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Last update March 2, 2024

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Madison Mitchell BB pair
 

 

Very nice, clean matched Bluebill pair by R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993), Havre de Grace, MD. Circa 1950's. Excellent all original paint thats very strong and clean. Great paint on this pair, lots of nice feathering and a perfect surface thats never been waxed or messed with. Measure approx 14 3/4 inches long each. Both retain original weights and staple/ring line ties. Conditon is about excellent for vintage with some lite honest gunning wear and should please even the most demanding of condition collectors. Small natural drying line in breast of hen. More pics avail. You have seen the Mitchell market soar this past few years and this being a matched pair and extra nice quality makes them a great pair for the collector. A superb 60+ year old matched pair by the dean of Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. Priced to sell and very good buy on this fine pair.
$525 pr

 
 
Ira Hudson shorebird
Ira Hudson Yellowlegs
Collection stamp
 

 

Fantastic classic Yellowlegs shorebird decoy by Ira Hudson (1876-1949), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1900. Ex-collections of Peter Muller with ink collection stamp. Has excellent all original paint with very little wear for the age and useage, lots of great blending and scratch painting. Has nice long replaced bill that is probably early. Measures approx 12 inches. This is a classic and very desirable Hudson style, with a great head style with nicely carved fat flowing style solid carved body, and painted "slash" eyes. This is a very desireable style Hudson shorebird, so many broke at the neck. Very strong exaample here and a excellent addition for any collection and keeps you out of 5 figures in cost. More pics available.
$6250

 
Charlie Joiner Canvasbacks
 

 

Earlier hunted over Canvasback pair by Charlie "Speed" Joiner (1921-2015), Chestertown, MD. Circa 1950s and unsigned. Excellent all original paint, with very clean finish, the paint work on these birds are superb as always with Joiner. A species that has become "The Classic" by Joiner. They say he was called "Speed" because he can paint a pair of Canvasbacks in 14 minuites. Full size with painted eyes, measures approx 16 inches each. Retains original weights with ring and staple line ties. Has a few shot scars on left side of hen as seen in above pic. Nice earlier wide bill model and darker color hen he did on earlier model Canvasbacks. Charlie Joiner decoys are classics and still some of the most sought after contemporary birds made, he reset the standards for a lot of todays Chesapeake Bay makers. Great examples here for the price and sure to please any collector looking for great quality earlier Joiners for their collection. Mr. Joiner passed away in early March 2015. He was a very kind and nice man who always would make time for collectors. I hope you had a chance to meet him, he will be missed. More pics available.
$850 pr

 
Greg Daisey Hooded Merganser pair
Greg Daisey signature


 

 

Excellent mini Hooded Merganser pair by Greg Daisey, Chincoteague Island, VA. Signed and dated 1977. Paint is all original, very strong and very clean. Nice original surface on this pair that is very dry and clean. Measures approx 5 1/8 inches long with slightly turned heads and tiny glass eyes. Greg Daisey minis are highly sought by collectors because of the great detail he puts into his fine work but with paint and burned feather details. I dont know if he still carves but his work is hard to find. This is a great example of Greg's fine work and sure to please any collector that appreciates the good folk art appeal of his highly detailed work. Email for more pics if interested.
$425 pr

 

Ward brothers hen Mallard
Hen Mallard by the Ward Brothers




 

 

Fantastic Mallard hen decoy by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Circa 1948. Bottom has been felted and dont know if any signature under it. Excellent plus all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry with no touch ups or repairs. Beautiful patina and great paint patterns on this pretty girl with near perfect neck filler with slight drying shrinkage on right side neck. Solid balsa body that measures approx 17 1/4 inches long with cedar head, and inserted tail. Head is slightly turned which is typical of the Ward's. Great looking classic Ward Brothers Mallard hen decoy here, very clean and nicely done style for that era and the condition is exceptional. Has one small ( 1/2 inch) shallow dent/rub on right side of hen speculum patch. This is a exceptional example and sure to please. The price of good matched Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a beautiful girl and is a investment quality decoy. E-mail for more pics.
$3950

 
CTM WILLET
CTM WILLET
CTM CURLEW
 

 

