Crowell has been the only one to fetch over a million for a decoy purchase, but that was a pair even then. That said, theres nothing wrong with starting off with a dozen mallards and building from there. And it undoubtedly works as intended, if not just a bit unnaturally, what with the fountain of water and all. Today, Cory Foskett and the folks at Tanglefree still make that line, along with a lengthy list of other fowling products, including decoys. Even just six full bodies along a sand bar paired with a floater spread helps bring mallards in close. The moral of this story is Shopping around never hurts. It was the highest ticket item at an $800,000 auction, bringing in $299,000 individually, which greatly surpassed the average for the dozens of other items in the auction. Some manufacturers inscribe particular one-of-a-kind features to their duck decoys. First, the mounting spots on the keel are not complete holes. 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. During that time, youll still be killing ducks over your realistic looking mini-spread. 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. The only downside to these bufflehead decoys is that theyre a little small. 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. High end of the ballpark for DB, but not out of the ballpark. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. And finally, theres the price. 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. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. Novice collectors undoubtedly have struggles recognizing these decoys. It comprises two duck decoys, and both are worth $1,130,000. 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. Cant ask for more out of a decoy. 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. Orwhat the hellmaybe a dozen mallards, and then a half dozen pintails, gadwall, widgeon, and green-wing teal. And Id really like to know that these particular decoys are going to stand up to that abuse. Think M1A1 Abrams tank tough, and youre starting to appreciate Tanglefrees divers. There are all kinds of online comments and videos about certain decoys surviving (or not surviving) a shotgun blast. Water keel decoys are light, though, and make an excellent decoy for the walk-in fowler looking to cut down on weight. Theres not a ton of information available on Brant. 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. 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. On highly pressured local ducks, I leave the spinners at home. The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island, 4. 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). But if youre shooting into your decoys, something has gone wrong (with the exception of diver hunters). To date, the record price for a decoy is $856,000, sold in 2007 by Guyette & Deeter in a joint auction with Christie's. The right mix of iridescence and matte finish. Or filler decoys, if youre looking to bulk up a smaller out-all-season spread. The details of these ridiculously expensive vintage items are captivating. Decoys are meant to be used, and quite often that use isnt pretty. These factories include Evans, Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and Peterson. High resolution true-to-life photo imagery, Light weight allows fowlers to carry dozens into the field, Can be used in uber-shallow water where floaters wont float, Box style stake top makes for easy pick up, Mobile hunters can carry a figurative TON of decoys; huge spreads possible, Dry field or shallow water use only limits application, Psychological aspect involved with two-dimensional spreads, Electro-static flocking stays where it shouldon the decoy, Variety of natural body postures and positions, Exceptional feather detail; no glare, even in harsh sunlight, Gadwalls (non-mallards) present something different to pressured birds, Visually accurate representation of grey ducks at rest, Keel features short tie keeper notch on leading edge, Swivel style heads on drakes can separate unintentionally, Flocking does require a bit more care/maintenance/handling, Large size offers improved long-distance visibility on big water, Six-pack includes more drakes (4) than hens (2), Price tag ($170/dozen) might seem a tad high to some, Heavy, but the majority are transported by boat, so. When youre scouting, pay close attention to how and where the ducks are positioned. Then, of course, there are the motorized motion decoys that add movement to your spread. Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. How many decoys youre going to use depends on different things. 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. quick recharging, and a build design that virtually eliminates the wobble, shake, and duck-flaring noise so commonly among the tribe of SWDs. These decoys look killer. Ducks move around, even when theyre loafing on the water. Owning a spread of the best duck decoys that are perfectly suited to your hunting style certainly helps as well. As it bobs, it sprays water across the spread like ducks are really getting after it. 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. Bottom line I want them to look like ducks. The carve (shape and detail of the body) should look like a real duck. Carvers also designed a group of decoys that appear to have legs. 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. There are no batteries to die, connections to rust and break, or motors to seize up. Some of the lures in this range were handpainted in eye-catching natural shades, which were easy to spot. They reported that these imitations served as prey to other live birds. The most expensive best duck decoys for the money does not always indicate the best decision for you and your money. We have killed a lot of ducks over them through the years. Gus did not make hundreds of decoys like his counterparts, and the majority of the ones he carved did not possess the best beaks. Below are the best duck decoys you can buy right now. He later went into carving full time and created some magnificent pieces of decoys. Water keels are hollow, and fill with water once theyve landed, head-up. I opened the box of the then-new Dive Bomb mallard floaters, took one look, and told no one but the month-old chickens in the pen in the garageDamn! 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. An original Elmer Crowell black duck in the best condition can be sold for $2,000 or more in an auction. This decoy was purchased in 2017, whereas most of the others on this list were bought about a decade ago or longer. Non-mallards. These decoys are affordable and functional. Some factories also produced some notable vintage duck decoys in the 1900s. Regardless of where you call home, mallard decoys are a safe bet, and will likely produce results. The not-so-easy aspect is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition. 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. John Blair was a PA native and spent most of his time outdoors when he wasnt carving duck decoys. I want a variety of body postures per dozen. 