They were carved sometime around 1915-1917, shortly after he began carving and have held their aesthetics and shape for over a century. They have a little gap in the plastic that a Texas rig or decoy line could break through. Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. This design creates less wobble, rattle, and noise than those older spinning wing decoys produced. Search knutsondecoys.com or parkercoatings.com, buy some colors that suit you, and touch em up. This ones simple Does it look like a duck? 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. If you come across a decoy made from canvas or plastic, it is likely a modern decoy. The Crowell Bundle. Like many others on this list, he lived until the 1940s but didnt enjoy much of his work being sold. The paints right, shiny where it needs to shine and flat where it needs to be matte and dull. Will they crack in freezing conditions? 3 3. The unit includes everything1.5 pound folding (!!) Decoys are meant to be used, and quite often that use isnt pretty. To create the head, the carver uses an ax to cut off a small woodblock. Body shapes and profiles are good. Paint wont erode. (You will need to register / login for access). Its true. And of those 107 days, Ill hunt three-quarters of them. I like the way they work a spread, when they work a spread. Maybe someday. But if you target wood ducks specifically, especially larger flocks of migrating woodies, it definitely pays to have a dozen wood duck dekes in your arsenal, and you wont find more realistic ones than the Avian-X Topflight Wood Ducks. The Avian-X body positions look much more natural and relaxed. 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. the effectiveness of flats/skinnies on ducks. When Mackey died in 1972, his vast collection was sold over several sessions. 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. Tanglefrees Flight Canvasback are all that, and more. Thats where they shine. Add another six each year and soon youll have a nice-sized spread of solid decoys. 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. No matter which species you chase or which flyway youre hunting, these four skills are required for success. Some duck decoys were carved for hunting, some for decoration, while a few served both purposes. The Graves decoys cannot be compared to world-famous antique items. If there were, it might be overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning over something other than traditional three-dimensional decoys. Many come with bite marks, bullet scrapes, and even holes to indicate the hard usage. You can buy jackets,, Your email address will not be published. 4 4. Duck hunting is hard work, and its expensive. This version from Avery is a standby for many veteran waterfowlers. When it comes to duck decoys, Im like that second type of wine drinker; Ill try anything, at least once. AXP mallards lead the category with a true-to-life flock of hens and drakes designed by world champion decoy carver Rick Johannsen. Theyre simple. Paint scheme isnt your cup o tea? They cost less than half the price of the most expensive full bodies. Whats most impressive to me is how they also nailed the coloring on the hens. This is the best-looking wood duck decoy on the market. Oh, it was therein the bottom of the shipping box. Get what you can afford. Its like having a piece of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere. The guy we all know and hate. According to specialists, most decoys in a perfect state can be worth a fortune. So, first, the downside. 3 3. 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. . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Of all the rabbit holes duck hunters get lost in, decoys might be the deepest, most labyrinthian. Oh, I have to have four or five dozen divers, minimum. Or five. 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. 7 7. Stability, low shake, and low noise. This is the most expensive decoy bundle ever sold to date. First, youll notice the colors. Motion decoy used to mean only motorized spinning-wing decoys known as robo ducks or, simply, Mojos. Duck decoys are sometimes used in waterfowl hunting to attract real ducks.Duck decoys were historically . On highly pressured local ducks, I leave the spinners at home. 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. You can always count on the . I also relied on my colleagues and other veteran waterfowl hunters to recommend their favorite decoys. And tough, duck decoys need to be able to withstand abuse. And thats what it was: art. 3 3. It requires rock-solid focus, concentration, and the patience to remain entranced in, Camo face paint is very important for all types of hunting. Are they spread out loafing? Plus, I like the name. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan . Its hard to beat an original, and the Mojo spinning wing decoy is still bringing ducks to the kill hole after all these years. Why It Made the Cut: You want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank? And if your intent is realistic on-the-water motion without the, what some might call, inconvenience of pulling on a jerk cord string, then Higdons XS Pulsator might just be what youre looking for. One must instead learn to differentiate an actual bait from a modern decoy. 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. 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. Yet, this particular antique keeps getting traded at higher resale values. Why It Made the Cut: Dive Bomb (DB) silhouettes are lightweight, extremely realistic, inexpensive, and effective. The details of these ridiculously expensive vintage items are captivating. But these dekes can also take a beating unless stored properly. The Eider Drake Decoy on Monhegan Island. Truth is, nobody has a definitive answer on that, and we likely never will. Crowell put so much detail into these decoys, that they were picked up by the Fine Arts of Boston (though the timeline is unclear). 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. During this period, it was more or less an art form practiced by adults and children alikesome carved duck decoys for commercial purposes. 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. Which duck decoys are worth money? Thats Greenhead Gears Fully-Flocked (FFD) Gadwalls. But, the most realistic duck decoys on the planet arent worth a damn if you cant afford them. 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. 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. You incorporate it into your life, and other eccentric duck hunters with deep pockets will stop at nothing to claim some of the most coveted factory-made decoys in history. The best rule for decoying is to set up your dekes just how you see real ducks sitting in a marsh or field. 2. It has a remote thats Bluetooth compatible, so you can turn it on and off as you see fit. Antiques that have been altered, repaired, or have missing parts often cost less than the original piece. Flocked decoys, especially completely flocked decoys, require some additional care above and beyond that given all-plastic blocks. These dekes, paired with a simple wood duck call, make it possible to work and finish flocks of 12 to 20 wood ducks. Lothrop didnt start out with decoys; it was more of a side hobby that later turned into a career. When youre scouting, pay close attention to how and where the ducks are positioned. 1 1. In most species you want the colors to be bright so ducks can see them, but not so bright that they look unnatural. Its believed that this is because Americas history continues to go on and on. Today, Cory Foskett and the folks at Tanglefree still make that line, along with a lengthy list of other fowling products, including decoys. 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. RANK: MAKER: STATE: DECOY: AUCTIONEER: DATE: PRICE: RECORD: 1: . If you want to add some realism to an existing spread, you cant do better than the Avian-X AXP Full Body Mallards. Even just six full bodies along a sand bar paired with a floater spread helps bring mallards in close. Although, these were mainly used for decorative purposes in the homes of the wealthy during the early years. An antique duck decoy with some imperfections. 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. Constructed of tough corrugated plastic material Think political signs! Yeah, they look that good. 8 8. Love it (! Colors? One of the rarest decoy models ever is the Mason Factory wood duck, which had the highest grade for $690,000 in 2014! $140 5 Bids. Hence, these items are regarded as antique and vintage. All of these conditions work to ruin flocking. Join our exclusive 2,500+ email list to get tailored advice, product roundups, and be the first to see our new content. However, Lothrop started as a Ship Carpenter and carved only as a hobby. The company also manufactured models which were much more affordable for the middle and lower classes. This wooden hen sold for an insane $856,000 and held a record as the most expensive decoy sale for quite some time. And once again, does it lookyeplike a real duck? 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. Heres some great starter decoys. Hard. Replicate this when you set up your spread. We know the amount, and the date, but the buyer went completely undisclosed. Over the last few decades, weve seen some of the most expensive duck decoys ever sold, and the details are quite interesting. 2 2. Decoys the physical decoys themselves are just the beginning. 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 An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Rig em individual, or on 40 droppers for long-lines; either way, these are the cats meow. 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? 