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.
D0925: Unknown Wood Pigeon Decoy, Suffolk, UK, Circa Mid 20C
One of a striking rig of decoys by an unknown carver, circa late 2nd to early 3rd quarter of the 20th century. They were found in and are possibly from Suffolk, UK. The carver made these decoys in a number of different poses and sizes, leading me to the conclusion that they were made without pattern. I had originally thought that these decoys were made by a hunter for his own use, but I‘ve now seen enough examples to suggest that they could be a small volume commercial product. While each individual example is exemplary in its own right, a grouping in various poses produces a synergistic effort of great appeal. The bills on these decoys were crafted from nylon or a similar synthetic material rather than wood or cast metal. Unfortunately, the material proved to be rather brittle, resulting in breakage and replacement as is the case with this example. Measuring 15†in length, it is in original paint that has developed a very pleasing patina.
SOLD
D0926: Unknown Wood Pigeon Decoy, Mid-20th Century
Very well done fat-bodied English wood pigeon decoy from the London area, circa late 2nd quarter to early 3rd quarter, 20th century. Most unusually, it is of six-piece construction. The body is made of four vertical laminations, two at the body’s center and one for each raised-tip wing with carved shoulders. The glass-eyed head and neck are formed from a fifth piece attached at the breast while the tail is an inserted sixth piece. Also unusual is the carving of nostril ceres, the soft, fleshy patches at the base of the upper side of the bill. Overall, the decoy is structurally sound with no separation of the pieces comprising the whole. The decoy is in strong original polychrome paint showing minimal soiling or wear. Stand included.
SOLD
M370: Wildfowler-Style Redhead Drake Decoy, Richard & Marion Harris
Three-quarter scale Wildfowler-style decorative redhead drake by Richard and Marion Harris, Harris Wild Duck Decoys, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, circa 1960. The Harris's worked for Wildfower for 25 years, he as a carver and she as a painter, until the company moved to Quogue, Long Island, in the winter of 1957-1958. The solid-bodied carving, made of high grade Eastern white pine, is in excellent original paint other than for touchup at a tight and stable crack through the neck. One of the glass eyes is cracked but otherwise intact. The bird measures 11" in length, 4 3/4" in width and stands 5" tall at the head. As was characteristic of their work, black paint was used to indicate the separation of the bill and face. As was less common but seen in a few of their carvings, the margin between the face and bill was also wood-burned. A similar example can be seen on page 161 of Wildfowler Decoys by Dick Cowan and Dick LaFountain. SOLD
M370: Three-Quarter Scale Redhead Drake, Richard & Marion Harris
Three-quarter scale Wildfowler-style decorative redhead drake by Richard and Marion Harris, Harris Wild Duck Decoys, Old Saybrook, Connecticut, circa 1960. The Harris's worked for Wildfower for 25 years, he as a carver and she as a painter, until the company moved to Quogue, Long Island, in the winter of 1957-1958. The solid-bodied carving, made of high grade Eastern white pine, is in excellent original paint other than for touchup at a tight and stable crack through the neck. One of the glass eyes is cracked but otherwise intact. The bird measures 11" in length, 4 3/4" in width and stands 5" tall at the head. As was characteristic of their work, black paint was used to indicate the separation of the bill and face. As was less common but seen in a few of their carvings, the margin between the face and bill was also wood-burned. A similar example can be seen on page 161 of Wildfowler Decoys by Dick Cowan and Dick LaFountain. SOLD
D0920: Gene Hendrickson Old Squaw Decoy, Circa Mid-20C
Very nice hollow-bodied old squaw drake with tack eyes by Joseph Eugene "Gene" Hendrickson (1896-1971), Northfield, New Jersey, circa mid-twentieth century. The decoy, which has never been rigged, is in dry original paint showing only very light soiling. There is a very slight separation to the body seam with some paint loss in that area. Hendrickson used an insetted bottom weight in the same manner as Harry V. Shourds. His initials, JEH, are stamped into the weight. In addition to being a professional decoy maker, Hendrickson, who began carving decoys circa 1920, was also an accomplished sneakbox builder and carpenter.
SOLD
D0077: Bluebill Drake Decoy, Ontario or Michigan, Circa 3Q, 20C
Very nice bluebill drake from southwestern Ontario or Michigan , circa 3rd quarter, 20th century. Other than for a tight age split in the bottom, it is in near-mint original condition. Showing the influence of Ben Schmidt and Ken Anger among others from this area, this glass-eyed decoy exhibits heavy overall texturing and rasping, incised wing outlines, deeply carved side pockets, a fluted tail and detailed bill carving. The decoy measures 13.5" in length, 7" in width and stands 3" and 5.5" high at the back and head, respectively. The encircled initials "DS", presumably those of the maker, are stamped into the bottom. SOLD
D0076: Sleeping Bluebill Hen Decoy, Ontario or Michigan, Circa 3Q, 20C
Well executed sleeping bluebill hen from southwestern Ontario or Michigan , circa 3rd quarter, 20th century. It is in near-mint original condition. Showing the influence of Ben Schmidt and Ken Anger among others from this area, this plump-bodied hen with glass eyes exhibits heavy overall rasping, incised wing outlines, deeply carved side pockets and a fluted tail. The decoy measures 13.5" in length, 7.5" in width and stands 4" and 6" high at the back and head, respectively. The encircled initials "DS", presumably those of the maker, are stamped into the bottom. SOLD
D0923: Early Feeding Scottish Wood Pigeon Decoy
Very sculpturesque tucked-head feeding wood pigeon decoy with painted eyes by an unknown carver, circa early 1900s. This decoy was found outside of Perth, Scotland, where it was hunted along the River Tay. There is a professional repair to the left wing tip, stretching diagonally across the last two inches of the wing with touch up to that area. Otherwise, the decoy is in well patinated original paint and retains its original bill. There are several age splits in the head and upper back, one of which was strengthened by the addition of two small nails, presumably when the decoy was made. The decoy is unusually large with a length of almost 16" and has a hollow recess drilled and chiseled into its belly, probably to reduce its weight. While most wood pigeon decoys were made in England itself, pigeons were and are hunted in Scotland as well, and it is very possible that this decoy were made by a heretofore unknown but very talented Scottish carver. SOLD
