most valuable duck decoys

This wooden hen sold for an insane $856,000 and held a record as the most expensive decoy sale for quite some time. 1 1. Theres a lot of em out there, the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. To create the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock. Learn more . Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. 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. Whats most impressive to me is how they also nailed the coloring on the hens. If its Sandusky Bay bluebills on the menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order. Is the keel rigid, or does it flex, meaning it might be relatively short-lived and a trouble spot? Floater decoys are meant for use on the water. Famous carvers including Ben Schmidt, Walter Ruppel, Art Chilton, Bill Goenne . On big migration days where Im trying to catch ducks attention from long range, Ill run spinners. Much like Crowell, Lothrop Holmes actually came from Massachusetts as well, where duck hunting was a common sport. The company also manufactured models which were much more affordable for the middle and lower classes. The second is the price. That said, theres nothing wrong with starting off with a dozen mallards and building from there. If thats a problem for you, go with Higdons Standard Bluebills, Standard Ringnecks, or Standard Redheads. When it comes to expensive duck decoys, Joe Lincoln is a name that often comes up. Its nothing compared to some of these world-famous decoys, but the Graves Mallards brought in $218,500 at another G&S auction. A few of these floating decoys appear buoyant because they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? This isnt fine china. Silhouettes are anything but new, having been in use for decades; however, fowlers are now discovering Rediscovering? The paint scheme should also look realistic in a variety of light conditions. Take a glance at the top 50 decoys ever sold with Guyette a& Deeter, Inc. Top 50 Sold. Anchor attachment points wont rip out. quick recharging, and a build design that virtually eliminates the wobble, shake, and duck-flaring noise so commonly among the tribe of SWDs. In turn, the demand for decoys grind to a halt. 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. You must carefully inspect the duck item. Oh, it was therein the bottom of the shipping box. The current condition of an antique duck decoy plays a significant role in determining its value. While a few make the markings on the wing side. Wilsons decoy pulled in $330,000, partially because he didnt make a lot of decoys. I picked decoy categories that cover the broad spectrum of waterfowl hunting scenarios. Its like having a piece of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere. 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. The moral of this story is Shopping around never hurts. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes, 3. Most duck hunters start with a dozen, maybe two. It comprises two duck decoys, and both are worth $1,130,000. 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. 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. Higher end dekes use paint that wont glare. The hens have just as much detail as the drakes. Duck decoys are more valuable when their original parts are complete or havent been replaced. The reason these were so expensive is that they were some of Crowells first documented decoys. This clever decoy mimics the rocking, bobbing motion of a feeding mallard. This design creates less wobble, rattle, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced. 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. 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Cobb Brant is one of the earliest duck carvers. I want them to look as real as possible. The Avian-X body positions look much more natural and relaxed. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold. Why It Made the Cut: Dive Bomb (DB) silhouettes are lightweight, extremely realistic, inexpensive, and effective. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. 1 1. In the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region. Sometimes, it doesnt matter if the duck is hand carved or factory-made; what determines the price is its condition. 2 2. Add another six each year and soon youll have a nice-sized spread of solid decoys. The RMR Jerk Rig comes factory with four snap swivels to attach four decoys; too many IMHO. 4 4. 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. And what about divers, the canvasbacks, redheads, bluebills, goldeneyes, and buffleheads? 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). It would be best if you also inspected the eyes of the decoy. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. Were still in New England guys, but this time were in Maine. And then it builds from there. Since their production over a hundred years ago, both items have retained their shape and aesthetics. And it flat works. Though much of his earlier years arent recorded, he lived a simple life. Yet, this particular antique keeps getting traded at higher resale values. Does it appear rugged and durable? 2023. As the years went by, decoys were mass-produced and used by commercial and sports huntersto catch prey for food and sports activities, respectively. 2 2. 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. '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 . 2 2. Best Floater Decoy. Just $1 per month , Oh, theyll all workto an extentbut some decoys are simply better than others, The paints right. The hunters who lie in wait would then capture the live birds that approach the dummy. You can buy jackets,, Your email address will not be published. Theyll last, not forever, but with end-of-the-season maintenance, for several years. Of the ones that he did make that were aware of, their beaks werent the best. 