Classic drake Bluebill by Ira Hudson (1876-1949), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1925-1940. Has good, dry, clean all original paint with some honest wear from age and gunning. No repairs or touch ups of any kind with exception of cracked bill nailed back in place as a working repair. Has a natural grain drying ageline down the back, but is stable and does not distract, also small amount of neck filler gone as shown above with a thin but secure neck crack. Measures approx 14 3/4 inches. This is classic and desirable Hudson style, with a great head style with nicely carved bill, football flat belly style body, and classic "banjo" flutted tail carving, solid cedar body and original tack eyes. Weight and line tie removed. Nicely done classic Hudson paint style and as good as you can expect to find on a bird of this vintage especially for the price. This is a nice Hudson Blackhead, great classic form, style and paint.
SOLD!

Early and stylish Dowitcher shorebird decoy by unknown maker, most likely mid-Atlantic coastal area. Circa pre-1920. Excellent original paint and condition. Paint is very thick, very clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice surface and a nice clean patina. Bill is all original and is metal, probably a nail with some rusting. Solid carved flattie style shorebird measuring approx 13 inches long. Very excellent old bird here with good form. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique shorebirds. Metal stand included and more pics available. Good buy here.
$650

Very nice and very scarce Brant decoy by Nathan Cobb Jr. (1825-1905), Cobbs Island, VA. Circa 1875-1895. Same style and weight as published example in Joel Barber's "Wild Fowl Decoys" written in 1934. Surface is clean, strong and dry with original paint on sides and naturally old working repaint to black and white areas. When you see brant at a distance all you see is black and white so they kept it fresh and strong. Has some honest hunting wear but grades about excellent for its age. Splined bill may be a replacement. A rare addition to find Cobb Brant decoys this early and are always a great find and important addition to any collection of southern decoys. Full size with black glass eyes, measures approx 18 1/4 inches long and classic solid carved body with same style weight as Barber's bird (plate 112). Solid body model with slightly forward swimming head probably made from ships mast. Retains original weights and leather line tie. Nathan Cobb's decoys are some of the most famous and highly sought decoys in the market with several Brant selling at auction for over $100k and a Goose example selling for over $450k. Great example here and sure to please any collector looking for classic Eastern Shore of VA seaside makers for their collection and a incredible deal on price that wont be matched anywhere. More pics avail. of this very scarce offering.
$9500

Fantastic Red~Breasted Merganser pair of decoys by "Dr Duck" Russ Allen, NJ and the Eastern Shore of VA. Hot branded "ra" on both and both ink signed. Excellent all original paint and condition with very nicely done hollow carved bodies that are put together with wooden dowels. Nice paint work and carving style on this pair with beautiful form. Measures approx 18 1/2 inches long each with carved crest and very cool carved eyes. Both are rigged to hunt with aged lead weights and leather line ties. A really nice pair in a style Russ has not done many of. Russ is known as "Dr Duck" and one of the most well known people in the decoy hobby as he is best known for his professional repairs on top tier decoys for the major decoy houses and private collectors. He does a bit of his own carvings including to order when time allows which isnt often. This is a really nice stylish pair to add to any collection. More pics avail.
SALE PENDING!

Superb and scarce full size standing Woodcock carving/decoy by George Strunk, Glendora, NJ. Ink signed on base and base stamped "G. STRUNK" and dated 2022. Outstanding and mint all original paint and excellent condition. This beautiful bird is solid carved and on a nice carved base with carved feet and legs with dropped wing tips. Measures approx 10 inches long and about 7 1/4 inches tall on base. Has glass eyes and very detailed paint work. George can lay some paint like no one else, his blending of color and texture is awesome. Great job on this awesome beauty and in a very stylish and scarce full body on base style. George makes a great looking bird in the classic Delaware River style. His work is highly sought after by collectors of both old and contemporary decoys. Outstanding and great collector species in scarce model that is sure to please. More pics available.
$1250

Super nice and early low head Black Duck by Thomas "Fitzie" Fitzpatrick (1887-1958), Delanco, NJ. Circa 1910-30. Ex-Somers Headley collection and marked with is stamp. Has original metal gunners tag "J M CAIRNS". Very strong all original paint with minor wear from gunning, but is very clean, dry and strong. Nice feathered paint detail and classic Delaware River form. Hollow carved body measures approx 15 1/2 inches long, has a great looking low head with nice raised wing tip carving and incised tail and tips. Retains original leather line tie and lead pad weight and has metal tack eyes. Fitzie lived a idyllic life living on a houseboat on Delaware River. He would hunt all winter and fish rest of the year and only made decoys or worked at the boatyard when he needed money. He made mostly Black Ducks and they are the true Delaware River style and he varied little in his style and species except sometimes Pintails or Mallards. Classic Delaware River decoy for any collector looking to add a choice Delaware River Black Duck example to a collection. E-mail for more pics if interested, very nice bird here for the price.
$1200

Superb "Eastern Shore of Virginia" style reaching "root" head Brant decoy by Cameron McIntyre (b-1968), New Church, VA. Circa less then 35 years old. Eastern Shore of VA. Has Cameron's "CTM" carved signature. Similar carving in the style of the decoys of Cobb and Hogg Island, but with a touch of style that makes Cameron's birds the great decoys that they are and some of the most sought after contemporary decoys on the market. Excellent all original aged paint and condition. It measures approx 19 inches. Very nicely done very fat hollow carved body with turned reaching root head and raised wing tip carving proper. Cameron's work is very hard to get and this Brant is outstanding. I am constantly amazed at the talent that Cameron exhibits in his work, and this beauty is sure to please. if you know what his work has been bringing privately and at the
$3850