Superb "Cobb-Hog Island" style fat Willet 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 that would be worth 100K+ if it was really a 100+ year old Barrier Island shorebird decoy. Measures approx 13 3/4 inches long. Very fat solid body carving. Paint has been aged proper with an nice soft patina. Carved "CTM" signature in bottom. Has painted 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.
$2450

 
 
Long Island Ruddy

Long Island Ruddy Duck
 

 

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.
$4500

 
Snipe EC
EC SNIPE
Snipe stamp & sig
 

 

Superb, rare and pristine lifesize Sanderling shorebird carving by A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952), East Harwich, Mass. Signed and branded by Crowell. Circa 1920-40. Outstanding all original paint and condition. Paint is very detailed, dry, and clean with a perfect patina of age. No repairs or touch ups of any kind, blacklights perfect. All gesso for thighs, knees & toes are original and in great shape. Has good strong square style brand. Lifesize it measures approx 5 1/4 inches long, and 5 inches tall. Solid body with glass eyes and is mounted on carved base. Extra pics available. This is a excellent example for any collector looking for a strong Crowell fullsize Shorebird carving to add to a collection, this beauty is extra tuff species to aquire. Good buy here as Crowell decoys continue to be the strongest part of the decoy market, early untouched examples this nice are getting impossible to find at any price.
$6,950

 

George Strunk oversize Mergansers
GS sig
 

 

Superb pair of oversized Delaware River style Red Breasted Merganser decoys by George Strunk, Glendora, NJ. Ink signed and stamped weight. Outstanding all original paint and excellent condition. These beautiful birds are hollow carved and is rigged with lead pad weight and leather line tie proper and ready to hunt with or stick on the shelf. Has stamped into leads "G. STRUNK". Hollow carved bodies that are magnum oversize models and measure approx 18 1/2 inches long on hen and 20 1/2 on drake. Have perfect 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 pair of beauties with detailed bill carving, raised wing-tips and tail carving and a great looking turned heads on both. 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. Priced below what a pair would cost today to have made. Outstanding and great collector species in oversize model that is sure to please and difficult pair to find or aquire.
$1350 pr

 

Mark Whipple Pintail
Mark Whipple drake Pintail
 

 

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

 


Ringneck Duck
Ringneck drake
 

 

Very early and very rare drake Ringneck drake by John Warren (1831-1912), Liverpool, Il . Circa 1860-1900. Paint worn to wood over most of decoy but most of whats left looks original. Has a beautiful surface of nice age and deep patina. It has a couple shot scars but really adds to the nice surface of this rare beauty. No neck cracks! solid carved with no cracks or age lines the body measures approx 11 1/2 inches long with head on shelf carving and is very slightly turned. Has nice bill carving and very cool raised wing tip over tail. Has original brass tack eyes and retails original lead strip weight and staple line tie. John Warren is one of the earliest known carvers from the famous Illinois River region. He was a boat builder who owned "WARREN BOAT HOUSE" in Liverpool and gunned for the market around the turn of the century. His decoys are very early and a very rare find for any collection of Illinois River decoys. Good Illinois River decoys of quality have been very strong values over the last several years and are a solid investment and a joy to own. More pics avail of this very handsome old boy, would love to have been on some of the hunts this one was on.
$2400

 
Kirby Brant
KK BRANT
KK BRANT sig
 

 

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.
$350

 

Ward Pintail drake
Ward Pintail 2
WB PINTAIL
Ward Pintail top

Ward Pintail bottom

 

 

Stunning "DELUXE GRADE" drake Pintail decoy carving by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Circa 1960's, signed and not dated by Lem and has engraved silver tag on bottom that they put on best works for a time period. Excellent all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Beautiful patina and great paint patterns with incredible fine detail. Has a few small areas of shrinkage as seen in above pics but doesnt distract. Probably carved from 1 piece of wood as other species I've seen in this style. Hollow body measures approx 16 1/2 inches long with preening head, both wings lifted from body with one outstretched. Fantastic detail to feather painting and carving that showcases the incredible talent of the Ward Brothers. Great looking Ward Brothers Pintail carving here, very clean and dry with the condition and detail more then exceptional. This was one of the Ward's favorite 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 decoy for any collector looking to add a classic Ward decorative piece and demands exceptional original condition examples and investment quality decoys. E-mail for more pics.
$6800

