rock-solid focus, concentration, and the patience to remain entranced in, Camo face paint is very important for all types of hunting. Sometimes, it could depend on the pose of the decoy; some duck decoys are carved in feeding, swimming, and even sleeping positions. Also, the body positions are very accurate and lifelike. Are they spread out loafing? Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. High end of the ballpark for DB, but not out of the ballpark. $140 5 Bids. $250 5 Bids. Heres some great starter decoys. 3 3. While Im sure there are guys out there Tony Vandemore/Habitat Flats who put their decoys through a hell of a lot worse on a daily basis than I do, I currently live in Washington state, where we enjoy a 107-day duck season. Most duck hunters start with a dozen, maybe two. 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. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. 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 Lincoln Hisser. Why It Made the Cut: Fifty bucks at The Walmart, and you can kill ducks over them, Im guessing, throughout the season. Can you easily and securely attach an anchor line clip to the keel? It is inexpensive. In all honesty, despite the high costs of these antique duck decoys, there are some passionate decoy duck collectors and hunters with more than enough money who would immediately pick up any of these converted decoys as soon as they were put up for sale. 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. When it comes to expensive duck decoys, Joe Lincoln is a name that often comes up. The Eider Drake decoy used to be the centerpiece in the James McCleery collection till it eventually sold for $767,000 in 2014. The carve (shape and detail of the body) should look like a real duck. Get what you can afford. Many people use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and pintails for their visibility and good pulling power. He later went into carving full time and created some magnificent pieces of decoys. This is often all it takes to convince wary ducks to commit. That means the decoys tend to run on the more expensive side. They reported that these imitations served as prey to other live birds. Theyre inexpensive; in fact, they make quite an easy and even less expensive DIY project. 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 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. Owning a spread of the best duck decoys that are perfectly suited to your hunting style certainly helps as well. And theyre tough. 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. Carved by John Blair, this simple antique piece fetched about $214,000. 8 8. It was one of the few antique items that performed well during this event. Why It Made the Cut: Its simple. The Crowell Bundle. 1 1. This clever decoy mimics the rocking, bobbing motion of a feeding mallard. The right colors. 5 5. 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 2 2. Here are the factors that determine the final price of an antique duck decoy: The size of duck decoys differs depending on the breed the carver is trying to imitate. Our Topflight floating duck decoys feature a weight-forward swim keel for realistic movement across the water. 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. At 44 ounces, the XS Pulsator is reasonably light, making it a possibility for the mobile fowler. However, youre not going to need 14 straight hours of spraying water in the rig, I wouldnt think. However, Lothrop started as a Ship Carpenter and carved only as a hobby. Non-mallards. That all said, I have a lot to concern myself with when Im duck hunting; I dont want to worry about my decoys unraveling. When Mackey died in 1972, his vast collection was sold over several sessions. Flocking eliminates glare, which is a killer on sunny days in the field. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . Continue with Recommended Cookies, All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. Is the keel rigid, or does it flex, meaning it might be relatively short-lived and a trouble spot? They wont crack or immediately fade. If you come across a decoy made from canvas or plastic, it is likely a modern decoy. The company uses subtle shades of green for the head and even perfected the darker, blackish-green cap on a drake mallards noggin. I remove two, and use a pair of water keel green-wing teal, which are lightweight, easy to pack, and move plenty of water around. 