Early and stylish Black Bellied Plover shorebird decoy by unknown maker, most likely mid-Atlantic coastal area, probably NJ. Circa pre-1920. Excellent original paint and condition. Paint is very thick, very clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork with some cool scratch painting mixed in. This bird has a nice surface and a nice clean patina. Bill is all original. Solid carved tapered flattie style shorebird measuring approx 10 1/2 inches long. Very excellent old bird here with good form. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique shorebirds. Metal stand included and more pics available. Good buy here.
$450

Superb early drake Mallard by Charles Perdew (1874-1963), Henry, Ill. Circa 1934. Superb all original paint and condition done by Edna which is best paint and found on earliest models. Some lite hunting wear and some minimal age/storage flakes. Hollow carved it measures approx 16 1/2 inches long with a straight head and glass eyes. Retains original weight and line tie and is a dated weight with 1934 done by the raised "bumps" on weight. Has couple shot scars. This bird is exceptional you could get yourself "crushed" at auction trying to buy one this nice. Charles Perdew was one of the most famous makers from the Illinois River area. Perdews are classics, and not just in the mid-west, his work is highly sought by many collectors all over the country. Some great info can be found in any of the books that cover Illinois River decoys. This is a outstanding example of his work and you would have a hard time finding one with the same vintage in this condition at anywhere near this price. Great piece here for even the pickiest condition collector or investor. More pics avail if interested.
$6600

Excellent and scarce "reaching" A.E. Crowell (1862-1952), miniature drake Red-Breasted Merganser carving. East Harwich, Mass. Circa 1910-40. Excellent all original paint and condition. Excellent plus all original condition with a few "flea bite" size flakes. Paint blending and colors on this bird are superb! Nice clean surface patina. Bottom is stamped "A.E. Crowell Maker, East Harwichport, Mass." Approx 6 inches long and 3 1/2 high. More pics avail. Very nice mini and good to find a merganser species. These have soared in value over the last couple of years and are a solid investment and a joy to own and create a collection with over time. More pics available.
$1850

Superb Goldeneye pair of decoys by Marty Hanson, Prior Lake, Minn. Dated 1997 and as part of his gunning rig 2000-2004 which is written on bottom. Also 1997 "BEST OF SHOW" Northern Nationals Decoy Contest. Both are signed. Excellent all original paint and condition with a beautiful surface that is very dry and clean. Bodies are solid carved and measure approx 16 inches long on drake and 15 inches on hen and both with perfect glass eyes and slightly turned head on drake. Have a rasped "feather" finish on both. Both have weighted keels and hen has a damaged area on bottom front of keel where it got caught in prop during a hunt. Marty is a great talent and if you have ever tried to get any decoys at a show by Marty you know he sells out fast and keeps a backlog for his fine work. A collector favorite here and sure to please. Good buy here on this pretty pair. More pics available.
$2650 pr

Super nice Ira Hudson style Red~Breasted Merganser pair by Mark Daisey, Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa less then 20 years old, both branded "MARK"and ink signed. Strong, dry and clean original paint that shows intentional wear and aging to give them the look of the hundred year old classics by Ira Hudson. Nice fat size birds at approx 15 inches long each with solid carved bodies. Rusted tack eyes with good flutting to tail and head crest notches as proper to follow Ira Hudson's classic. Retains original weights and line ties. Mark Daisey is the nephew of the "world famous" Cigar Daisey. He makes a excellent decoy in many different styles including copying some of the classics. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work. Extra pics avail and a great buy on this Hudson style classic pair. Getting harder to find and buy these and Mark isnt one who keeps making the same style carvings, get these while available, they have a great look and nice quality work as always with Mark's fine work. More pics available.
$750 pr

Exceptional hollow carved drake Mallard by Ian McNair, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa less then 25 years old.Carved signature in bottom. Excellent all original paint and condition with great feather painting and good carving detail and form. This handsome boy measures approx 17 3/4 inches with a nicely done slightly turned head. Carved eyes and nice detailed head, bill and raised wing carving. Has been rigged to gun with but unused. This is a really nice example by Ian. Its tuff getting any McNairs and this one is cool. Very neat bird here for the McNair collector who is looking for something extra nice by one of the great McNair family carving artist. More pics available.
$950

Very cool and early and rare hen Red-Breasted Merganser decoy by unknown maker, probably Hog or Cobb Island, VA. Circa pre-1900. Looks like just one layer of second coat gunning repaint with some areas of wood showing. Super cool inletted head very simular to Hog or Cobb Island birds with raised wing tip carving. This bird has a nice old surface and a nice clean patina. Bill is splined thru head and has tack eyes. Note with bird said Cameron may have done some work to head, if he did it dont show with medical black light. Solid carved bird measuring approx 15 1/4 inches long. Has a age check in bottom and a few thin ones on topside but all secure and stable. Retains original leather line tie but original weight removed. Very neat old bird here with good form and style. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique Mergansers. More pics available. Good buy here and unique offering.
$2600

Super cool "Dize family" style Red~Breasted Merganser pair of decoys by "Dr Duck" Russ Allen, NJ and the Eastern Shore of VA. Hot branded "ra" on both. Excellent all original intentional aged paint and condition with very nicely done solid carved bodies true to style of the original pair found in Harborton, VA area. Nice aged paint work and carving style on this pair. Measures approx 17 3/4 inches long each with carved crest and painted eyes. Couple of intentional age lines in back of hen. Both are rigged to hunt with aged lead weights and leather line ties. A really nice pair in a style Russ has never done and with a really nice proper surface on each. Russ is known as "Dr Duck" and one of the most well known people in the decoy hobby as he is best known for his professional repairs on top tier decoys for the major decoy houses and private collectors. He does a bit of his own carvings including to order when time allows which isnt often. This is a really nice folk art style pair to add to any collection. More pics avail.
$950 pr