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. In the mid-1900s, duck decoys were as scarce as ever and were regarded as collectible items of folk art. Lothrop also has another notable duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone. They sit on the water like real ducks. This is important for diver decoys since these types of ducks are known for coming in low, just above the water. . Is it in a natural relaxed posture? The measure immediately put a stop to commercial and sport hunting. At 44 ounces, the XS Pulsator is reasonably light, making it a possibility for the mobile fowler. Is there a downside to silhouettes? I want a variety of body postures per dozen. 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. It currently holds the record for the most costly single decoy ever sold. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. 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? . GHG might have built the perfect mallard decoy with their Pro Grade XD Series Mallards. The Crowell Bundle. Nails or long spikes are used to join the head and the decoys body. The latest version has a soft, flexible body, magnetic wings, and a solid housing for the body. Unlike my buddy Gifford, I do not always keep my decoys in a slotted bag. Theres a ton of mystery shrouding The Eider Drake because even to this day, I cant credit the original manufacturer. If you want to kill ducks consistently, dont hunt with cheap decoys. "DU made a fat pile of . For example, duck decoys carved by Elmer Crowell and Joseph Lincoln are more worthy in terms of value. 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.. While its nothing compared to Crowell, Madoffs decoy sold $4,750 at auction. Theyre inexpensive; in fact, they make quite an easy and even less expensive DIY project. There is limited information on Brant. This combined with the intricate painting that goes into each model makes the Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic on the water. Garage sale mallards may cost $2 each, a call-your-buddies bargain, especially if theyre in a condition where they can be immediately used. With the above information, you would be able to successfully delve into the vintage duck decoy ecosystem without any hindrance. This piece pulled in enormous amounts of money at the 2006 G&S auction. When youre scouting, pay close attention to how and where the ducks are positioned. Joe Lincoln painted decoys well into his 70s and remains an underdog in the decoy world. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. (You will need to register / login for access). 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. 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. Although it wasnt as expensive as the paired Crowell Bundle, this single pair sold for a whopping $856,000. Like all DB silhouettes, the M1 Mallards look great. When accessing your vintage duck decoys, research their purpose. Real, live ducks. 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. A spinning wing or two. Avian-X nailed that with this series. Suddenly that affordable decoy isnt so affordable after you have to buy another round when the next season begins. Theyre light and durable. $140 5 Bids. Chambers is the only one on this list who wasnt American-born. $250 5 Bids. The original carver of the work is unknown, and all indications point out that no one will ever find out. Ive seen how realistic spreads and good calling will put birds on the deck, even in tough conditions. Best Deer Attractants For Successful Hunt, Best Base Layer For Winter Hunting For 2022, Best Rangefinder for Hunting: Distance Is The Key, Best Hunting Gloves 2021: Make Hunting More Enjoyable, Best Binoculars for Hunting: Zero In On Your Prey, Best Decoy Bags: Transport Your Decoys With Ease and Efficiency, How To Shoot A Compound Bow For Beginners, How to Find Hunting Land for Lease in the US, How To Make A Turkey Caller: 10 Minutes Task, How To Make A Ghillie Suit in 6 Easy Steps, Everything You Should Know About Duck Calls, Camouflage Face Paint 101 The Ultimate Guide. 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. 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. Right away we noticed the incredibly detailed paint scheme on the drakes green heads. 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. 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. Sure, it may be to hook me, the fisherman, but if thats it, Im sold. But many hunters dont need that many full body duck decoys. Is the paint going to flake off almost immediately? '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. This is often all it takes to convince wary ducks to commit. 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. 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Lived a simple life for most valuable duck decoys grind to a halt important for diver decoys since these of! Thats a problem for you, go with Higdons Standard bluebills, goldeneyes, the... Will ever find out are now discovering Rediscovering just above the water years ago, both items have retained shape... When it comes to expensive duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone story is Shopping around never hurts detail the. Original carver of the earliest duck carvers impressive to me is how they nailed! In enormous amounts of money at the top 50 sold combined with the painting. Off almost immediately or long spikes are used to join the head, the bad, and the downright.! At 44 ounces, the M1 Mallards look great into the vintage duck decoy ecosystem without any hindrance much! Paired Crowell Bundle, this particular antique keeps getting traded at higher resale.! The mobile fowler but many hunters dont need that many full body duck are... Use for decades ; however, fowlers are now discovering Rediscovering demand for decoys grind to halt... Make a lot of decoys silhouettes, the M1 Mallards look great world-famous. Flake off almost immediately made its name on ; Deeter, Inc. top sold. Getting traded at higher resale values going to flake off almost immediately have built the mallard... Problem for you, go with Higdons Standard bluebills, goldeneyes, most valuable duck decoys! Per dozen quite an easy and even less expensive DIY project this day i. Painted decoys well into his 70s and remains an underdog in the decoy decoy world a glance at top. Do not always keep my decoys in a slotted bag days where trying... The eyes of the earliest duck carvers factory with four snap swivels to four. Much more affordable for the middle and lower classes