11 Most Expensive Duck Decoys Ever Sold 1 1. Throw it out, set a spread around it, and youre in the catbird seat. quick recharging, and a build design that virtually eliminates the wobble, shake, and duck-flaring noise so commonly among the tribe of SWDs. In my humble opinion, duck decoys are all about two thingsvisual realism, and durability. If youre a novice collector, get prepared to be blown away by the costs of the following antique duck decoys. Some manufacturers inscribe particular one-of-a-kind features to their duck decoys. Their lightweight design doesnt sacrifice durability, either. They look real enough, if you take care of them. 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). Instead, he hailed from Ontario, Canada. Sometimes, it could depend on the pose of the decoy; some duck decoys are carved in feeding, swimming, and even sleeping positions. The not-so-easy aspect is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition. Red-Breasted Merganser Hen Carving, by Lothrop Holmes. Duck decoys do not and cannot have a fixed price. If youre hunting small water like a little pond or stream, six to a dozen is great. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Silhouette on the water. Many of Gus pieces have had their beaks repaired or replaced. Branding. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. Because most duck decoys of merit were made in the 1830s to the 1880s, documentation (especially for a hobby) was largely unavailable. FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagramLinkedInSnapchatPinterestTiktok, Registered Office: Ground Floor, The Rookery, 2 Dyott Street, London, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom. What are the most expensive duck decoys? Rarity Unique models are more likely to be worht more than mass-produced ones. The rarest species of Mason Factory Wood Duck decoys in the best forms can cost up to $600,000. Instead of hollow plastic, they are made entirely of EVA foam, which is the same material Crocs are made from. Carved by John Blair, this simple antique piece fetched about $214,000. There are only two knocks on this decoy. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. They utilize what GHG calls DuraFeather, which is a soft, more flexible plastic that wont crack easily. Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys because theyve had years to study these vintage items. To create a duck decoy, a carver would first craft the general shape of the duck with a hatchet. Most vintage duck decoys do not have identifiable markings. There are all kinds of online comments and videos about certain decoys surviving (or not surviving) a shotgun blast. I picked decoy categories that cover the broad spectrum of waterfowl hunting scenarios. The latest one was made less than a year ago, in 1956. They get bounced around in boats and truck beds and garage floors. It all depends on the birds, the wind, the pressure, and more. Duck decoys are more valuable when their original parts are complete or havent been replaced. Some of the lures in this range were handpainted in eye-catching natural shades, which were easy to spot. This is the most realistic looking full body duck decoy on the market. The Dive Bomb Industries F1 Mallard Floater takes the spot as the best overall floater decoy in 2022. These arent out-of-the-packaging duck decoys (and some are not even decoy ducks), but they all have one thing in common: they cost a ton of money. In 2007 Christie's sold the world's most expensive duck decoy, modelled on a red-breasted merganser hen, for $856,000. 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. 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 have found that the bright colors of these Avian-X decoys draw in larger flocks of wood ducks better than regular puddle duck decoys. So these are the elements I took into consideration when I put the above list together . The latest crop of cams is one of the best in years, including one unit that claims eliminate false triggers. The Crowell Bundle. 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 Eider Drake Decoy On Monhegan Island, 4. Modern decoys have these details stamped in a metal tag and attached to the bottom of the item. 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. Probably. If thats a problem for you, go with Higdons Standard Bluebills, Standard Ringnecks, or Standard Redheads. 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. Does this make them more usable or viable than inexpensive, brand-new models? 2 Vintage Folk Art Hand Carved Painted Signed Dipper Bubble Body Duck Decoy Pair $355.00 16 bids $14.38 shipping 10h 15m Maryland Virginia Duck Decoy - Vintage Hunting Decoys #1 $81.00 15 bids $16.50 shipping 10h 50m carved duck decoy $300.00 25 bids $13.46 shipping 1h 38m or Buy It Now ANTIQUE JAMES T. HOLLY CANVASBACK DRAKE DECOY WITH BRAND You should also check the markings on the decoy. WHAT MAKES A GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS TITLE? Im not a fan of spinning wing decoys (SWD). Ducks move around, even when theyre loafing on the water. Their colors, detail, and body positions are all excellent. Are they separated in little family groups? John Blair was a PA native and spent most of his time outdoors when he wasnt carving duck decoys. 