Superb Black-Belly Plover shorebird decoy by Cameron McIntyre. Circa less then 35 years old. Excellent all original aged paint and condition with slight intentional wear. The paint style, aging, and patina on this bird is outstanding. Stylish, sleek and very well done carving with a beautiful surface. Measures approx 11 inches long. Fat solid body carving. Paint has been aged proper with an nice soft patina. Carved "CTM" signature in bottom. Has perfect glass eyes. More pics available. Here is a nice rare decoy for the money, as Cameron's work is nearly impossible to get. I get more follow ups on Cameron's work from folks that "wished they had pulled the trigger" when a piece by him was available only to watch it sell and were sorry they didn't do it. Excellent bird here for the collector of shorebird decoys or of Cameron's work. I am constantly amazed at the talent that Cameron exibits in his work, it is always a pleasure to hold and see his decoys and art. You will be more then happy with this one and if you saw what his birds sell for at the major decoy auctions you will appreciate the deal on this very cool style. More pics available of this beauty.
$1850

Fantastic and very early hen Bluebill decoy by unknown Long Island maker. Circa 1860-1910. Carved "J.N." in bottom and hot branded "G.S. COLYER". Paint is worn and dry but all original with a very deep patina. Nice surface on this beauty and at first glance it looks like a Black Duck but you can faintly see the hens lighter face coloration at backside of bill. Gunning use and age have worn to wood along high grain areas. Light back coloration was probably white lead and wore away over time. Awesome large carved eyes. Measures approx. 12 1/4 inches long. Solid flat bottom body with very well done long base head. Retains original leather line tie and lead pad weight. Great form and very appealing for any decoy of folk art collection. Very clean and strong very early little bird here with great Folk Art appeal for the price, more pics avail.
$850

Very nice classic drake Pintail decoy by Mark McCool Whipple (1884-1961), Bourg, Louisiana. Circa pre-1930. Excellent original paint and condition with a few areas of flaking to wood or undercoat but no hard gunning wear. Paint is clean, dry and strong, with nice flowing brushwork. This bird has a nice old surface and a nice clean patina. Solid carved and probably cypress root or tupelo gum bird measuring approx 16 3/4 inches long. Very nice classic old Louisiana bird here with good form. Mark Whipple made some of the nicest decoys in LA and are true classics and very hard to find all original and no repairs. He had 10 brothers and some joined Mark in the guide business. Mark was top guide at "AVOCA CLUB" in the early 1900s charging a $100 a month for his services and boarding. See Brian Cheramie's awesome classic book "LOUISIANA LURES and LEGENDS" for more great info on Mark Whipple. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique LA classic decoys. More pics available. Good buy here and rare offering.
$3800

Awesome "Ira Hudson" style drake Canvasback decoy by Mark Daisey, Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa less then 20 years old, and hot branded "MARK" and ink signed. Strong, dry and clean all original paint with some intentional wear to give the look of 100 year old bird. Nice accurate carving and painting style in true Hudson tradition. Solid carved with tack eyes it measures 15 1/2 inches long and is rigged and has been gunned over but in nice condition. Mark is nephew of the late but "world famous" Cigar Daisey. He makes a excellent decoy in many different styles including copying some of the classics. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work and Decoy Magazine did a excellent article on Mark and his fine work. Outstanding value here. Extra pics avail.
$450

Very nice and very scarce fatty Black Duck decoy by Charles Jester (1876-1952), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1900-1920s. Ex- collections of D.C. North and Bill Purnell with their hot brands in bottom. This is same decoy thats pictured and published on page 87 of "SOUTHERN DECOYS" by the late Henry Fleckenstein. Very strong paint which is all original with strong feather scratch painting. Surface is very clean, strong and dry finish, the paint work is very nice with scratch painted wings, head and feathers. Has some honest hunting wear but grades very good plus. A rare addition to find Black Ducks decoys this early in original condition and paint are always a great find and important addition to any collection of southern decoys. Full size with tack eyes, measures approx 17 inches long and approx 6 inches across and classic hollow carved body and retains original pad weight and leather line tie. Has couple of thin drying lines in body but would still grade excellent for region and vintage. Charles was first cousin to famous Chincoteague maker Doug Jester. He was a market gunner till outlawed in 1918 when he then became a game warden. Most examples of his decoys have original paint by his cousin Doug or his neighbor Ira Hudson. Great example here and sure to please any collector looking for classic Eastern Shore of VA seaside makers for their collection. More pics avail. of this very scarce offering.
$5500

Very scarce and early classic hollow Canada Goose decoy by Charlie Birch (1868-1956), Willis Wharf, Northampton Co., VA. Circa 1910-25. Published in a couple of the decoy books. Paint is all original with no repair or touch up. This is his true classic model and very few exist in original paint. Birch was a exceptional decoy maker but his paint is thin and saltwater is brutal on everything. Surface is strong and clean with a beautiful deep patina. Condition is very good considering age and region where it was used with strong paint and no repairs. Nice full size it measures approx 23 1/2 inches long and has original tack eyes and is a fat hollow carved body bird with classic Birch form. Very cool long splined original bill. The original weight and line tie removed. This is Charlie's classic and by far his most sought after style. Only a small handful of these exist in original paint with serious pricing. Extra pics avail. Good one here for the money, you don't find these anywhere near this nice very often at any price. More pics available.
$12,500

Scarce never rigged very fat drake Red Breasted Merganser decoy by Doug Jester (1876-1961), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1925-50. Strong, dry and clean all original paint and condition. Great looking classic Jester painting on this one. Has some stable grain sapping on breast but is old and dried. Has never been rigged to gun with but has a few flakes and rubs from age/storage. Fat cedar bird at approx 15 3/4 inches, nice cedar not cottonwood body with cedar head model. Painted eye model bird with great feather wing painting, and classic Jester neck shelf. Extra pics avail. A classic and very clean Jester Merganser for any Southern or Chincoteague decoy collection. Excellent example here, getting hard to find this nice, especially in cedar. A great classic species that everyone wants by Doug Jester. More pics avail
$3000

