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Welcome to Decoy-Dux, specializing in quality representative antique, vintage and contemporary duck, goose and shorebird decoys and carvings, as well as miniatures, books, paintings and other related collectibles.
D0889: Clint Wells Feeding Pintail Hen, Dated 1929
Very well executed pintail hen decoy by Clint Wells, Fort Worth, Texas, branded on the bottom, "Made 1929 By C. Wells". Measuring 14†in length and 5-1/2†in width, the decoy is about 5†high, including the keel. It exhibits intricate original feather paint by George Newman, the senior anatomy illustrator at the University of Texas Medical School, as Wells himself was not an accomplished painter. A Fort Worth insurance broker, Wells made his decoys in a completely equipped do-it-yourself machine shop. He used a lightweight wood for the body and added pine wing inserts for added realism. By crafting his decoys with diverse attitudes, he created a more natural appearing rig that helped attract the waterfowl. His decoys included an innovative keel design that served multiple purposes. When the decoy was not in use, the line and anchor weight could be securely wrapped around the keel and stored. Wells’ anchor weight is included. The last photo is of this hen along with a rig mate drake (Item D0891) available separately. Wells is one of a very small number of documented early carvers from the Lone Star State and certainly ranks among her best! SOLD
D0885/D0886: Exceptional Wisconsin Mason Premier-Style Mallard Pair, Circa 1Q, 20C
Excellent pair of solid-bodied mallards, circa early 2nd quarter, 20th century, by an unknown Wisconsin carver, patterned after snakey-head Mason Premier mallards. The exceptional richly colored original paint which closely follows the Mason scheme displays a nice craquelure and is protected by a light coat of shellac or other sealer on both decoys. Unlike Mason Premiers, the glass eyes are set in slightly cupped depressions and the overall profile of the decoys is flatter than that of the Masons. Each has a flat bottom with a slightly beveled perimeter and measures slightly more than 17†in length, 6†in width and 6.5†in height at the head. The bills have carved mandibles and nostrils in the Mason style. A very attractive pair of collectible early decoys! SOLD
D0883: Early New Jersey Ruddy Turnstone Decoy
A simple but effective ruddy turnstone decoy by an unknown maker from the New Jersey coast, circa 1st quarter, 20th century. The “flattie†is approximately 1-1/2†thick and measures 9-1/2†in length. In original paint, it exhibits the specie’s breeding plumage. Stand not included. SOLD
M362: Leo McIntosh Preening Yellowlegs Decoy
Fine carving of a preening "blind" yellowlegs by Leo H. McIntosh (1953 - 2007), Stony Creek Decoys, Woodville, New York, 1990. Recognized as one of the best contemporary carvers before his untimely death, Leo apprenticed with Ken Harris for five years before founding Stony Creek Decoys. The decoy is done in an antiqued finish with Seaford style “S†shoulder/wing carving. It has raised wing tips, measuring 8†from tail tip to breast, and is in near mint condition with only extremely minor rubs to the wing tips and on the breast (see third and fourth photos). “L. H. McIntosh, 1990, Woodville, N.Y.†is cold-stamped around the stick hole on the bottom of the bird. “Yellow Leg†has been hand lettered on the bottom of the base. SOLD
D0884: Wayne Shaddock Ontario Black Duck Decoy
Excellent solid-bodied, glass-eyed black duck with a slightly turned head by Wayne Shaddock (1942-2001), Belleville and Trenton, Ontario, circa 1960s. The decoy is in near mint original paint other than a narrow stripe of touch up (sealer or varnish?) to two thin age cracks on the left side of the decoy. It has carved primaries, a fluted tail and carved side pockets and is marked on the bottom with Wayne's early "W" brand made with a heated piece of wire. The head is especially well detailed with carved mandibles, nostrils and nail and a unique and attractive feather paint. The decoy measures 15" in length, 4-1/2' in width and stands 5-1/2' tall at the head. Shaddock began carving as a teenager, making working and decorative decoys over a combined span of 35 years. He was proud of having birds in Buckingham Palace and in the collection of King Hussain of Jordan.
Price: $595.00
D0880: Rare Red-Backed Sandpiper Decoy, Circa Late 1800s
Excellent early and rare full-bodied red-backed or spotted sandpiper decoy, maker and origin unknown, circa late 1800s. Measuring 8-1/2" from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail and approximately 1-3/4" in diameter, it is in original paint and retains what are most likely its original iron legs. The iron bill is a professional replacement. The slight reddish undertone of the paint on the back, along with overall size of the decoy and its bill, suggest that it was intended to be a red-backed sandpiper (dunlin). There are several tight cracks in its head, and the decoy has been lightly hit by shot, otherwise the structural condition is excellent. Rusted remnants of the shanks of tacks or nails which were used as the eyes remain. Stand included. SOLD
M363: Louisiana Bobwhite Quail, Circa 2 Q, 20 C.
Vintage bob white quail by an unknown maker, carved in approximately one-half scale from a single piece of cypress root, including the base. Although it stands 6.25" tall, it is very lightweight, weighing only 2.5 ounces. The carving was found in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and appears to be circa 2nd quarter, 20th century. Other than some touch up to the legs and bill, the carving is in original paint with a nice patina. The base was broken off just above the feet and at one time and professionally rejoined with the body. A very nice carving showing good age! SOLD
D0879: Superb 19th Century English Wood Pigeon Decoy
This is the first decoy by this maker that I’ve seen. It’s quite old, perhaps the oldest I’ve been able to document. My best guess is circa 1875. Because the style is so different from anything I’ve seen, I’m presently unable to name a probable area of origin, other than the United Kingdom. Measuring 14†in length and 4†across the shoulders, it is quite sculptural with a high head and an upsloped tail spliced (last photo) into a full and well conformed body. The wing tips are raised and deeply incised while the shoulders are softly carved. Other than for touch up at the professionally replaced bill, the decoy is in original paint with a very light but pleasing craquelure texture in some areas. The red-orange eyes are old and unusual taxidermy eyes. Stand not included. SOLD
