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. 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. Many of Gus pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced. Gus Wilson wasnt the best decoy carver, yet this item still generated over $300,000 at the point of sales. With the above information, you would be able to successfully delve into the vintage duck decoy ecosystem without any hindrance. Like all DB silhouettes, the M1 Mallards look great. Why It Made the Cut: Diver decoys need to be tough and highly visible. 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. Graves Mallards. An original Elmer Crowell black duck in the best condition can be sold for $2,000 or more in an auction. Six decoys CAN be enough, if youre on a little body of water where the ducks want to be. There are only two knocks on this decoy. 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 once again, does it lookyeplike a real duck? The Cabelas Norther Flight Over-Sized Mallards are a good middle ground. Stephen B. OBrien Jr with the record breaking pair of Duck Decoy by Elmer Crowell. Some movement in your spread is good. 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. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. Some of his pieces have been sold for less than $20,000. What are you going to hunt? Why It Made the Cut: Its simple. Cant ask for more out of a decoy. In 2007, his pintail drake and Canada goose decoys sold as a bundle. The value of these items depends on factors like their rarity, carver, age, and overall condition. Poorly designed anchor points on decoys suck, and rank right up there with chasing down decoys. But if youre targeting divers specifically, it helps to have a couple dozen diver decoys bobbing around the spread. Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. If youve seen a mature hen woodie in the fall, you know they have nuanced (and beautiful) hues mixed in with all that brown. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. Like many others on this list, he lived until the 1940s but didnt enjoy much of his work being sold. Truth is, nobody has a definitive answer on that, and we likely never will. They have a little gap in the plastic that a Texas rig or decoy line could break through. 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. 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. Is there a downside to silhouettes? Paint wont erode. If youre new to field hunting and set on starting a duck spread, these shells would be a good place to start. As it bobs, it sprays water across the spread like ducks are really getting after it. Duck Decoys. There are hundreds of valuable duck decoys worldwide. Cobb Brant is one of the earliest duck carvers. These factories include Evans, Reynolds, Mason, Dodge, Stevens, Victor, and Peterson. FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. Higher end dekes use paint that wont glare. Some manufacturers inscribe particular one-of-a-kind features to their duck decoys. Cornfield greenheads? He was renowned for his artistic vintage decoys that featured multiple intricate details. 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. 5 5. Probably. 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. Most of these decoys will, on any given day, fool a mallard or two, but theres a hell of a lot more to consistently decoying ducks than merely buying a dozen Brand X mallards and tossing em out willy-nilly. 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. 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. 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. However, youre not going to need 14 straight hours of spraying water in the rig, I wouldnt think. quick recharging, and a build design that virtually eliminates the wobble, shake, and duck-flaring noise so commonly among the tribe of SWDs. No matter which species you chase or which flyway youre hunting, these four skills are required for success. 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. Even though were a relatively young country, our rich heritage becomes valuable at an accelerated rate. 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. Ive hunted with these decoys for several seasons now and I beat the ever-loving hell out of them. Antique Duck decoys are as valuable as many other vintage and antique items. Vintage and antique duck decoys look and feel old. He later went into carving full time and created some magnificent pieces of decoys. 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. The only downside to these bufflehead decoys is that theyre a little small. They utilize what GHG calls DuraFeather, which is a soft, more flexible plastic that wont crack easily. 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. It has a remote thats Bluetooth compatible, so you can turn it on and off as you see fit. 2 2. With their affordable foam-filled design, theyre an excellent bargain. Guyette of Guyette and Deeter auctions once explained that about 90% of the available antique duck decoys had been repainted or renailed. Garage sale mallards may cost $2 each, a call-your-buddies bargain, especially if theyre in a condition where they can be immediately used. Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs! The right mix of iridescence and matte finish. Ah, yesduck decoys. Floater decoys are meant for use on the water. On any given day, a dozen decoys will work or 100 dozen wont work. That means the decoys tend to run on the more expensive side. The unit includes everything1.5 pound folding (!!) The unit includes . 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. Oh, it was therein the bottom of the shipping box. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 3 3. Lothrop also has another notable duck decoy called the Ruddy Turnstone. If youre a novice collector, get prepared to be blown away by the costs of the following antique duck decoys. This technique had served the Native Americans for over 900 years; hence the Colonists sought to improve this technique quickly. First, the mounting spots on the keel are not complete holes. Higdon offers a foam filled option for these decoys, which Id highly recommend. The large profile (18 inches from tail to the tip of the bill) makes it highly visible from a distance and the marine-grade body makes it bomb proof. Some makers are more renowned and talented than others. 2023. Silhouettes are anything but new, having been in use for decades; however, fowlers are now discovering Rediscovering? 2 2. Ive also seen cheap decoys wear out after a single year. Its relatively simple, though. 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). 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.. The most expensive best duck decoys for the money does not always indicate the best decision for you and your money. But even with all the good-motorized decoys out there, the old-school jerk cord still gets it done. Theres a ton of mystery shrouding The Eider Drake because even to this day, I cant credit the original manufacturer. Are they separated in little family groups? Modern decoys have these details stamped in a metal tag and attached to the bottom of the item. Unlike many other vintage duck decoys curated here that were sold at least ten years ago, the Wilson Drake was sold in 2017. Best Hunting Advice. Given this scenario, two decoys may be plenty. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. Most vintage duck decoys do not have identifiable markings. According to specialists, most decoys in a perfect state can be worth a fortune. But now theres a wide variety of motion decoys available. It would be best if you also inspected the eyes of the decoy. The Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island. Good duck decoys will swim naturally with a breeze or in the current. And so it goes from there, but its a good thing, really. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? Add another six each year and soon youll have a nice-sized spread of solid decoys. It was one of the largest amounts of money they made at their 2006 auction. Puddle ducks, e.g. Unattributed Slot Neck Canada Goose Decoy. Their lightweight design doesnt sacrifice durability, either. Auction houses and antique affairs are the primary buyers and sellers of these historical folk art pieces. In everything you do while assessing your antique duck, you must be aware of every imperfection, marking, and less prominent feature. Owning a spread of the best duck decoys that are perfectly suited to your hunting style certainly helps as well. Theyre light and durable. Why It Made the Cut: You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? Their makers are top carvers who practiced for years to attain their renowned reputation. 7 7. He was born in 1825, and he began carving at a young age. 1 1. Shape. It wasnt until the late 1900s that many of the vintage lures we have now emerged as collectors items. Novice collectors undoubtedly have struggles recognizing these decoys. Cheap decoys typically have more issues with glare. You can always count on the . Of the ones that he did make that were aware of, their beaks werent the best. What is the most valuable duck decoy? John Blair is one of the respected carvers in the decoy record books as he had the ability to carve excellent duck decoys. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold. Its fetching, and for its time, it shows a great level of attention to detail with the colors and shades. 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. 4 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). The smoothing and fine-tuning aspect would be completed with a drawknife. Ah, now its time to dust off the silhouettes and the full-bodies. The Wilson Merganser Drake Duck Decoy. 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 the mid-1900s, duck decoys were as scarce as ever and were regarded as collectible items of folk art. 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. 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. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Or five. Some are built to float; these were used to attract large fowls like ducks and geeks who often frequent water areas. The Lincoln Hisser. They wont become brittle when the bottom falls out of the thermometer. 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. Theyre simple. 6 6. Famous carvers including Ben Schmidt, Walter Ruppel, Art Chilton, Bill Goenne . Some are exceptional, while others are okay. The legendary Lothrop Holmes carved this piece. 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. Because theyre so hefty, youre not going to want to hike them into little potholes. The market is continually evolving, so todays price may not be tomorrows. The Crowell Bundle. 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. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold. Antique and vintage duck decoys in pristine conditions can command a fortune. Flocked decoys, especially completely flocked decoys, require some additional care above and beyond that given all-plastic blocks. When it comes to duck decoys, Im like that second type of wine drinker; Ill try anything, at least once. How many decoys youre going to use depends on different things. Of all the rabbit holes duck hunters get lost in, decoys might be the deepest, most labyrinthian. 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 Joe Lincoln painted decoys well into his 70s and remains an underdog in the decoy world. The decoys body profile and paint job are full of thoughtful details that Avian-X has made its name on. 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. This decoy was purchased in 2017, whereas most of the others on this list were bought about a decade ago or longer. The reason these were so expensive is that they were some of Crowells first documented decoys. 'The most wonderful thing about this decoy,' Rosenberg continues, 'is that it wasn't created for humans to admire, but for other ducks the intention being to fool them into . Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. 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. Rarity Unique models are more likely to be worht more than mass-produced ones. They get bounced around in boats and truck beds and garage floors. In all cases, I leaned toward decoys that look realistic in the field. These are large, full-body decoys that look amazing in the field. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes, 3. And thats what it was: art. The Graves decoys cannot be compared to world-famous antique items. 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. Crowell put so much detail into these decoys, that they were picked up by the Fine Arts of Boston (though the timeline is unclear). 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. Water keels are hollow, and fill with water once theyve landed, head-up. 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. 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. This was an auction record for the carver's pieces I got to see Heyday Outdoors Hydrofoam Decoys (formally known as Lifetime Decoys) in action while hunting with the Heyday crew on an early teal hunt in Texas. Its muddy. Do you really need wood duck decoys? And it flat works. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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 . However, the majority had two-dimensional profiles. 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). And that, typically, isnt a bad thing. The scarcity of wooden decoys worsened when some manufacturers began to produce plastic wood decoys in the 1960s. When accessing your vintage duck decoys, research their purpose. All rights reserved. Think M1A1 Abrams tank tough, and youre starting to appreciate Tanglefrees divers. What is the most expensive duck decoy ever sold? Stick Ups were used to lift the body off the ground. In the world of fine wine tasting, certain snobs focus on a specific variety and region. Most of them are good. 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. Which duck decoys are worth money? At the time, not all duck decoys had the same value. 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. And finally, theres the price. Decoys the physical decoys themselves are just the beginning. 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 the Difference Between Vintage And Antique ? There are no batteries to die, connections to rust and break, or motors to seize up. Created by Gus Wilson, this antique item broke one of the antique duck decoy sales record recently. Most duck hunters start with a dozen, maybe two. This is a foam-filled, one-piece decoy with a seven-hour run time. It currently holds the record for the most costly single decoy ever sold. Just getting started fowling and on a budget? Its nothing compared to some of these world-famous decoys, but the Graves Mallards brought in $218,500 at another G&S auction. 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.
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