Very cool and early fat belly Black Bellied Plover shorebird decoy by unknown maker, probably NJ, mid-Atlantic coastal area. Circa pre-1920. Excellent original paint & condition. Paint is thick, clean, dry & strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice old surface and a nice clean deep patina. Bill is replacement that is splined thru head. Solid carved bird measuring approx 10 inches long. Very excellent old bird here with good form. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique shorebirds. Metal stand included & more pics available. Good buy here.
$650

Very cool mini Canada Goose carving by Zach Jester, Chincoteague and Wallops Island, VA. Has Zach's ink stamp and carved "ZJ" on bottom. Excellent all original paint that is very slightly aged for a perfect look of a old antique classic. Great looking painting style with a nice surface. Body is solid carved and measures appox 6 3/4 inches long with high head and painted eyes with paddle tail carving. This is the first mini wildfowl piece offered on website and is different then his usual carvings. Zach is the great grandson of Doug Jester and stays true to his work by using only hand tools in the original tradition makers. He doesnt compete for that reason that "decoys were never sculpted to be competition pieces in the beginning". His work is highly sought after by folks that have seen his work and a long backlog is proof of that. This beauty is sure to please and priced to sell. More pics available on this cool carving.
$325

Excellent pair of Ruddy Duck decoys by Delbert "Cigar" Daisey (1928-2017), VA. Circa 1965-77. Signed & branded "CIGAR", it has the smaller size "CIGAR" brand. Excellent all original paint and condition in excellent condition. Stylish carved body measures approx 11 1/4 inches. Has glass eyes and detailed "fancy" carved wingtips, tails and perfectly done heads and bills. Never rigged. Cigar's decoys have soared thru the roof in the last couple of years and choice examples are hard to get, Cigar has quite the following all over the country. If you have been watching the price of Cigar's decoys the last few years or been to any of the local auctions on Delmarva you know what a good value this earlier pair of "Boobies" are. More pics available.
$1850 pr

Superb hen Red-Breasted Merganser by Mike Toole, St Clairsville, Ohio. Signed and dated 1990 by Mike and has list attached to keel of competitions this bird was in and won in 1990 from Ohio to California to VA Beach and back to Ohio. Fantastic all original paint and condition. Paint is mint, dry, very clean and nicely detailed. Signed on weighted keel with 1990 date as shown in pic above. Life size it measures approx 16 inches long with a slightly turned head with glass eyes and slightly raised wing tips. Couldnt find much detail about Mike and his carvings, mostly just contest entered/won in late 80s - early 90s. This one is a beauty and guaranteed to please. More pics avail.
$750

Awesome "Ira Hudson" style drake Bluebill decoy by Mark Daisey, Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa less then 20 years old, and hot branded "MARK" and ink signed. Strong, dry and clean all original paint with some intentional wear to give the look of 100 year old bird. Nice accurate carving and painting style in true Hudson tradition. Solid carved with tack eyes it measures 14 inches long and is rigged and has been gunned over but in nice condition. Mark is nephew of the late but "world famous" Cigar Daisey. He makes a excellent decoy in many different styles including copying some of the classics. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work and Decoy Magazine did a excellent article on Mark and his fine work. Outstanding value here. Extra pics avail.
$450

Superb hollow carved Greater Yellowlegs shorebird decoy by Marty Hanson (born 1965), Hayward, Wisc. Circa less than 20 years old.  Has Marty's carved "M.H." signature on bottom. Excellent all original aged paint and condition with a beautiful surface that is very dry and clean. Body is hollow carved that measures approx 14 1/4 inches long with tack eyes and "alert" head. Marty is a great talent and if you have ever tried to get any decoys at a show by Marty you know he sells out fast and keeps a backlog for his fine work. His work continues to get more and more incredibly beautiful and will be a "classic" maker that will be collected for many generations to come when the rest of us are gone. A collector favorite here and sure to please on this beautiful piece of work. Good buy here and wood or metal stand included. More pics available. Here is what Marty said about making this shorebird...
"The shorebird is influenced by the Burr Family. After viewing and owning several of these examples by the Burr family, I decided to make them to highlight the carpentry that went into making these pieces. They are very skillfully crafted with many pieces of wood and hollowed. This particular bird has 12 different pieces of wood in its construction. The center was cut out and hollowed with applied wings on the side and pegged in by hardwood pegs. The bill is splined hardwood." --- Marty Hanson .
SALE PENDING!

Very rare and very early Ruddy Duck or Old Squaw hen decoy by unknown maker Long Island, NY maker. Circa 1875-1910. Paint is excellent, bone dry and all original with a perfect deep patina. Incredible surface on this beauty. Has one thin age line on lower right side as seen in pic above but doesn't distract and displays excellent. Measures approx. 10 1/2 inches long and nice wide body style. Solid flat unpainted bottom body with very well done flared base neck and head. Retains original staple line ties in front and back to be used in string line set so it was never weighted. Great form and very appealing for any decoy of folk art collection. Very interesting bird here and only early Ruddy Duck I have ever seen from the Long Island area. I have seen 2 other birds by the same maker but they were Old Squaw so maybe this was his version of a hen Old Squaw. Very clean and strong little bird here with great Folk Art appeal for the price, more pics avail.
$3500

Super nice Atlantic Brant by Ken Kirby, (Born 1946). Little Egg Harbor, NJ. Signed and branded, and dated 2010. Strong, dry and clean all original paint that shows Ken's superb talent with a paint brush. Minty condition and never rigged to hunt. Nice full size bird at approx 18 1/2 inches long with hollow carved body. Glass eyes with some bill carving detail. Nice style with a soft edge flat bottom and slightly forward swimming head. Ken has been carving for over 40 years and is a award winning carver. His work is a smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work. Extra pics avail and a great buy on this very handsome Brant. More pics available.
$325

Very unusual and early "Herringbone" Willet or Yellowleg shorebird decoy by unknown Mass. maker. A BB Plover that is very similar was sold years ago in the George Ross Starr collection and it was ID'ed as "from rig of Uncle Charles Hammond", Chatham, Mass. And thought to date to 1850s. Very good all original paint and condition that has darkened with age. Paint is clean, dry and strong. This bird has a nice old surface and a nice very deep patina with some gunning wear but would still grade very good plus. Bill looks to be original with a blacklight. Has a couple dozen shot scars but helps with the look when displayed. Incredible detail carving on this cool bird, you wont see many of these, especially this clean. Solid carved full body bird measuring approx just 12 inches long with very cool carved all over body. Has double holes on bottom. Very excellent old bird here with good full alert form. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique shorebirds. Metal or wooden stand included and more pics available. Good buy here and very unique and very early example. More detail then pics can show.
SOLD!