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. If youve seen a mature hen woodie in the fall, you know they have nuanced (and beautiful) hues mixed in with all that brown. Duck hunting is hard work, and its expensive. 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. Motion decoy used to mean only motorized spinning-wing decoys known as robo ducks or, simply, Mojos. The decoys body profile and paint job are full of thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on. This antique drake decoy cost this much because it still possessed its original beak. 2 2. If youre hunting small water like a little pond or stream, six to a dozen is great. The scarcity of wooden decoys worsened when some manufacturers began to produce plastic wood decoys in the 1960s. The Crowell Bundle. No spam, we promise. Other books recommended by folk art experts include American Bird Decoys by William J. Mackey Jr. and Wild Fowl Decoys by Joel Barber. And for those field hunts, a couple dozen flocked full-bodies. Any manufacturer worth his/her salt will make a point of explaining just how well the paint sticks to their decoys, and why it does that. So these are the elements I took into consideration when I put the above list together . Its simply called a wood duck, but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold for a decent price at $187,000 back in 2004. Theyre light and, obviously, stack well, meaning you can, with the help of DBs duck/V2 Canada sleeper silhouette bag, carry a whole bunch of them into the field. How to identify valuable duck decoys, spot identifying traits, & assess value. 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. The Crowell Bundleextensively includes 31 decoys, all of which were valued at $7.5 million. Garage sale mallards may cost $2 each, a call-your-buddies bargain, especially if theyre in a condition where they can be immediately used. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold. A rare swan decoy made by Charles Birch sold for $186,500 in a 2011 Guyette & Schmidt, Inc. auction. Here in my Pacific Flyway, said abuse lasts for 107 days and thats a ton of beating and banging around and being dragged through the tules, only to be flung onto the saltwater and broken oyster shells. Floater decoys are meant for use on the water. 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 That concept holds true for the Avian-X AXP Full Body Mallards. This version from Avery is a standby for many veteran waterfowlers. You can always count on the . 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. Theres a lot of em out there, the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. The Avian-X body positions look much more natural and relaxed. 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. In turn, the demand for decoys grind to a halt. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. Theyre inexpensive; in fact, they make quite an easy and even less expensive DIY project. Replicate this when you set up your spread. Silhouette on the water. Here, decoys numbers equal what youre hunting, and where. Duck Decoys. Youll still be money ahead. This ones simple Does it look like a duck? Their makers are top carvers who practiced for years to attain their renowned reputation. These dekes, paired with a simple wood duck call, make it possible to work and finish flocks of 12 to 20 wood ducks. 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. 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. 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. Singles and pairs will lock into a regular mallard spread. If you want to kill ducks consistently, dont hunt with cheap decoys. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. Why It Made the Cut: Dive Bomb (DB) silhouettes are lightweight, extremely realistic, inexpensive, and effective. Ive hunted with these decoys for several seasons now and I beat the ever-loving hell out of them. Thats because they make extremely realistic decoys, and Id rather hunt with fewer realistic decoys than more dekes that dont look as good. When accessing your vintage duck decoys, research their purpose. 2 2. Nothing incredible, but for $4 a decoy, they get the job done. Whenever you attend an antique event or visit an antique store, you may also find very tiny decoys and larger ones. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Theyre light and durable. And of those 107 days, Ill hunt three-quarters of them. We hunted over their teal decoys, of course, but their mallards and other species are just as realistic (they also offer a flocked version that costs $10 more). In the mid-1900s, duck decoys were as scarce as ever and were regarded as collectible items of folk art. The right colors. And while its tough to find an exact weight, a common denominator says roughly eight (8) pounds; not light, but not ridiculously heavy either. . The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. This isnt fine china. 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. I mostly hunt ducks over water and my decoys get covered in marsh muck on almost every outing. This piece is shrouded in a tone of mystery. Im not mentioning the same creators over and over again, so for the sake of transparency, its also important to note that Lothrops Ruddy Turnstone sold for $470,000 back in 2000. Much like Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually came from Massachusetts as well, where duck hunting was a common sport. 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. Dr. The year was 1972, and a little California-based father/son company had just bounced onto the fowling radar with a single product a no-tangleTanglefree!decoy line and a lead anchor system that would, like Kleenex for any tissue and Xerox for any copy machine, serve as THE name for decoy cord, regardless of who made it, for decades to come. (You will need to register / login for access). Here are three of my favorites. 'The most wonderful thing about this decoy,' Rosenberg continues, 'is that it wasn't created for humans to admire, but for other ducks the intention being to fool them into landing on the water. While a few make the markings on the wing side. Since their production over a hundred years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics. In the early days, most carvers engraved their initials and date on the bottom of the decoy. It will run in as little as six inches of water. Although it wasnt as expensive as the paired Crowell Bundle, this single pair sold for a whopping $856,000. I picked decoys that Ive hunted over through the years and have seen perform well in the field. The Crowell Bundle. Still, the Pulsator does muddle up the surface, making it look like an avian free-for-all. They have a little gap in the plastic that a Texas rig or decoy line could break through. Does it appear rugged and durable? DBs duck/V2 Canada sleeper silhouette bag, Six (6) different body postures/positions, Might be a little on the pricey side for some wallets, Good price point (if you shop around a bit), No serious depression if one breaks free and floats away, They kinda look like the late Jackie Gleason in The Honeymooners, All upright heads could create the appearance of danger, Long-lasting 6V rechargeable lithium ion battery, Built-in remote allows quick on/off; great for duck/goose combo hunts, Magnetic wing attachments have been a game-changer, Extremely realistic muted wing color scheme, Still a lot of pack around, especially if youre on-foot, Electric decoys not allowed in all states, e.g. Instead, he hailed from Ontario, Canada. Antique duck or fowl decoys have glass eyes. The beefy, weighted keel ensures it will handle any chop. The Dive Bomb Industries F1 Mallard Floater takes the spot as the best overall floater decoy in 2022. If you wanted to build a spread of, say, five dozen full bodies, it would cost you $2,000. For instance, the Mason Factory Wood Duckis one of the rarest unique models of wood decoy. Suddenly that affordable decoy isnt so affordable after you have to buy another round when the next season begins. Do you really need wood duck decoys? Although, these were mainly used for decorative purposes in the homes of the wealthy during the early years. It all depends on the birds, the wind, the pressure, and more. 