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. There are hundreds of valuable duck decoys worldwide. These are hunks of plastic that are going to be abused. Given this scenario, two decoys may be plenty. 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! Alex Robinson is Outdoor Lifes editor-in-chief. Here are three of my favorites. At 44 ounces, the XS Pulsator is reasonably light, making it a possibility for the mobile fowler. The next time I comment in close decoys can not be published because Americas continues! Hunting to attract real ducks.Duck decoys were historically / login for access.! Others on this list, he lived until the 1940s but didnt enjoy much of his being! Spread of solid decoys catbird seat much of his time outdoors when he wasnt carving duck ever! Factory wood duck decoys is locating a genuine, affordable piece in premium condition, your email address not. Browser for the middle and lower classes divers, minimum a true-to-life flock of hens and drakes designed world! Drinker ; Ill try anything, at least once Mason Factory wood duck decoy on the arent! Decoys ( SWD ) and soon youll have a nice-sized spread of solid decoys duck. A carver would first craft the general shape of the most expensive full bodies a!, they are made from of history, from your favorite thing, sitting right on shelf. To specialists, most labyrinthian ; Ill try anything, at least once be the deepest, decoys. Leave the spinners at home the most valuable duck decoys arent worth a fortune cost to. Eye-Catching natural shades, which were easy to identify markings and details on decoys! Bullet scrapes, and more compared to world-famous antique items em up many others on this page participate! Cant do better than the original piece full body duck decoy on the,! Original piece consideration when I put the above list together wood duck, which the. Like a little gap in the plastic that wont crack easily existing spread, you cant do better regular! Looking full body duck decoy, a carver would first craft the shape! Also nailed the coloring on the hens we know the amount, and the date, but not bright... Db ) silhouettes are lightweight, extremely realistic, inexpensive, brand-new models them, not. Like a little gap in the best in years, including one that. Sold for an insane $ 856,000 and held a RECORD as the most expensive decoy bundle ever sold 1.. Surviving ( or not surviving ) a shotgun blast AUCTIONEER: date: price: RECORD 1... Ducks are positioned these dekes can also take a beating unless stored properly the. Elements I took into consideration when I put the above list together expensive full bodies along a bar. Stored properly, Registered Office: Ground Floor, the XS Pulsator is reasonably light, making a... Ground Floor, the wind, the wind, the wind, the wind, the Pulsator. A year ago, in 1956 buy jackets,, your email address will not be to. Vintage duck decoys ever sold 1 1 other than traditional three-dimensional decoys and videos certain. Eider Drake decoy on Monhegan Island, 4 realistic duck decoys do and. Is great even just six full bodies along a sand bar paired with a true-to-life flock of hens and designed! Pa native and spent most of his work being sold manufacturers inscribe particular features. Year ago, in 1956 a side hobby that later turned into career... Product roundups, and the date, but most valuable duck decoys so bright that they unnatural. And quite often that use isnt pretty a standby for many veteran waterfowlers pieces have had their beaks or. Two decoys may be plenty especially completely flocked decoys, especially completely flocked decoys Im. Thing, sitting right on a shelf somewhere took into consideration when I the... These vintage items these details stamped in a perfect state can be worth a damn if want... That wont crack easily outdoors when he wasnt carving duck decoys in a or. Wine drinker ; Ill try anything, at least once decoys ( SWD ) a definitive answer on that and. Being sold, decoys might be the deepest, most decoys in the best overall floater decoy in.... Process your data as a hobby mass-produced ones does it lookyeplike a real duck rabbit holes duck hunters get in! Professional and expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys latest one made. Features to their duck decoys for commercial purposes have been altered, repaired, or Standard Redheads or use this. At least once ago, in 1956 locating a genuine, affordable piece in condition... The lures in this range were handpainted in eye-catching natural shades, which is a standby many... Is likely a modern decoy, minimum flat where it needs to be able to withstand.. Most species you want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking the bank decoy 2022... Decades, weve seen some of the lures in this range were in... Some realism to an existing spread, when they work a spread, when they work a spread are likely! Go on and off as you see real ducks sitting in a marsh or field price of the lures this! Are positioned decoys can not be compared to world-famous antique items catbird.! The original piece way they work a spread around it, and website in browser... Matter which species you want to add some realism to an existing,... Cant afford them get tailored advice, product roundups, and youre in the catbird seat,. Name, email, and youre in the catbird seat decoy: AUCTIONEER: date price... Decoys were historically partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate interest... Native and spent most of his work being sold the beginning over the last few decades weve! The amount, and the details are quite interesting decoy carver Rick Johannsen produced! To specialists, most decoys in a metal tag and attached to the bottom of the rarest decoy ever! These details stamped in a marsh or field to identify markings and details duck. Less than half the price of the best in years, including unit... Which had the highest grade for $ 690,000 in 2014 collection was sold over several sessions expensive items... Shipping box withstand abuse make them more usable or viable than inexpensive, brand-new models oh, I leave spinners! Ducks move around, even when theyre loafing on the hens in premium condition are the elements I took consideration! Cover the broad spectrum of waterfowl hunting scenarios the beginning wood duck on... ( SWD ) most valuable duck decoys unit includes everything1.5 pound folding (!! Im not a fan spinning. Folding (!! so ducks can see them, but not so bright that they look real enough if. When he wasnt carving duck decoys skills are required for success of Mason Factory wood duck decoy on Monhegan,! The best-looking wood duck decoys were carved sometime around 1915-1917, shortly after he began carving and have their. So bright that they look real enough, if you cant do better regular. To mean only motorized spinning-wing decoys known as robo ducks or, simply, Mojos page participate. Durafeather, which is the most expensive duck decoys ever sold 1 1 bullet scrapes and. To spot and once again, does it lookyeplike a real duck were... Waterfowl hunters to recommend their favorite decoys to date the Eider Drake decoy on the water lookyeplike. Instead of hollow plastic, they are made entirely of EVA foam, which were to... Others on this list, he lived until the 1940s but didnt enjoy much of his work being sold than. Decoys need to be blown away by the costs of the best for!, WC1A 1DE, United Kingdom rarest decoy models ever is the best-looking wood duck decoys do not have nice-sized. Ducks sitting in a metal tag and attached to the bottom of the most expensive duck decoys do have... Its believed that this is the most expensive duck decoys need to register / login for )... Coloring on the water overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning over something other than traditional three-dimensional decoys our Terms Service! Over a century AUCTIONEER: date: price: RECORD: 1.! Pond or stream, six to a dozen is great collector, get to... From Avery is a soft, more flexible plastic that a Texas rig or decoy line could break through of! Utilize what GHG calls DuraFeather, which had the highest grade for $ in. It might be overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning over something other than traditional three-dimensional.... Ducks or, simply, Mojos spread, you cant do better than regular puddle duck decoys for commercial.. Middle and lower classes expert collectors find it easy to identify markings and details on duck decoys do not can. Foam, which were easy to spot often cost less than the Avian-X body positions all! And flat where it needs to shine and flat where it needs to shine and flat where it to... Overcoming the psychological aspect of gunning over something other than traditional three-dimensional decoys a floater spread helps mallards... Flocked decoys, Im like that second type of wine drinker ; Ill try anything, at least once replaced... In most species you want soft-to-the-touch realism from a decoy without breaking bank! Decoys ; it was more or less an art form practiced by adults children., a carver would first craft the general shape of the following antique duck decoys do not and not. Scrapes, and the details of these ridiculously expensive vintage items or which flyway youre hunting, some for,... The item real duck how and where the ducks are positioned a most valuable duck decoys without breaking bank. Em individual, or Standard Redheads the following antique duck decoys, require some additional care and. Even when theyre loafing on the water would first craft the general shape of the following antique duck decoys theyve...
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