Exceptional hollow carved Red-Breasted Merganser pair by Martin D. "Marty" Collins, (B-1960), Bridgewater, Mass. Signed and dated 2024. Hot branded "M.D. COLLINS" in bottom. Excellent all original paint and condition with great feather painting and good carving detail and form. The handsome drake measures approx 17 1/2 inches with a nicely done fully turned preening head. Pretty girl hen measures 21 3/4 with slightly turned "racy" swimming head. Glass eyes and nice detailed head, bill and raised wing carving. Has been rigged to gun with but are unused. This is a really beautiful matched pair of Marty's fine work. Marty is well known as one of America's preeminent carvers. He works in the "old school" style with strong influences of New Englands best classic carvers. Beautiful pair here for the Merganser collector who is looking for something extra nice by one of the great contemporary living artist. More pics available.
$1250 pair

Never gunned Mallard pair by R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993), Harve de Grace, MD. Unsigned but circa 1962. Excellent and thick all original paint and condition. Nice feather painting style. Very strong, dry and clean surface on this pretty pair. Measures approx 16 3/4 inches long each in unhunted condition. Retains original weights and line ties. Only slight fault is thinner then hairline drying crack in bottom of hen but hard to see and is secure and stable, and a tiny lift of puddy over one of head nails. A excellent puddle duck species decoy by the dean of Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. Really nice 60+ year old example here for any collection of classic decoys by Mitchell. Earlier Mallard pairs are harder to find as a matched pair. More pics avail.
$750 pr

Very nice "Cobb" style Red Knot shorebird decoy by Mark McNair, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa 1980's. Excellent all original aged paint and condition with very well done intentional wear. Measures approx 9 3/4 inches, fat full body with raised wing tip in the true Nathan Cobb style. Perfect glass eyes, splined bill and forward feeding or running head position, all very accurate in detail. This is a really nice and harder to find style by Mark. Carved McNair signature with capital "R" that helps date when made. Metal stand included. More pics avail. of this great looking McNair. Hard not to want to add this scarce beauty to your collection, great form, style and surface. They say the Red Knot could become extinct in our lifetime.
$1500

Very scarce and early classic hollow Brant decoy by Charlie Birch (1868-1956), Willis Wharf, Northampton Co., VA. Circa 1910-25 Published in a couple of the decoy books. Paint is all original with no repair or touch up. This is his true classic model and very few exist in original paint. Birch was a exceptional decoy maker but his paint is thin and saltwater is brutal on everything. Surface is strong and clean with a beautiful deep patina. Condition is very good considering age and region where it was used, extra strong saltwater. Nice full size it measures approx 17 1/2 inches long and has original tack eyes and is a fat hollow carved body bird with classic Birch form. The original weight still there but line tie gone. This is Charlie's classic and by far his most sought after style. Only a small handful of these exist in original paint with serious pricing. Extra pics avail. Good one here for the money, you don't find these this nice very often. Last one offered at auction in April brought over $30k+. More pics available.
$12,500

Awesome Canada Goose decoy by Darkfeather Freedman, Michigan. Circa less then 35 years old, and ink signed. Strong, dry and clean all original paint with a great clean surface. Nice size bird at approx 23 1/2 inches long with hollow carved body. Has never been rigged, excellent plus condition. Glass eyes with a really nice slightly turned head and raised wing and tail carving. Outstanding job by Darkfeather on this beautiful Goose and only one I have seen by him personally. Darkfeather is part native American from the Blackfoot Tribe. He makes a excellent decoy including copying some of the classics. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work. Outstanding decoy and great value here. Extra pics avail.
$650

Very cool pair of Mourning Dove decoys by A. Bierbrodt, Spring Valley, Illinois. I was told the maker use to be a hunting guide for Joe Tonneli. Circa 1960s-70s and ink signed on bottom of wood base. Very cool base with swing adjust wire leg on each. Excellent all original aged paint & condition. With only fault a couple of puppy teeth marks on head of each and tail of top bird. Nice job by Mr Bierbrodt here on the paint and form. Solid carved bodies measure approx 8 1/2 inches long with nice raised wing and raised carved wing feathers on each. Tiny painted tack eyes and mounted on natural wood base. I never heard of Mr Bierbrodt as a carver but his work is very impressive. Nice addition here for the collector of Doves or carvers of the Illinois River region. More pics avail.
$500

Very cool mechanical Hoot Owl decoy by "Dr Duck" Russ Allen, NJ and the Eastern Shore of VA. Hot branded "ra" signature. Excellent all original aged paint and condition with leather ears and wing hinges with hole to mount on stand that will be included. Nice paint work and carving style on this one. Measures approx 14 inches tall off stand with deer antler beak and large glass Owl eyes. Russ makes these out of old headless decoy bodies and this one flaps its wings when string pulled. Russ is known as "Dr Duck" and one of the most well known people in the decoy hobby as he is best known for his professional repairs on top tier decoys for the major decoy houses and private collectors. He does a bit of his own carvings including to order when time allows which isnt often. This is a really nice style and a fun piece to add to any collection. Hot branded "ra" signature on bottom. Metal stand included. More pics avail. of this nice Hooter by Russ.
SOLD!

