Antique Decoys

[Fishmaker57]

Just curious if anyone out there knows much about antique decoys, or knows someone who does? I just received 3 boxes of decoys from my father in laws estate, and would love to learn more about them. Many of them are wooden carved, and some that look like leather? Some have markings, but many don’t.

Thanks!

[Knocker of rocks]

They are a huge collectors thing. I think the prices you see at antique stores are inflated by pricing not really meant to move the item

You gotta show us though. Please post pics

[wadu1]

You might want to check out this collector's website. I think DU still does appraisals.
https://www.westcoastdecoys.com/

[Duckslayer89]

Ya let’s see them!

[Fishmaker57]

Hope this works, new to posting pics!

[nwwanderer]

Only one but old.  Lots of holes in it from mounting a real duck skin

[blackdog]

The majority of those decoys look like Victor Animal Trap factory decoys, nice condition but moderately collectible.

[Fishmaker57]

I get that, from the lathe markings, but the bottoms look different. The two on the right, in this photo, are two of the wooden ones with the machine markings. The others are canvas / canvas over balsa wood.

[Encore 280]

Knew a guy in our neighborhood back in the late 50s and 60s that carved decoys by hand. I believe they are worth $$. Chuck Bergman

[h2ofowlr]

The decoys with the lines were made on lathes and duplicators.  I have seen some duplicators that could do a dozen decoys in a line.  These decoys are typically less money as I see them go for $10 - $25 each in many depending on condition.  You will see them at antique show or shops from $20 - $40 each.  One of the big time collectors / carvers in Skagit Area is Tom Newell.  Probably the biggest collection in the area is still Jay Koetje's collects.  Since his passing his widow now owns the multi-million dollar collection.

If you want to find out more about them, many of the collectors and carvers from the region will be at the Brant Foundation Show in Burlington, WA, May 18th.  They could tell you manufacture, year and what they are worth.

I have a small collection of about 30 old carved wooden decoys of various species.

[Alchase]

My Mom bought thes three hand carved Dekes for my Dad. He got one a year on his birthday.
I would love for to continue getting one each year, but have had no luck locating the carver by the name of Ken LeMoine.
A Pintail, Wood Drake, and a Buffalo Head Drake.