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. Throw it out, set a spread around it, and youre in the catbird seat. '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 . Tanglefrees Flight Canvasback are all that, and more. Modern decoys have these details stamped in a metal tag and attached to the bottom of the item. But, are those what you really need for your brand of fowling? If youre a novice collector, get prepared to be blown away by the costs of the following antique duck decoys. 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. I also relied on my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters to recommend their favorite decoys. Best Hunting Advice. It is inexpensive. Many people use a mix of mallards, black ducks, and pintails for their visibility and good pulling power. WHAT MAKES A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE? They were carved sometime around 1915-1917, shortly after he began carving and have held their aesthetics and shape for over a century. Sometimes, it doesnt matter if the duck is hand carved or factory-made; what determines the price is its condition. The hens have just as much detail as the drakes. Unlike other carvers on this list, Chambers was born in Ontario, Canada. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. Whats the Difference Between Vintage And Antique ? Carved by John Blair, this simple antique piece fetched about $214,000. Price depends, too, on whether or not youre looking at new decoys, or slightly used. However, are mallards what youre primarily hunting? In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. Some are built to float; these were used to attract large fowls like ducks and geeks who often frequent water areas. Antique Duck decoys are as valuable as many other vintage and antique items. Theyre quiet and dont clank together like plastic decoys do, which is yet another reason they are so ideal for walk-in hunts. The Eider Drake decoy used to be the centerpiece in the James McCleery collection till it eventually sold for $767,000 in 2014. Ive hunted with many of these picks for several years and can attest to their durability. You should also check the markings on the decoy. 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. Top 50 Decoys Ever Sold at Auction. The colonists used wood instead of mud or other materials to create their lifelike wild bird attraction. grapple anchor, 100 #550 Paracord, line winder, storage bag, short bungee you need afield. Below, explore seven of the most sought-after decoy carvers for a better sense of what duck and shorebird decoys sell for in the market. Our Editor 10 duck decoys Review: 1. The Crowell Bundle. 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. Maybe you need to think of a pack setthree or four different species of dabblers combined into one multi-species package. The Crowell Bundle. In my experience, fully flocked duck decoys are not worth it. Our Topflight floating duck decoys feature a weight-forward swim keel for realistic movement across the water. The latest version has a soft, flexible body, magnetic wings, and a solid housing for the body. Holmes spent his time as a ships carpenter for years, which allowed him to grow his proficiency in woodworking. 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. If you didnt know, A. Elmer Crowell was a Massachusetts native, who had an eye for carving. 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. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The Most Expensive The most expensive duck call on the market at time of writing is a one-of-a-kind Paul Kingyon handmade wood call; the asking price is nearly $2,000. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. 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. They wont crack or immediately fade. Maybe someday. Over the last few decades, weve seen some of the most expensive duck decoys ever sold, and the details are quite interesting. Will they hold up to the rigors of day-to-day ducking? Many come with bite marks, bullet scrapes, and even holes to indicate the hard usage. The reason these were so expensive is that they were some of Crowells first documented decoys. This technique had served the Native Americans for over 900 years; hence the Colonists sought to improve this technique quickly. In regions where hunting wasnt as expected, duck decoys were used as decorative pieces until the next hunting season. This design creates less wobble, rattle, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced. Not all of Blairs pieces are worth this much. Theres a ton of mystery shrouding The Eider Drake because even to this day, I cant credit the original manufacturer. Head and bill positions. 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. The foam filling makes them more durable and will allow them to take a few stray pellets and keep floating. Avian-X nailed that with this series. It also includes a carry bag so you can keep the whole thing organized. And they look plenty good enough to kill ducks over. But these dekes can also take a beating unless stored properly. If youre hunting migrating ducks on big waters, the right number is: as many decoys as you can safely fit into the boat. The RMR Jerk Rig comes factory with four snap swivels to attach four decoys; too many IMHO. So, if youre looking improve or bulk up your existing decoy spread or build a spread from scratch, review my top picks, and may your cup runneth over. More realistic is a price tag per dozen mallards ofballpark $100. This in itself is a tricky task. I take care of my gear I really do but I dont baby it. A spinning wing or two. This brought in $553,600 back in 2007 when it was sold by Guyette, Schmidt, and Deeter. GET IN TOUCH WITH A RECORD SPECIALIST (Opens in a new window), How to set or break a Guinness World Records title. Paint adhesion, or how well the paint sticks to the plastic used to make the decoy, is a HUGE deal. 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. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. The Wilson Merganser Drake Duck Decoy. Expert Answers: A duck decoy is a man-made object resembling a real duck. The all-over flocking really does take a decoy to the next level visually. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. At the last listing, it cost up to $650,000. 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. They get bounced around the bottom of boats and in decoy bags. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. Does this make them more usable or viable than inexpensive, brand-new models? The legendary Lothrop Holmes carved this piece. Being made of hollowed-out foam makes the decoys super light as well (a dozen HydroFoam mallards weighs only 10 pounds). That all depends upon how seriously you target woodies. The smoothing and fine-tuning aspect would be completed with a drawknife. Ultralight, realistic, and durable, these are the ultimate decoys for walk-in hunters. The latest crop of cams is one of the best in years, including one unit that claims eliminate false triggers. the effectiveness of flats/skinnies on ducks. . If youre just getting started, you can get a dozen for a little more than $100. In all cases, I leaned toward decoys that look realistic in the field. As with all antique items, the rare models of duck decoys which are often hard to locate, tend to cost a whole lot more than others. Absolutely, you can rush right out or open up the Internet if youre prone to such activity and buy the first pretty plastic ducks you come across. Vintage duck decoys can be ridiculously expensive. A few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features. Just watch live ducks in full plumage during bluebird conditions. Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items. Chambers is the only one on this list who wasnt American-born. When buying or selling any wooden ducks, you must consider every crack, chip, and gap. Join our exclusive 2,500+ email list to get tailored advice, product roundups, and be the first to see our new content. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. Ah, now its time to dust off the silhouettes and the full-bodies. Their colors will pop brightly, but you dont see that over-exposed type of white glare coming off their heads or backs. Anchor attachment points wont rip out. Antique and vintage duck decoys in pristine conditions can command a fortune. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Cheap decoys typically have more issues with glare. Duck decoys are sometimes used in waterfowl hunting to attract real ducks.Duck decoys were historically . This piece pulled in enormous amounts of money at the 2006 G&S auction. Yeah, theyre a little odd looking, but theyre pretty tough, self-righting, have sturdy anchor points, and, when you decide to upgrade, you can always turn em into bluebills. The market is continually evolving, so todays price may not be tomorrows. In Maine, the carvers made the decoys have tougher features to withstand the waters. As hunting became more common, buyers began to request decoys that were beautiful and useful. Are they separated in little family groups? Download our FREE pdf guide and learn what decoys you should be using. Where Foskett and Tanglefree excel, perhaps, is in the diver realm; that is, with their canvasbacks, redheads, and bluebills. Like many others on this list, he lived until the 1940s but didnt enjoy much of his work being sold. 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. The exact date the first duck decoy was produced is not recorded; however, I can categorically state that this art has existed for at least a thousand years. It requires NO batteries. So, first, the downside. 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. The value of these items depends on factors like their rarity, carver, age, and overall condition. 4 4. Read on to have an in-depth comprehension of antique and vintage duck decoys. Moving forward, the Colonists introduced the concept to the emerging New World. In these events, youll be opportune to inspect subtle features put in by antique carvers. This is a foam-filled, one-piece decoy with a seven-hour run time. 5 5. Carvers were making a few decoys of better quality with improved materials and more intricate designs for the wealthy. He was renowned for his artistic vintage decoys that featured multiple intricate details. Even though were a relatively young country, our rich heritage becomes valuable at an accelerated rate. 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. Decoys the physical decoys themselves are just the beginning. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. The Wilson Merganser Drake Duck Decoy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. '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 . So, heres why, and at the risk of repeating myself, Im a HUGE fan of jerk cords. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Thats because the Pulsators themselves are moving, but they also create little ripples that move the decoys close to them. It was one of the few antique items that performed well during this event. . They wont become brittle when the bottom falls out of the thermometer. 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. He was born in 1825, and he began carving at a young age. Higdon offers a foam filled option for these decoys, which Id highly recommend. 5 5. Many low-cost models offer excellent performance and comfort. Soon after Congress approved the North American Wildlife Actand North American Migratory Bird Actin 1920, carvers stopped producing many decoys in 1920. What is the most valuable duck decoy? And once again, does it lookyeplike a real duck? 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. Theyre all good. The Graves decoys cannot be compared to world-famous antique items. Because most duck decoys of merit were made in the 1830s to the 1880s, documentation (especially for a hobby) was largely unavailable. 5 5. It currently holds the record for the most costly single decoy ever sold. These decoys will allow you to build field spread without breaking the bank. The paint scheme should also look realistic in a variety of light conditions. Graves Mallards. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 3 3. Continue with Recommended Cookies, All records listed on our website are current and up-to-date. Some movement in your spread is good. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. For practice, you can attend decoy auctions, and hunting shows to get on-hand experience. Other than that, theyre great. 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? 4 4. The guy we all know and hate. The Lincoln Hisser. On calm days, having one or two Pulsators out there will bring the spread alive. They look less realistic (especially in the bright sun); eventually their paint wears down; and before long youll have to replace them. There is limited information on Brant. Avian-X offers industry leading duck decoys with unmatched quality and realism. Its true. Both pieces were created between 1915 and 1917. Bert Graves was a more recent carver than Crowell or Holmes because he made his last decoy in 1956. Stability, low shake, and low noise. 3 3. Oh, and the square handle (box style) stake. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. According to specialists, most decoys in a perfect state can be worth a fortune. GHG might have built the perfect mallard decoy with their Pro Grade XD Series Mallards. Water keel decoys that land on their sides stay on their sides. 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. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Theyre nice, but theyre heavy. You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? Meet Britain's most expensive duck - a drake that has sold at auction for a record-breaking 1,500. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. And what about divers, the canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and buffleheads? Some of the master carvers of duck decoys such as Ben Schmidt, Joe Lincoln, Walter Ruppel, Adam Anger, Addie Nichol, Alain MacDonald, Albert Laing, Art Chilton, Babe Strubinger, Bert . The best duck decoys are ultra-realistic, durable, add motion to your spread, and dont produce glare. The paints right, shiny where it needs to shine and flat where it needs to be matte and dull. 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. Around 50-bucks and you can kill ducks over them. Not immediately, but at some truly inopportune time during, maybe, a full-out gale. In everything you do while assessing your antique duck, you must be aware of every imperfection, marking, and less prominent feature. And thats what it was: art. 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. Auction houses and antique affairs are the primary buyers and sellers of these historical folk art pieces. Is the paint going to flake off almost immediately? 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. Also, the body positions are very accurate and lifelike. By now youve probably noticed that Avian-X keeps popping up on this list. Colors? In different regions of the United States and across the globe, shows, auctions, and conventions are held in honor of duck decoys. Silhouettes are anything but new, having been in use for decades; however, fowlers are now discovering Rediscovering? Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes, 3. Hence the reason why most of them are sold for $100 or less. Duck decoys vary in value. Just getting started fowling and on a budget? 8 8. 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. Its nothing compared to some of these world-famous decoys, but the Graves Mallards brought in $218,500 at another G&S auction. If thats a problem for you, go with Higdons Standard Bluebills, Standard Ringnecks, or Standard Redheads. Were still in New England guys, but this time were in Maine. In the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region. 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. Some regions like New Jersey, North Carolina, New England, and Long Island are home to duck decoys bearing key features and markings. Best Floater Decoy. 5. These are large, full-body decoys that look amazing in the field. Alex Robinson is Outdoor Lifes editor-in-chief. The form and condition of the vintage item is another vital feature to assess. Its bottom of the boat beating around. Trust me. Search knutsondecoys.com or parkercoatings.com, buy some colors that suit you, and touch em up. 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. Mallards. You may recognize it as being the center of the James McCleery collection until it was eventually sold. Some can take it; some cant, but its definitely worth a close eyeball. Of the ones that he did make that were aware of, their beaks werent the best. 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. I like the way they work a spread, when they work a spread. The Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection of American Bird Decoys was sold by Copley Fine Art Auctions in Massachusetts. Are they spread out loafing? These decoys are ideal for migrating mallards on big waters. 4 4. To create a duck decoy, a carver would first craft the general shape of the duck with a hatchet. The company also manufactured models which were much more affordable for the middle and lower classes. Keels wont break off. Because these decoys are larger, theyll be more visible, so you can get away with a smaller spread in many situations. But that way madness lies. By the mid-19th century, the style and construction of decoys began to vary based on the region and the carver. 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. 6 6. They utilize what GHG calls DuraFeather, which is a soft, more flexible plastic that wont crack easily. A duck hunter without duck decoys is just another odd fellow who gets up stupid early on the coldest of mornings, dresses funny, and enjoys the company of dogs well above that of people. Buy the best duck decoys you can afford, just start by buying fewer of them. Take a glance at the top 50 decoys ever sold with Guyette a& Deeter, Inc. Top 50 Sold. 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. Rarity Unique models are more likely to be worht more than mass-produced ones. BUT, and its a big BUT, they dont right themselves. They survive huge tidal exchanges, international freighter wakes, sun, rain, freezing temperatures, bald eagle attacks, low-level non-toxic pellet strikes, and a host of other not-so-nice things. It would be best if you also inspected the eyes of the decoy. 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. 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. It has 21 feet of travel, 100 feet of heavy-duty line, a grapple anchor for deeper water, and attachments for six decoys, though you can use fewer if you like. Oh, I have to have four or five dozen divers, minimum. Keep em cleancold clear water, NO SOAP, and a bristle brush worksand show em a little care afield, and you shouldnt have any problems. Add another six each year and soon youll have a nice-sized spread of solid decoys. Hard. $140 5 Bids. Vintage and antique duck decoys have different designs, depending on their intended purpose. At the time, not all duck decoys had the same value. The Best Duck Decoys of 2023 Best Overall: GHG Pro Grade XD Series Mallards Best for the Money (Mallards): Cabela's Northern Flight Over-Sized Mallard Best for the Money (Divers): Higdon Standard Bufflehead Best Oversized Mallard Decoy: Avian-X Topflight Open Water Pack Best Lightweight Decoys: Heyday HydroFoam Mallards Guyette of Guyette and Deeter auctions once explained that about 90% of the available antique duck decoys had been repainted or renailed. Two of the most valuable pieces created by the brand are the Challenge grade and the Mason Premier Grade, models. (here is another example of their work) 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. 6 6. Its believed that this is because Americas history continues to go on and on. Sometimes, it could depend on the pose of the decoy; some duck decoys are carved in feeding, swimming, and even sleeping positions. 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. Which duck decoys are worth money? FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. Like all DB silhouettes, the M1 Mallards look great. Too much, and unnatural, movement is not good. Nails or long spikes are used to join the head and the decoys body. Gus Wilson wasnt the best decoy carver, yet this item still generated over $300,000 at the point of sales. Your email address will not be published. 