Decoy-Dux | email info@decoy-dux.com | phone: 865.458.6186 | site terms & conditions - contact me - sitemap
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.
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
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
D0877: Bert Graves Mallard Hen Decoy, Circa 2Q, 20C
Hollow-bodied, glass-eyed mallard hen decoy by G. Bert Graves (1880-1956), Peoria, Illinois, circa 2nd Q, 20th C. Graves was named by William F. Mackey, Jr., a foremost decoy historian, as one of the first four of Midwestern (Illinois River) hand decoy makers, along with Charles Walker, Robert Elliston and Charles Perdew. A professional carpenter and boat builder, he went into the production of quality decoys in the mid-1920s, if not sooner, and continued their production until 1944 when he left Peoria for the West Coast. The decoy is in original paint with several small area of flaking and touchup to a small professional tail chip repair. Measuring approximately 17" long, 7" tall, and 6" wide, it is missing the Graves keel weight. SOLD
M361: Miniature North Carolina Preening Decoy, Circa 2Q, 20C
Rare miniature preening or sleeping duck decoy carving by Charles Caswell "Charlie Mac" McWilliams (1892-1972) of Ocracoke, NC, circa 2nd Q, 20th C. He was a guide at the legendary Green Island Hunting Club before it burned to the ground in 1933. in 1921, the schooner Carroll A. Deering ran aground off Cape Hatteras with all crew members apparently lost. "Charlie Mac" was rumored to have used wood from the shipwreck in making his decoys. Because this cedar example was left unpainted, it is difficult to tell what species it represents; however, as the hunt club was noted for its redheads, Canada geese and brant, I am guessing this miniature may be a redhead. Roughly half scale, it measures 9 1/2" from tail tip to breast and has carved wing outlines. It is signed "C. C. McWilliams, Ocracoke, N. C." on the bottom. McWilliams later was a well known local figure, serving as the mailman in Ocracoke for many years. SOLD