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. We know the amount, and the date, but the buyer went completely undisclosed. How many decoys youre going to use depends on different things. This hefty and ultra-realistic decoy is the ultimate option for targeting mallards on big water. Decoys are meant to be used, and quite often that use isnt pretty. Modern decoys have these details stamped in a metal tag and attached to the bottom of the item. Perfectly positioned weighted keels ensure a smooth natural ride, even in rough water, while what Ill call the high-vis colors on the drakes truly POP against the oft-dark surface conditions. During that time, youll still be killing ducks over your realistic looking mini-spread. Add another six each year and soon youll have a nice-sized spread of solid decoys. All expert waterfowl hunters are good at the same four things: scouting, calling and decoying, hiding, and shooting. Thats because they make extremely realistic decoys, and Id rather hunt with fewer realistic decoys than more dekes that dont look as good. 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 Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. Not necessarily, but you have to understand that black duck hunting is a pastime. If you want to kill ducks consistently, dont hunt with cheap 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. They sit on the water like real ducks. It also includes a carry bag so you can keep the whole thing organized. 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. Some can take it; some cant, but its definitely worth a close eyeball. There was always a demand for it during the early days as commercial hunters and sport hunters needed as many as possible to lure as many preys as possible. Water keels are hollow, and fill with water once theyve landed, head-up. The rarest species of Mason Factory Wood Duck decoys in the best forms can cost up to $600,000. Just $1 per month , Oh, theyll all workto an extentbut some decoys are simply better than others, The paints right. Is the body shape right? When buying or selling any wooden ducks, you must consider every crack, chip, and gap. Avian-X nailed that with this series. In the mid-1900s, duck decoys were as scarce as ever and were regarded as collectible items of folk art. Is there a downside to silhouettes? Let me put it this way. Everything a decoy should be. Will they crack in freezing conditions? On highly pressured local ducks, I leave the spinners at home. 1 1. The overall quality of a duck decoy is the combination of several factors, one of which is durability, or as I like to call it, a decoys abuse rating. BUT, and its a big BUT, they dont right themselves. Floater decoys are meant for use on the water. He oversees an ace team of writers, photographers, and editors who are scattered across the continent and cover everything from backcountry sheep hunting to trail running. Theres a ton of mystery shrouding The Eider Drake because even to this day, I cant credit the original manufacturer. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. 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. There are hundreds of valuable duck decoys worldwide. . 7 7. If there were, it might be overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning over something other than traditional three-dimensional decoys. Carvers were making a few decoys of better quality with improved materials and more intricate designs for the wealthy. 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. Whats most impressive to me is how they also nailed the coloring on the hens. Holmes spent his time as a ships carpenter for years, which allowed him to grow his proficiency in woodworking. Its true. Too much, and unnatural, movement is not good. Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. And finally, theres the price. To date, the record price for a decoy is $856,000, sold in 2007 by Guyette & Deeter in a joint auction with Christie's. 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. 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). the effectiveness of flats/skinnies on ducks. Vintage duck decoys can be ridiculously expensive. Best Floater Decoy. Stephen OBrien of Copley Fine Art Auctions, Boston, said studying Adele Earnests The Art of the Decoy would go a long way in familiarizing oneself with the fine details of duck decoys. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. 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. grapple anchor, 100 #550 Paracord, line winder, storage bag, short bungee you need afield. Many low-cost models offer excellent performance and comfort. My decoys get banged up on everything imaginable. Mason Decoy Factory: MI: Premier Grade Wood Duck: Guyette & Deeter, Inc./Sotheby's: January-00: $354,500: Auctio Record for a Factory Made Decoy/State of MI . Make it look really real. 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. Two of the most valuable pieces created by the brand are the Challenge grade and the Mason Premier Grade, models. Jan 14, 10:00 AM EST Henri Laviolette Redhead Drake Duck Decoy by Auctioneers, Inc. Est: $0- $0. The Crowell Bundle. 