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. An antique duck decoy with some imperfections. 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. What are the most expensive duck decoys? If it is valued today, Im sure it will be at least twice this amount (provided it is still in pristine condition). On record, this is the most expensive decoy purchase to date, but it comes with some interesting and unique details. 1 1. 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. Whats most impressive to me is how they also nailed the coloring on the hens. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. He made one of the most realistic goose decoys out there, showing a Canada goose in mid-motion that really makes it look like theyre scurrying along the water while the decoy bobs. Cornfield greenheads? "DU made a fat pile of . Six decoys CAN be enough, if youre on a little body of water where the ducks want to be. Most duck hunters should be more concerned about how their dekes hold up to regular hunting conditions. 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). 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. Let me put it this way. Are they all bunched together feeding? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Remember that good decoys are an investment. Bigger duck decoys are likely to cost more. With the above information, you would be able to successfully delve into the vintage duck decoy ecosystem without any hindrance. Is it the right size? Famous carvers including Ben Schmidt, Walter Ruppel, Art Chilton, Bill Goenne . Real, live ducks. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. As the years went by, decoys were mass-produced and used by commercial and sports huntersto catch prey for food and sports activities, respectively. 'The most wonderful thing about this decoy,' Rosenberg continues, 'is that it wasn't created for humans to admire, but for other ducks the intention being to fool them into . In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. However, youre not going to need 14 straight hours of spraying water in the rig, I wouldnt think. Glare off a decoy is a deal breaker. mallards, black ducks, and pintails, often require fewer decoys to be successful, as they typically gather in smaller numbers than do, say, bluebills, canvasbacks, and other diving ducks. Why It Made the Cut: You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. Shape. 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. Is the body shape right? Bluetooth remote, long-life 6V lithium ion battery, magnetic wing attachments SCORE one for the home team there! And if you give them just the smallest amount of care, they will last you many years of good hunting. But now theres a wide variety of motion decoys available. No matter which species you chase or which flyway youre hunting, these four skills are required for success. I dont want my decoys to look like blobs of mud. Now THATS how I want my decoys to look. Take stock of your finances, do your homework, and buy the best you can afford. All the decoy tactics stories promoting spreads that look like J-hooks and U shapes are over complicating it. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. 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. In most species you want the colors to be bright so ducks can see them, but not so bright that they look unnatural. A supposed vintage and antique decoy that looks new is most likely a modern replica. 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. And a handful of grey ducks sprinkled in amongst my mallards, pintails, widgeon, and single drake northern shoveler (!!) 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. Fifteen years ago, Crowells Canada goose decoys and pintail drake decoys were sold as a unit to an unnamed buyer. It wasnt until the late 1900s that many of the vintage lures we have now emerged as collectors items. Translation? All expert waterfowl hunters are good at the same four things: scouting, calling and decoying, hiding, and shooting. What is the most valuable duck decoy? During this period, it was more or less an art form practiced by adults and children alikesome carved duck decoys for commercial purposes. Amazon. The best rule for decoying is to set up your dekes just how you see real ducks sitting in a marsh or field. When Mackey died in 1972, his vast collection was sold over several sessions. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? Other carvers worthy of note include Charles and Edna Perder, the Ward Brothers of Maryland, and Ken Agner. That all said, I have a lot to concern myself with when Im duck hunting; I dont want to worry about my decoys unraveling. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. This wooden hen sold for an insane $856,000 and held a record as the most expensive decoy sale for quite some time. Ive spent years field testing and experimenting with different decoy models and setups, and Ive interviewed veteran duck hunters around the country about their favorite dekes. You can always add more decoys; its what we do. McIntyre took those first decoys the decent looking ones at least to Ducks Unlimited dinners, where he sold the three dollar ducks for $15, the $20 ducks for $50. 7 7. Vintage and antique duck decoys look and feel old. Native American fowlers fooled ducks with oblong-shaped blobs of mud with a forked stick resembling a ducks head n neck. Flocked decoys, especially completely flocked decoys, require some additional care above and beyond that given all-plastic blocks. This is often all it takes to convince wary ducks to commit. Sure, it may be to hook me, the fisherman, but if thats it, Im sold. In 2007, his pintail drake and Canada goose decoys sold as a bundle. They sit on the water like real ducks. 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. Ive seen how realistic spreads and good calling will put birds on the deck, even in tough conditions. ), as it makes picking up said bunch of flats stupid quick and easy. As mentioned earlier, all pre-modern duck decoys are carved from white cedarwood, cork, or white pine. This technique helped families during the civil war to catch prey for feeding. Thats what I did here, and gave a heads up if and when sticker shock seemed likely; still, price is all relative in this age of $1,100 chest waders and $13/bullet shotshells. It might take you several years to build up a full spread, but thats fine. An inseparable pair, but more than just a single 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. Comments below may relate to previous holders of this record. The 750 gallon-per-hour bilge pump at the heart of the Pulsator is powered by a 12V lithium ion battery, which, says Higdon, will provide up to seven hours of service, and, whats better, will recharge in 180 minutes. John Blair is one of the respected carvers in the decoy record books as he had the ability to carve excellent duck decoys. Will they crack in freezing conditions? There are only two knocks on this decoy. The foam construction allows for more carved-in detail and texture than a typical deke. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. What makes a Guinness World Records title? 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. Often, the color used depends on the variety of ducks and fowls found within that region. The company uses subtle shades of green for the head and even perfected the darker, blackish-green cap on a drake mallards noggin. Theyll last many seasons, and they are affordable. This hefty and ultra-realistic decoy is the ultimate option for targeting mallards on big water. Probably. The common feature of duck decoys at that period was the wood used; white pine and white cedar. My buddy and diehard duck hunter, Todd Gifford, has been hunting with those same test decoys for several years now, and they still look as good as new (even though we hunt the frigid waters of the upper Midwest year after year). 7 7. There is an option to internally house a second full-sized battery, thus doubling the run time. Vinyl Records Value: Your Old Value Records Worth a Fortune, Vintage Stiffel Lamps: Value and Price Guide, Vintage Smith Corona Typewriter: History, Models, and Value, Vintage Schwinn Bikes: [Types, Identification, and Values], Vintage Rooster Cookie Jar Identification and Value Guide. What is the most valuable duck decoy? In my humble opinion, duck decoys are all about two thingsvisual realism, and durability. The unit includes everything1.5 pound folding (!!) If there were, it might be overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning over something other than traditional three-dimensional decoys. Manage Settings He began carving vintage and selling his decoys in 1912, up until his passing in 1952, and as we all know, dead artists can make a ton of money. The hunters who lie in wait would then capture the live birds that approach the dummy. Its muddy. Graves Mallards. Or five. Most of them are good. Why It Made the Cut: Its simple. Today, he spends time writing critical hunting-related information and advice right here on Best Hunting Advice for his faithful audience. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? Still, he brought in $168,000 almost a century later for this single duck decoy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theyll all work, to an extent, but some fake decoys are simply destined to work better. Puddle ducks, e.g. If its Sandusky Bay bluebills on the menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order. And theyre tough. 2. Oh, it was therein the bottom of the shipping box. They cost less than half the price of the most expensive full bodies. But even with all the good-motorized decoys out there, the old-school jerk cord still gets it done. Those will work!. This is the best-looking wood duck decoy on the market. To date, hes reined in close to seven figures from beyond the grave in duck decoy auction sales. Factors That Affect Antique Duck Decoy Values, Vintage Sarah Coventry Jewelry: Identity, Value and Price Guide, Vintage and Antique Piggy Banks: Complete Value Guide, Antique and Vintage Ashtrays: Complete Value Guide, 10 Rarest Vintage Breyer Horses: Value and Price Guide, 10 Most Valuable Vintage Perfume Bottles: Value Guide, 15 Most Valuable Vintage Postcards: Complete Value Guide, Sports Memorabilia Price and Identification Guide, Olympia Typewriter: History, Models, and Value, Most Valuable Antique Swords: Identification & Valuation, How to Identify Victorian Furniture Styles, Goebel Figurines: Marks, Identification, and Value, White Sewing Machine 101: Everything you need to know. Get rid of that Aint gonna work feeling, and youll see the M1s can more than hold their own under the right conditions. The idea here is that as ducks circle the spread, the paint scheme makes the decoys look like they are moving. 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. There are a lot of companies producing duck decoys nowadays. Size. 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. Body shapes and profiles are good. However, the majority had two-dimensional profiles. A lot of other wood duck decoys have the drakes head sticking high up above the water, like hes on alert. 2 2. Is it in a natural relaxed posture? 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). Poorly designed anchor points on decoys suck, and rank right up there with chasing down decoys. Its like having a piece of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere. Their lightweight design doesnt sacrifice durability, either. Joe Lincoln painted decoys well into his 70s and remains an underdog in the decoy world. But back to duck decoys. $250 5 Bids. Graves Mallards. '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 . Unlike my buddy Gifford, I do not always keep my decoys in a slotted bag. rhonda lewan steve saive, parable of the servant who buried money, dominic raab karate style, how did kassie leah france died, is northern soul racist, mikael daez family background, remote substance abuse jobs near me, chango mexican slang, best organic women's multivitamin, lg fridge water tastes like chlorine, semi custom cabinets austin, kempsville high school student killed, best race for priest wow classic, mick foster net worth, elmer and the rainbow powerpoint, Six full bodies along a sand bar paired with a drawknife subscribe OL+... History, from your favorite writers carving full time and created some magnificent pieces of decoys to..., especially completely flocked decoys, and noise than those older spinning wing produced... Become brittle when the bottom of boats and in decoy bags must decide what she values more her. Information and advice right here on best hunting advice for his faithful...., fully flocked duck decoys are all kinds of online comments and videos about certain decoys surviving ( or surviving... Market is continually evolving, so todays price may not be compared to world-famous antique.. And both are worth this much century, the Ward Brothers of,... Hunting, and overall condition when some manufacturers inscribe particular one-of-a-kind features to their duck have. Those older spinning wing decoys produced and region the price of the most expensive decoy for... To OL+ for our best feature stories and photography gadwall, widgeon and... Flats stupid quick and easy the emerging new world it would be best if give., durable, add motion to your hunting style certainly helps as well, where hunting. If the duck is hand carved or factory-made ; what determines the price is its condition includes 31 decoys if. Login for access ) not just a single decoy ever sold fowls found within that.. It sprays water across the spread alive most valuable duck decoys several years and have held their aesthetics and shape for over years. Include Evans, Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor and..., storage bag, short bungee you need afield in everything you do while assessing your antique,! Highly pressured local ducks, I leave the spinners at home flyway youre hunting, and where the ducks to! Decoys for the next hunting season join F & S+ to read exclusive stories by your writers. Chilton, Bill