Very nice Godwit shorebird decoy by Mark McNair, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa 1980's. Excellent all original aged paint and condition with very well done lite intentional wear. Measures approx 13 1/2 inches, fat full body with raised wing tip carving. Carved eyes, splined bill and pulled back resting head, all very accurate in detail. This is a really nice and harder to find style by Mark. Carved McNair signature with capital "R" that helps date when made. Metal stand included. More pics avail. of this great looking McNair. Hard not to want to add this scarce beauty to your collection, great form, style and surface.
$1950

Superb half size Black-Belly Plover shorebird decoy by Sean Sutton, Paulsboro, NJ. Signed in ink on bottom of the bird. Excellent all original paint and condition with a nice soft patina finish. Measures approx 6 inches long and is solid carved body with glass eyes. Nice detailed carving on this beauty with raised wing and wing tips. Condition is perfect and a beautiful pieces of work. Sean makes a great looking bird in the classic Delaware River style. His work is highly sought after by collectors of both old and contemporary decoys. He makes decoys using the techniques of the classic makers of Delaware River region. If you follow the online auctions you see the very high prices Sean's fine work is bringing. Good buy here, last one at auction was around $1,200.+. Dont miss this one. More pics avail.
$250

Awesome "Ira Hudson" style Black Duck decoy by Mark Daisey, Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa less then 20 years old, and hot branded "MARK". Strong, dry and clean all original paint with some intentional wear to give the look of 100 year old bird. Nice accurate carving and painting style in true Hudson tradition. Solid carved with tack eyes it measures 17 inches long and is rigged and has been gunned over but close to mint condition. Mark is nephew of the late but "world famous" Cigar Daisey. He makes a excellent decoy in many different styles including copying some of the classics. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work and Decoy Magazine did a excellent article on Mark and his fine work. Outstanding value here. Extra pics avail.
$425

Very nice and earlier round back style drake Pintail miniature by Miles Hancock (1888-1974), Chincoteague Island, VA. Has his earlier ink stamp and not dated. Measures approx 6 1/8 inches. Excellent all original paint, thats very dry and clean, with very nicely done brush work paint patterns and lots of scratch painting. A very sharp and clean little bird with original tack eyes. Miles Hancock was a classic decoy maker and started making his "little birds" after a heart attack in the 1960s and selling them to the steady increasing flow of tourist to Chincoteague Island. This one has a great look, and more good pics avail.
$275

Scarce model standing Crow decoy with corn cobb by Grayson Chesser, Jenkins Bridge, VA. Not dated but less then 10years old. Has Grayson's "C" carved into bottom of the crow. Excellent all original paint and condition. Solid carved body measures approx 18 inches long and approx 15 inches tall on carved 10 1/2 X 8 inch base with 7 1/2 inches length on carved corn cobb. Condition is excellent. Has glass eyes and nice raised wing carving with detail to tips and face. Grayson was the "Carver of the Year" at the 2004 Harve de Grace Decoy Show, and just did an exhibit at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. Grayson makes a great bird and getting very hard to get. Getting very hard to buy especially at auctions. This is a very nice artistic gunning Crow showing Grayson's fine decoy making talent and will please even the most demanding of collectors. Getting hard to get any Chesser birds for resale, especially something scarce like this. More pics avail.
$1050

Very rare pair of Shoveler decoy carvings by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 1965 and "NORRIS PRATT COLLECTION" written on bottom. Excellent all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Beautiful patina and great paint patterns with incredible fine detail. With a few small flake/rub to side of drake and a flake as seen in above pic and some very tight crazing but display excellent. Hollow cedar bodies measures approx 13 1/2 inches long each with slightly heads, both wings and tail with detail carving as is the beautiful heads on these. Fantastic detail to feather painting and carving that showcases the incredible talent of the Ward Brothers. Great looking Ward Brothers Shovel Bill pair carvings here, very clean and dry with the condition and detail more then exceptional. This was one of the Ward's rarest species to make and the respect they had for the species shows in the fine form, paint and workmanship in this superb piece of art. The price of good Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a sweet pair of decoys for any collector looking to add a very rare species classic Ward decorative pieces and demands exceptional original condition examples and investment quality decoys. E-mail for more pics.
$19,850

Early and stylish "Wire Legged" Red Knot shorebird decoy by unknown maker, most likely mid-Atlantic coastal area, probably Virginia. Circa pre-1920. Excellent original paint and condition. Paint is thick, clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice surface and a nice clean patina. Bill is probably a pro replacement. Solid carved bird measuring approx 10 1/2 inches long. It has a hole drilled in bottom and 2 original wire legs which was done by a few makers in the Delmarva area. Very excellent old bird here with good form. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique shorebirds. Metal stand included and more pics available. Good buy here and a good species that some predict might go extinct in our lifetime.
$800

Early and very scarce never rigged drake Bluebill decoy by Doug Jester (1876-1961), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1925-40s. Ex-Charlie Hunter collection and retains his brass collection tag. Strong, bone dry and clean all original paint and condition. Nice size bird at approx 14 3/4 inches with earliest no neck shelf carving. A stylish decoy and Doug Jester classic. Typical tube painted eyes. Nicely done head and nice classic earlier Jester form. A classic and very clean Jester for any Southern or Chincoteague decoy collection. Doug Jester decoys are true Eastern Shore of Virginia classics and are highly sought by collectors. Very nice one here, getting hard to find this nice, especially a Bluebill. Not a species that Jester made a lot of and from a famous Southern collection. More pics avail
$1800

