UBB.threads Forums General Interest Other Hobbies and Collections, like sports cars, movies, music,etc Antique Duck Decoys

Hello, does anyone collect antique duck decoys? I've had this one for about 25 yrs. I believe it's hand carved and painted. It appears to be a "working" decoy as opposed to a decorative type, evidenced by the swivel on the lower breast for the weight line attachment and the iron rod/keel on the bottom to make it float upright. Unfortunately, there is a crack running around the neck. Is there a certain style that was used in certain areas of the country? I would welcome any opinions as to the age and value. Thanks and Regards, Leipzig

pic-2

bottom, note the iron rod driven/hammered in!

last

A long time ago a friend collected these in Illinois. I saw his collection a couple of times before he sold it for major $$. Very interesting.

Dave

Roger, sorry I can't be of some help as these decoys are just not my area. Dave I may have known that same person you mention. He was an older gent when I met him and was quite knoweledgable. If its the same person he set up at the Pheasent Run Show and The Ohare Convention center. Wow I miss those shows!

Ed,

I met him at shows that were held in Peoria at the Heart of Illinois Fairgrounds. I am sorry to say that I can't remember a name.

Dave

Hi Roger - I am from a duck hotspot up here, and sent the photos to a seasoned collector/dealer friend. His response: "The decoy is home made, almost looks like a Ducharme from St. Ambroise. It also has an overpaint. I would say it is worth about $75.00; if it was a Ducharme about $400-600." - Hope that is of help, Bob

A few years ago, a friend of mine bought two decoys at an auction in northern Indiana. He took them to the Antique Road Show and had them appraised for $20,000. This is about 100 times more than he paid for them.
It turns out they were made by some guy (can't remember his name) and his wife in Illinois in the 1940's (I think) and are like the holy grail of duck decoys. Evidently they were mad by the husband and painted by the wife. I just saw this rerun of Road Show last weekend. In my case, the mind IS the first thing to go.
I'll try to remember to ask my friend the guy's name when I see him at the SoS.

Charles and Edna Perdew. sorry I grew up in Indiana dad was a old school decoy guy. We moved to Minnesota and now I'm a fish decoy collector stupid decoys anyway!!!
Bret Van Sant

Thanks for helping my old brain Brett. You are correct..

Hello just saw this post,a friend went to an auction and bought 5 old duck decoys,signed on the bottom cant remember the maker but must have been desirable,he paid 120.00 and sent them to an auction house to sellfor him,they told him those decoys would bring 15-20 thousand,and the same week he bought an old print at another auction for 15.00 and it sold on ebay for 2300,pretty good week wouldnt you say?I cant believe anyone would pay thousands of dollars for a duck decoy but I guess they will!I need to start going to more auctions!

Erick, Find a old farm auction and take some cash and spend the day, you never know what you will find. I purchased a box if fishing reels in the factory boxs this winter and made out very well. funded my social welfare rig. Just yesterday i snagged a set of Roseville candle holders in the Zeypher pattern for 40 bucks. Not a steal but about 1/3 the going rate. The last decoys I purchased were still in the old net bag 18 total they are hanging in my shop. waiting for a new owner someday. I been at this for about 30 years my mom was an antique dealer but like daggers you can never know it all. I just sold a Saloon token on ebay for nice money. the token was in a box of junk!!
Bret