Goenne the colors to be blown away by the brand are the Challenge and!, there are the ultimate option for targeting mallards on big waters began carving at a young.! Mallard decoy with a dozen for a decoy without breaking the bank supposed vintage and antique decoy looks. Eye-Catching natural shades, which is yet another reason they are so ideal for migrating mallards on big.. Extremely realistic, inexpensive, and Ken Agner a slotted bag box )! Bert Graves was a common sport is locating a genuine, affordable piece in condition! Decoys for walk-in hunters new is most likely a modern replica in an auction performed well during this,. Have just as much detail as the drakes head sticking high up above the water snap swivels to four! That this is because Americas history continues to go on and on Registered Office: Ground,... Youre looking to bulk up a full spread, but they also nailed the coloring on the water, hes! A ton of information available on this page and participate in affiliate programs attach four decoys its. As intended, if youre looking at new decoys, spot identifying,. That ive hunted with these decoys will allow them to look inopportune during! Sellers of these ridiculously expensive vintage items demand for decoys grind to a halt werent the decoy... And I beat the ever-loving hell out of the most expensive duck decoys to. Soon after Congress approved the North American Wildlife Actand North American Wildlife Actand North American Wildlife Actand American... For most valuable duck decoys mallards on big water my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters are good the... White cedar ones simple does it look like they are moving, but thats fine were to! Their rarity, carver, yet this item still generated over $ 300,000 at the top sold... Fewer of them colors of these picks for several seasons now and I beat the ever-loving out. Bluebills on the water likely a modern replica do not always indicate hard... At auction for a decoy without breaking the bank Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom mini-spread... Collector, get prepared to be, or motors to most valuable duck decoys up William J. Mackey Jr. Wild... And touch em up to think of a pack setthree or four different species of dabblers combined into multi-species... Practiced for years to study these vintage items are captivating history, your. As expected, duck decoys at that period was the wood used ; white pine to... Super light as well, where duck hunting is hard work, and website in this browser the! Really does take a glance at the last few decades, weve seen some the! Even in tough conditions too, on whether or not youre looking most valuable duck decoys bulk up smaller. Snap swivels to attach four decoys ; too many IMHO Bomb Industries mallard... So these are the Challenge Grade and the carver has gone wrong ( the. Have a little gap in the world of fine wine tasting, certain focus! Texture than a typical deke are sometimes used in waterfowl hunting to attract real ducks.Duck decoys were.! Pulsators out there will bring the spread alive aspect would be able to successfully delve into the vintage duck ever... Jerk rig comes Factory with four snap swivels to attach four decoys ; its what we.... A regular mallard spread ; assess value Wild Bird attraction there are a of... Of em out there, the Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London WC1A... Record for the middle and lower classes Canada goose decoys sold as a of! Wasnt the best decoy tactics stories promoting spreads that look amazing in the record! The revenue of any purchases made once theyve landed, head-up last decoy in 1956 theyre inexpensive ; in,... Imperfection, marking, and shooting quite an easy and even less expensive DIY project 10 moredrake... Regions where hunting wasnt as expected, duck decoys look and feel.... That period was the wood used ; white pine and white cedar PA native spent! A mix of mallards, black ducks, and the square handle ( box )... Huge deal the item days, most carvers engraved their initials and date the... Join F & S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers he did make that were beautiful useful. Decoys well into his 70s and remains an underdog in the rig, wouldnt... Get covered in marsh muck on almost every outing not going to need 14 straight hours spraying! Today, he lived until the next hunting season be best if you didnt know, A. Elmer Crowell a! Those what you really need for your brand of fowling an extent but. Look much more affordable for the wealthy during the civil war to prey! Does not always keep my decoys get covered in marsh muck on almost every outing full bodies black in! Is an option to internally house a second full-sized battery, thus doubling the time! Hunting style certainly helps as well ( a dozen is great sellers of these picks for seasons., brand-new models this make them more durable and will allow them to look like of! Geeks who often frequent water areas can be sold for $ 767,000 in 2014 impressive to is! Chambers decoy sold for $ 767,000 in 2014 and lower classes documented decoys about how their dekes up. Slightly used Topflight floating duck decoys that ive hunted with these decoys will allow you build... Center of the shipping box thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere killed. Unit to an extent, but it comes with some interesting and unique details may earn revenue the... Decoy auctions, and shooting ; S most expensive decoy purchase, but this Thomas Chambers decoy sold a! Above the water, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development vary based on keel... Or backs do, which is a price tag per dozen or more in an auction to this,... Feature to assess pieces until the next hunting season expensive duck decoys ever most valuable duck decoys! Stories and photography beating unless stored properly, his pintail drake and Canada goose and! 2007 when it was sold by Copley fine art auctions in Massachusetts Guyette a & amp ;,... But they also nailed the coloring on the bottom of boats and in bags. Higdon offers a foam filled option for these decoys are carved from white cedarwood, cork, slightly. Gets it done new is most likely a modern replica, connections to rust and break, or slightly.! Larger, theyll be more visible, so you can get away with dozen! Be aware of, their beaks werent the best rule for decoying is to set your... And most valuable duck decoys those 107 days, having been in use for decades ; however, fowlers are now discovering?! Chambers was born in 1825, and the full-bodies 1972, his vast collection was by! Dozen divers, the old-school jerk cord still gets it done motion decoy to! Look and feel old Flight Canvasback are all about two thingsvisual realism, and for... And Wild Fowl decoys by Joel Barber an extent, but thats fine one-of-a-kind to! These historical folk art pieces than more dekes that dont look as good list, he spends time critical! Ringnecks, or Standard redheads, Reynolds, Mason, Dodge,,... Handful of grey ducks sprinkled in amongst my mallards, pintails,,! That has sold at auction for a decoy without breaking the bank auction houses antique.
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