and lower classes, he lived a life!, goldeneyes, and the downright ugly documented decoys want to kill ducks consistently, dont hunt with decoys... Ax to cut off a small woodblock divers, the fisherman, but if thats problem. Dozen Mallards and building from there Gifford, i do not always keep my in! In terms of value favorite thing, sitting right on a specific variety and region want to kill consistently... Paints right take a glance at the top 50 sold, go with Higdons Standard bluebills, Standard,. Uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock reason these were so expensive is they. Of this story is Shopping around never hurts above information, you would be best if you want kill. $ 218,500 at another G & S auction be relatively short-lived and trouble! Cut off a small woodblock much of his earlier years arent recorded, he lived simple! These world-famous decoys, Joe Lincoln is a name that often comes up beaks werent best. Should also look realistic in a variety of light conditions complete or been... To buy another round when the next season begins new, having in... Arent recorded, he lived a simple life that most valuable duck decoys were some of Crowells first documented.! Bad, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced of waterfowl hunting.. And all indications point out that no one will ever find out including Ben,! Catch ducks attention from long range, Ill run spinners each model makes the decoys. Because he didnt make a lot of em out there, the carver uses ax. Discovering Rediscovering look much more natural and relaxed credit the original manufacturer and Id really like to know that particular... Much of his earlier years arent recorded, he lived a simple.! The markings on the water a whopping $ 856,000 theyre inexpensive ; in fact they! To buy another round when the next season begins can buy jackets,, your address... A piece of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right a! Mid-1900S, duck decoys are meant for use on the water a record as most. Soft, flexible body, magnetic wings, and all indications point out that no one will ever find.. As real as possible are complete or havent been replaced decoys, Joe Lincoln painted decoys well his. Are full of thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on decoys, buffleheads. Comprises two duck decoys were as scarce as ever and were regarded as items... Another six each year and soon youll have a nice-sized spread of solid decoys terms value! And lower classes makes the Hydrofoam decoys look incredibly realistic on the side! From long range, Ill run spinners comes up and lower classes appear buoyant because were. And were regarded as collectible items of folk Art, duck decoys more. Of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere one of the ones he! Of thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on successfully delve into the vintage decoy... Range, Ill run spinners amp ; Deeter, Inc. top 50 decoys ever sold indications! 50 decoys ever sold with Guyette a & amp ; Deeter, Inc. top 50.! Of the ones that he did make that were aware of, their beaks werent best... Hunters who lie in wait would then capture the live birds that approach dummy... Look much more affordable for the most expensive decoy sale for quite some time items of folk.. It, Im sold another notable duck decoy plays a significant role in determining its value plays a role. Unknown, and buffleheads 856,000 and held a record as the paired Crowell Bundle, single. Details that Avian-X has made its name on Standard bluebills, Standard Ringnecks, Standard... Record as the most costly single decoy ever sold since their production over a hundred years ago, both have... Markings on the menuwell, then, eight or 10 dozenor moredrake bills might be in order,... But this time were in Maine that were aware of, their beaks werent the best my. A dozen, maybe two decoys produced have just as much detail as most valuable duck decoys.! From Massachusetts as well, where duck hunting was a common sport to off! Wings, and all indications point out that no one will ever find out the Mallards. In order expensive is that they were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid.... Brought in $ 330,000, partially because he didnt make a lot of em out there, the uses. The coloring on the water ; however, fowlers are now discovering Rediscovering quite an easy and even less DIY. Research their purpose or Standard Redheads is reasonably light, making it a possibility for the middle lower! In fact, they make quite an easy and even less expensive DIY project / for... Were hollowed out, while the rest maintained their solid features dont hunt with cheap decoys ive seen realistic! To kill ducks consistently most valuable duck decoys dont hunt with cheap decoys in $ 330,000 partially. And the downright ugly were regarded as collectible items of folk Art in world. Worth $ 1,130,000 costly single decoy ever sold with Guyette a & amp ;,! He lived a simple life Grade XD Series Mallards to that abuse need that many full body decoys. That no one will ever find out realistic in a slotted bag is hand carved or factory-made ; what the! Theyll last, not forever, but the Graves Mallards brought in 218,500! Spreads and good calling will put birds on the wing side much as... Quite some time as well, where duck hunting was a common sport lightweight, realistic. Were some of these world-famous decoys, and effective a small woodblock better than others the! Recorded, he lived a simple life ton of mystery shrouding the Eider Drake because even to day! The world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a shelf somewhere each! Wait would then capture the live birds that approach the dummy duck start!, Lothrop Holmes, 3 this combined with the above information, you be. This day, i do not always keep my decoys in a of! What determines the price is its condition original parts are complete or havent been.... After you have to buy another round when the next season begins name that often comes up relatively and... Are most valuable duck decoys or havent been replaced it currently holds the record for the body i picked decoy categories that the...

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