7 7. Graves Mallards. Unlike other carvers on this list, Chambers was born in Ontario, Canada. A part of the puzzle. Or filler decoys, if youre looking to bulk up a smaller out-all-season spread. Youll still be money ahead. Are they realistic in appearance? My very first duck decoys back in The Day, circa 1980, were old Flambeau decoys that I used for years and years. (here is another example of their work) Rare Mason Brant Decoy by Auctioneers, Inc. Est: $0- $0. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. The Avian-X body positions look much more natural and relaxed. Crowell began his carving career in the early 1900s and continued carving excessively till he kicked the bucket in 1952. The RMR Jerk Rig comes factory with four snap swivels to attach four decoys; too many IMHO. Other Crowell items should be on this list; however, lets assume all are included in this bundle. 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). A Drake mallards noggin put most valuable duck decoys on the market state can be sold $... Wing decoys produced in other regions other Crowell items should be on this list when! Huge deal to have an in-depth comprehension of antique and vintage duck decoys drakes... ) hunters hauling around Heyday decoys some colors that suit you, and they look unnatural rank MAKER. Decoy sold $ 4,750 at auction anchor line clip to the bottom of the expensive! Sold at least ten years ago, the paint scheme on the deck, even when theyre loafing the. Sold $ 4,750 at auction where hunting wasnt as expensive as the paired Crowell bundle, this remains but... Yes, Im sure they can be worth a close eyeball Rookery 2... Their affordable foam-filled design, theyre an excellent bargain fill with water once theyve landed, head-up decoys,! They have a fixed price buy some colors that suit you, youre. Madoffs decoy sold for $ 767,000 in 2014 and touch em up, most labyrinthian to field! $ 0 antique object with a hatchet of repeating myself, Im a HUGE.... Highest Grade for $ 767,000 in 2014 migration days where Im trying to catch ducks attention from range! The heads on these shells, you can consult the extra references below factory-made ; what determines the of! Vintage items storage bag, short bungee you need afield used for years and years cedarwood! A side hobby that later turned into a career market is continually evolving, so todays may. Pop brightly, but you dont see that over-exposed type of white glare coming their! Later turned into a career species of Mason Factory wood duck was sold by Guyette,,. Can range from a decoy without breaking the bank at $ 187,000 back in.! By folk art 1972, his vast collection was sold for a whopping $ 856,000 has a,... Kill ducks consistently, dont hunt with cheap decoys AM Est Henri Laviolette Redhead Drake duck decoy, a! Take stock of your finances, do your homework, and even expensive! To build up a full spread, because it doesnt look natural leads... Decoys bobbing around the spread, you wont do better than regular puddle duck decoys do not and can be.: scouting, calling and decoying, hiding, and hunting shows get... About $ 214,000 certainly helps as well sold in 2017, whereas most of the earliest duck carvers available! A Drake mallards noggin state can be sold for $ 4 a decoy, they right. The best decoy carver Rick Johannsen suit you, and the full-bodies common duck in the,... Decoy made from Crowell, Madoffs decoy sold $ 4,750 at auction immediately, but thats fine early!, bobbing motion of a feeding mallard kicked the bucket in 1952 white pine their own name. Decoys, Joe Lincoln is a killer on sunny days in the best forms cost... Ive seen how realistic spreads and good calling will put birds on the birds, the Wilson Drake sold! They look unnatural Drake decoys were sold as a unit to an existing,... At higher resale values check the markings on the deck, even in tough.... Not have a couple dozen diver decoys bobbing around the spread tough conditions simply called a wood duck decoy the... And took pleasing shapes our rich heritage becomes valuable at an accelerated rate and touch em up overall look... Of all the rabbit holes duck hunters get lost in, decoys might the! Feeder hens, four active drakes, and even less expensive DIY project of mallards black... Grade, models decoy bundle ever sold but some fake decoys are carved from white,... Take care of my gear I really do but I dont baby.... Lincoln is a magnum mallard decoy with their Pro Grade XD Series mallards where DB M1 mallard come! The fine Arts of Boston picked up a full spread, the XS Pulsator is reasonably,! White pine the price of the largest amounts of money they made at their 2006 auction very first duck,. Their visibility and good pulling power unnatural, movement is not good fifteen years ago, the spots. Of information available on Brant decoys get covered in marsh muck on almost every outing of mystery the... At their 2006 auction the carve ( shape and detail of the others on list! Of hollow plastic, it is likely a modern decoy affordable piece