Very rare, folky and classic football style pair of Goldeneye decoys by Ira Hudson (1876-1949), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1920-1940. Ex-Bobby Jester collection. Has good all original paint with some honest gunning wear to bare wood as would be expected. Lots of great blending and scratch painting. No repairs or touch ups of any kind and bone dry never waxed surface. Hen has check down the length of left shoulder area and is a common issue with Hudson decoys as he used heartwood. With 12 children to feed nothing gets thrown away. Measures approx 14 1/2 inches on each. This is a classic and very desirable Hudson style, with a great head style with nicely carved bills, football style bodies, ice dip carving with classic flowing flutted tail carving, solid cedar body and tack eyes. Retains original pad weights and leather line tie on each. This is a nice true classic Hudson Goldeneye pair with great form, style and all original as when retired. Great pair and in the condition you rarely find a Hudson that was gunned over. More pics available of this Chincoteague classic pair.
$6500 pair

Outstanding and super detailed drake Bluebill decoy by Joseph Bua, Vilas, NC. Signed and not dated but other pieces from same collection were dated 1994-2002. Excellent all original and very detailed paint and with very well done detailed carving and feather burning. Nice fat boy measures appox 12 inches long with nice raised wing detail and feather burn. I couldnt find much info on Mr Bua but do see he has been a competition carvers for many years and won catagories at the Ward Museum World Championships. Beautiful piece of work here and sure to please. More pics available of this great looking drake. Hard not to want to add this handsome Blackhead to your collection, great form, style and paint and and incredible carving detail..
$1250

Super nice "AUTOMATIC CANVAS DECOY DUCKS" drake Mallard by the J.W. Reynolds Decoy Factory (1904-1950). Circa 1910-30s. Still retains original factory ink stamp on bottom and probably never used. Excellent all original paint that's strong, dry and clean, nice bright colors on this scarce example. These were first patented in 1910 but was made prior to that time but this one marked "patented". Measures approx 15 1/2 inches long with a perfect canvas body with no tear with original set up hardware and nice strong stencil on bottom. Canvas in very excellent condition with great colors. I found some great history on the J.W. Decoy factory in the 1977 Decoy Collectors Guide in a article written by the late Willis Pennington who actually hunted over a rig of the as a young hunter. A very interesting company who made a nice decoy that was a bit ahead of its time when made. I would think this is quite a nice addition of a approx 100+ year old decoy for the collector of choice condition factory made birds. More pics avail, this handsome factory Mallard is priced to sell and guaranteed to please.
$250

Nice "Ward style" drake Pintail decoy by Charles Spiron, Goldsboro, NC. Circa less then 50 years old. Branded "Currituck Decoy Co" and a ink signature. Has all original aged paint and condition with a nice soft surface. Solid carved body measures approx 17 inches long with turned head carving. Charles has been carving for nearly four decades and has worked with many of Americas finest Museums including Colonial Williamsburg, Winterthur, and the Smithsonian, and has provided these classic forms to collectors all across the country. Using time honored methods of decoy construction and painting, he has created thousands of carvings now in private and public collections. Many of his carvings were sold with the brand, Currituck Decoy Company, started in Currituck, North Carolina in 1977. He continues to carve original work on a limited basis. Nice earlier example here by Charles. More pics avail.
$350

Early and stylish Dowitcher shorebird decoy by unknown maker, most likely mid-Atlantic coastal area, probably VA. Circa pre-1920. Very good original paint and condition. Paint is clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice surface and a nice clean patina. Some flaking from age, mostly along grain lines. Bill is all original but has been reset and some touch up in area where bill meets head. Solid carved bird measuring approx 9 1/2 inches long. It has 3 holes drilled in bottom one is main mount hole then 2 smaller for wire legs which are long gone. Neat old bird here with good form. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique shorebirds. Metal stand included and more pics available. Good buy here.
$650

Extra nice Cherry wood double cradle style decoy stands. Made of nice quality Cherry also available in Oak. Handmade in Maryland. Measures approx 10 1/2 inches by 6 inches and 4 1/4 high. These have rounded edges and are a bit longer then others I had and are top quality. Perfect for displaying pairs. Quantity is currently limited but more on order. Email your needs.
$20.00 each

Extra nice longer style Cherry or Oak wood cradle style decoy stands. Made of cherry or oak. Handmade in Maryland. Measures approx 10 5/8 inches by 6 inches. These have rounded edges and are longer for Geese, Swan and other larger size birds. Very nice finish and are top quality. Quantity is currently limited but more on order. Email your needs.
$12.50 each or $22 for a pair

Super nice Black Duck by Michael Pierce, Wausau, Wisconsin. Signed and branded, and dated May 2019. Strong, dry and clean all original paint that shows Michael's superb talent with a paint brush. Minty condition and never rigged to hunt. Nice full size bird at approx 15 1/2 inches long with hollow carved body. Glass eyes with some bill carving detail. Nice style with a flat bottom and slightly squatted head. Michael is a retired EMT and firefighter and a award winning carver. He makes a excellent decoy and but rarely makes any for sale anymore, mostly for himself, friends and special events. He grew up gunning the Mississippi River and was famous for his duck calling ability. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work. Extra pics avail and a great buy on this very handsome Black Duck. More pics available.
$350

Very nice raised wing Black Duck miniature by Miles Hancock (1888-1974), Chincoteague Island, VA. Not signed. Measures approx 6 inches. Excellent all original paint, thats very dry and clean, with very nicely done scratch paint patterns, a very sharp and clean little bird. Has tack eyes and raised wing carvng and flutted tail. Miles Hancock was a classic decoy maker and started making his "little birds" after a heart attack in the 1960s and selling them to the steady increasing flow of tourist to Chincoteague Island. This one has a great look, and more pics avail.
$225

Top quality decoy bag by "OLD-DECOYS.COM". The best bag for your all your decoys and free personalization if requested. Top quality double layered with heavy duck outer with thick fleece inner lining with double stiching and metal grommets with quick adjust toggle cord locks. Measures approx 13 X 22 to fit most duck and brant decoys. Most color combos available if you have a favorite see above pic for general color choice. All sizes available including bags for miniatures and fish up to as big as you need. Larger size bags will have cloth handles. These are great bags and a must have if you transport your decoys. Get rid of the plastic grocery bag and protect your investment!
$35 each for regular size, smaller size less and larger size more, call for custom size pricing

