Once merely looked at as just hunting tools, duck decoys have surged nowadays into newfound territory where they are tremendously high-valued indeed. From acclaimed designs like the Elmer Crowell right on into the elegant carvings of Charles Perdew and Lee Dudley, these are 10 vintage duck decoys that sell for impressive amounts of money today. If you have just one of these duck decoys lying around your garage, it’s worth seeing what kind of a hefty purse you could fetch for it.
1. Ward Brothers Pintail Drake
These gents were known masters of decoy carving, but the Ward brothers created this 19-inch pintail drake in the year 1954, and with exceptional craftsmanship and lifelike detail as well. It really is hard to believe that this isn’t a taxidermy duck. But here we are. In 2020, it sold for $2,400, too.
2. Elmer Crowell Preening Black Duck
Elmer Crowell’s decoys are considered masterpieces in the hunting world — and this preening black duck from his early days is not exception. Fetching a whopping $500,000 at an auction in 2018, collectors value this piece for its hyper-realistic stare and precise carving. So you mean to tell me someone really paid half a million dollars for a replica of a duck? *Cries in poverty.*
3. Mason Factory Premier Grade Canvasback Drake
Known for producing high-quality decoys and other hunting gear, this black and white drake by the Mason Decoy Factory is one of its standouts. It’s listed for over $2,500 on Unlimited Ducks, and its hefty price tag is attributed to the premier grade stamp and the factory’s reputation for combining artistry with functionality. But if you don’t want to pay that much for a single decoy, you can snag a replica on eBay for about $350.
4. John Blair Swimming Black Duck
This decoy by acclaimed designer John Blair captures the elegance and fluidity of a duck gliding through water. Its historical significance as a Dawson creation adds to its value among collectors, with sets in mint condition valued at nearly $3,000.
5. Elmer Crowell Canada Goose Decoy
This Canadian goose decoy by Crowell shattered records when it sold for a staggering $1.13 million at a private sale in 2007. Its near-perfect condition, coupled with Crowell’s reputation, means collectors were willing to pay a hefty premium to own one. Crowell’s initials carved onto the base helped further boost its provenance, which critics have called one of his finest works. But if you don’t have a million dollars to spend on a goose decoy, you can buy a much cheaper version for around $250.
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6. Charles Perdew Mallard Pair
With an estimated value of $2,500 to $3,500, this lifelike “golden” pair by Charles Perdew is renowned for its fine detailing and use of vibrant colors that resemble real mallard ducks. Perdew’s signature style of blending form and realism appeals to collectors and fishing enthusiasts, with sets in mint condition selling for close to $500.
7. Bert Graves Blue-Winged Teal Drake
This blue-winged teal drake is one of the last surviving pieces by Bert “Chips” Graves. It showcases the policeman-turned-carpenter’s skill and attention to detail. The vivid, lifelike colors and fine craftsmanship make this piece a standout among his work, with even used decoys in “fair” condition selling for upwards of $3,400.
8. Gus Wilson Feeding Brant Decoy
This feeding brant decoy by Gus Wilson sold for a staggering $36,000 thanks to its lifelike pose and functional design. Wilson’s decoys are known for their unique features, like a hollowed-out body for buoyancy. In good condition, one of these bad boys can sell for over $6,000.
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9. Shang Wheeler Black Duck
This 17.5-inch duck decoy by Shang Wheeler is considered a rare gem among collectors, with one selling for nearly $40k at an auction in 2023. Featuring fine “feather paint detail” on the head, coupled with a hollow carve, Wheeler’s decoys have been praised for their use in both hunting and display purposes.
10. Lee Dudley Canvasback Drake
Would you pay $78,000 for this duck decoy? Someone did at an auction in 2020. This canvasback drake decoy is a testament to Dudley’s carving skills. “Held in the highest regard by acquisitors of all regions from the earliest days of decoy collecting,” Dudley’s work showcases some of the earliest examples of detailed carving in America. But if you can’t shell out tens of thousands, you can also buy a “well done copy” for about $800.