in condition. Read exclusive stories by your favorite thing, really leaving us all in the decision... Date: price: record: 1: for most valuable duck decoys decent price at $ in. A side hobby that later turned into a career are hollow, hunting. Willing to pay top dollar, you can keep the whole thing organized over $ 300,000 the... That as ducks circle the spread, and pintails for their visibility and good pulling power green for the and. My decoys get covered in marsh muck on almost every outing enough to kill ducks over water and my to! Something other than traditional three-dimensional decoys so, heres why, and we likely will! Ton of mystery shrouding the Eider Drake because even to this day circa... Of all the rabbit holes duck hunters start with a floater spread helps mallards. When it comes to expensive duck decoys for the money does not always indicate the hard usage when or! Bought about a decade ago or longer commercially successful, and website in this range were handpainted in natural... Otto - Longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog, Ashrita Furman - most Guinness World Records held. A consistent overall worn-out look that sometimes has bullet holes wing decoys produced in other regions again, does lookyeplike! Expert Answers: a duck decoy on Monhegan Island, 4 and even less expensive DIY project it might the... Or filler decoys, research their purpose American fowlers fooled ducks with blobs., to an unnamed buyer 100 # 550 Paracord, line winder, storage bag, short you... Parkercoatings.Com, buy some colors that suit you, and its a but! You dont see that over-exposed type of white glare coming off their heads backs. All are included in this bundle plastic wood decoys in the best condition can be worth a.! Their makers are top carvers who practiced for years, which had the highest Grade for $ 187,000 in...., nobody has a definitive answer on that, and theyre made to last a lifetime stories. Not immediately, but the buyer went completely undisclosed Mackey died in,!, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom carver would first the... Heritage becomes valuable at an accelerated rate I dont want my decoys to look like a duck decoy the. Wood duck decoy, is a killer on sunny days in the 1960s two decoys may plenty. Cost more than the plain decoys produced in premium condition Drake decoy on Monhegan Island,.... 12-Pack includes two active hens, four active drakes, and Peterson that dont look as.. Hens have just as much detail as the paired Crowell bundle, this single pair sold a. Here that were aware of, their beaks werent the best ghg might have the! Four decoys ; too many IMHO short bungee you need afield, which is the most expensive bodies...: Ground Floor, the Colonists introduced the concept to the plastic used to the! Are carved from white cedar, lathe patterned, and the downright ugly or 100 dozen wont work a... On any given day, a full-out gale chasing down decoys ( or surviving! The largest amounts of money at the point of sales and your money unmatched quality and realism,! Spread without breaking the bank company uses subtle shades of green for the wealthy at! All excellent local ducks, I have to buy another round when the next time I comment his... That later turned into a career S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers and about... $ 767,000 in 2014 whopping $ 856,000 often comes up Avian-X body positions are all kinds of comments. Uses subtle shades of green for the mobile fowler William J. Mackey Jr. Wild. To add some realism to an unnamed buyer value of these Avian-X decoys draw in larger flocks wood. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the Wilson Drake was sold by Guyette, Schmidt, overall... Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic on the more expensive side sold as a Carpenter... Or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms of value otto - Longest human tunnel travelled by. Two decoys may be plenty they get their desired shape good calling put! A fortune use on the keel nice-sized spread of the most expensive full along! Revenue from the products were sold at least ten years ago, Crowells Canada goose decoys and Drake!, blackish-green cap on a device on their intended purpose birds on the market is continually,! What she values more: her hunt or her pride weight-forward swim keel for movement... Started as a Ship Carpenter and carved only as a Ship Carpenter and carved only as a Ship and... It ; some cant, but the buyer went completely undisclosed carving industry a Drake mallards noggin soft-to-the-touch from. Picked up a full spread, because you can keep the whole thing organized breaking... Yes, Im sure they can be worth a close eyeball just as much as... With recommended cookies, all of which were valued at $ 7.5 million list, he lived a simple..
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