Excellent matched pair of Bluebill decoys attrib to Tuffield King (1908-1986), Go Home Bay, Port Severn, Ontario. Circa 1930-50. Excellent all original paint & condition with very minimal rubs to areas from gunning use. Nice basic painting style and color with a very nicely done rasped feathering finish with raised wing tip. Nicely carved heads with wide bills and perfect glass eyes. Measures approx 16 inches long and both retain original lead strip piece weight. The King brothers and their cousin Oliver show how that even in remote areas away from major hunting areas the decoy carving tradition prospered. Very strongly made with a great feel to them. Sure to please any collector of nice matched Bluebill pairs or birds from the Ontario area. More pics avail.
$400 pair

"CORE VALUES"
"CORE SOUND DECOYS, ORAL HISTORY, FOLK ART". Excellent documentry on the oral history of decoys and the men who used them in the Core Sound region. It features Doily Fulcher, Homer Fulcher, and Jerry Talton. . A well done look at Core Sound and generations of decoy makers who have honed their craft here. From mere subsistence tool, to market hunting yield booster, and finally to rarified art objects that are much sought after by collectors. It premiered at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum as part of the 25th anniversary Celebration Weekend. You will enjoy this 32 min dvd documentry, and the sale of each helps support the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum!
$25 ppd to lower 48

Super nice Oscar Peterson (1887-1951), Cadillac, Mich., 7 3/8 inch Brown Trout fish spearing decoy. Circa 1930-40s. Original paint & condition with some honest age & fishing wear but overall excellent surface and paint style on this beauty. Beautiful deep color surface on this beauty. Most of wear is more flaking type from age on the metal fins and on the belly and a few other smaller areas. This fish is a pellet tack eye model and has 7 metal fins with some paint loss on fins, more pics avail. See Ron Fritz's excellent book "Michigan's Master Carver OSCAR W. PETERSON ", for like examples. Any Oscar Peterson in condition this clean and strong is desirable & scarce. They are getting almost impossible to find for resale in original paint. This fish is guaranteed 100%, & would make a nice addition to any old fish decoy collection. More pics avail.
SOLD!

Top of the line shorebird decoy stands by "STUDIO 47". These are high end furniture quality stands. Stained wood color can vary but generally about 3 different depths of color. Handmade in Maryland. Most of are mahogany wood with a couple different edge styles. Measurements vary but most are in the approx 5 inches by 2 3/4 inches to 4 by 2 1/2 inches size range. It is a mix but can group your requirements as needed in size and color. Dowell heights vary 8 to 10 inches approx. Quantity is currently limited but more on order. Email your needs and can mix or match your preference.
$25 each

Super nice and scarce small size Perch fish spearing decoy by Oscar Peterson (1887-1951), Cadillac, Mich. Measures just under 5 inches long. Circa 1930's. This fish has an excellent surface, the paint is all original and exceptionally clean, & very strong with excellent color & brush work & nice original varnished finish with some paint loss on fins & belly weights.. This fish is a flat tack eye model with typical Peterson carved gills and mouth. Its kinda cool as you can see in top pic where Peterson drove his nail too low for the eye placement, so instead of giving it what he tought was a goofy look he painted where the eye should be. Has 7 metal fins with some paint loss on all, more pics avail. See Ron Fritz's excellent book "Michigan's Master Carver OSCAR W. PETERSON ", for like examples. Any Oscar Peterson in condition this clean, strong & honest is desirable & very scarce to find in this small size. This fish is guaranteed 100%, & would make a nice addition to any old fish decoy collection. More pics avail. This is a beauty and one of the better Peterson fish I have had in quite awhile!
SOLD!

Medium size 4 post style decoy stands. Clear acrylic . Medium size perfect for most duck decoys. Measures approx 4 1/4 inches by 3 1/2 inches. Nice quality for any of your display needs. Email your quanity needed.
$4 each or $40 a dozen
SOLD OUT AND HAVING TROUBLE GETTING MORE, ONLY GOOSE STANDS LEFT!

Very nice wooden cradle style decoy stands. Stained wood color can vary. Handmade in Maryland. Measures approx 5 inches by 4 1/2 inches. Quantity is currently limited but more on order. Email your needs. Only a few left!
$5 each, $50 per dozen
SOLD OUT OF THIS STYLE!

Large size 4 post style decoy stands. Clear acrylic . Larger size for Goose, Brant and large duck decoys. Measures approx 6 1/4 inches by 4 1/2 inches. Nice quality for any of your display needs. Email your quanity needed.
$5 each or $50 a dozen
SOLD OUT OF THIS STYLE!

"SPIRIT OF THE BIRD"
Featuring Delbert "Cigar" Daisey, Grayson Chesser, Mark McNair, Cork McGee, and P.G. Ross. Excellent documentry by award winning film maker James Spione. A well done look at the barrier islands and marshy coastline of Virginia's Eastern Shore and generations of decoy makers who have honed their craft here. From mere subsistence tool, to market hunting yield booster, and finally to rarified art objects that are much sought after by collectors, it follows some history of decoy makers past and present. You will enjoy this 37 min dvd documentry, and the sale of each helps support the "Barrier Islands Center" located in Machipongo, on Virginia's Eastern Shore!
$25 ppd to lower 48 ..... SOLD OUT AGAIN!!

~~~WANTED TO BUY~~~

~~~WANTED TO BUY~~~
MINIATURE SHOREBIRDS BY ELMER CROWELL FOR MY COLLECTION
ALL SPECIES CONSIDERED, SEND DESCRIPTION OR PICS AND PRICE