 
Marty Collins
MD COLLINS
MD COLLINS
Marty Collins Eider
Collins Brand
 

 

Fantastic and very fat Eider drake by Marty Collins, Bridgewater, Mass. Branded "M. D. COLLINS" on bottom. Strong, dry and clean all original paint with a nice "aged" patina surface with no faults. Very cool decoy made in the classic New-England tradition. Big fat solid carved body measures approx 17 inches long and about 26 inches around (very fat boy!). Very nicely done inletted head that is square pegged into body as is the head. Has large old ring line tie and old horseshoe bottom weight. Carved eyes and nice bill detail. Marty is a award winning carver and his work is collected by collectors of old and new decoys because of the fine work he does in the classic styles. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work. Outstanding value here and from a older collection. Extra pics avail.
$750

 
MH BB pr
Miles Hancock brand on both


 

 

Very scarce matched pair of Bluebill decoys by Miles Hancock (1888-1974), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1940-50. Ex-collection of early well known collector Clark Reed and both are branded "MCR". Very good all original paint, thats very dry and clean, with very nicely done feather paint patterns on both. Measures nice size at approx 15 inches long on drake and 14 1/2 on hen and both are solid cottonwood with no neck cracks. Both show a bit of gunning wear but very strong surface. Have original tack eyes still intact on both. Drake retains original weight and antenna line tie, rigging removed on hen. Hancock was a neat guy with a great history, lots written on him is available in most all decoy books about historic Virginia carvers. His decoys are a interesting study, no apologies needed on his classic work. This is a excellent and scarce matched set examples for any collection. It is sure to please any collector of Chincoteague or Virginia historic maker gunning decoys. More pics avail.
$1500 pr

 
 
Billy Crockett

B. Crockett heron mini
 

 

Superb miniature Great Blue Heron carving by Billy Crockett, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa 2003. Carved " B. Crockett 2003, #10" in bottom. Paint is all original and very rich and life like in color. Tiny glass eyes. Heron measures almost 5 1/4 inches long and approx 11 inches tall on stand. Nice lifelike colors and very detailed carving with a very nicely done posture with lots of nice detail including the drop down neck feathers. Billy is one of the best carvers out there and his minis will rival those made by anyone. His work isnt widely known but is eagerly collected here on the Eastern Shore but rarely offered for resale and sells for several thousands of dollars when a piece comes thru a local auction. He is the son of the late Willie Crockett who was well known for his great Chesapeake Bay area watercolor paintings. Great piece here, its sure to please. Good buy here, try to find another. More pics available.
$1500

 
 


Ward hen Can
Ward Bro hen Can
Bottom hen Can
LEM & STEVE

 

 

Super nice hollow carved hen "LESSER CANVASBACK" decoy by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 1964. Plus nice signature "TO PETE + JUNE FROM LEM + STEVE". Excellent all original paint and condition. Had 2 areas on neck and breast where paint shrank and dried as thin white primer lines that were expertly filled in by Dr Duk. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Nice patina and nice paint patterns on this pretty girl with no cracks even in the neck filler. Hollow carved body that measures approx 14 3/4 inches long with head alert and slightly turned. Has keel and perfect glass eyes. Great looking classic Ward Brothers hen Canvasback here, very clean and nicely done rarer style for that era and the condition is excellent. I never heard of a "Lesser Canvasback" but Wards way smarter then me about ducks. The price of good Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a sweet hen example for any collector looking to add a classic Ward Canvasback and demands excellentl condition examples and investment quality decoys. E-mail for more pics.
$3250

 
Hooded Merganser
Hooded Merganser drake
Hooded Merganser sig
 

 

Rare Hooded Merganser drake decoy by Habbart Dean (1926-2009), Bishopville, MD. Signed and dated 8/83. Excellent all original paint, with very clean, strong and dry finish, the paint work is excellent with great detail and blending. Beautiful colors and blending of paint and highly detailed feather carving. A species that has always been one of the collector favorites for decoy collectors. Perfect glass eyes, measures approx 13 1/2 inches long with a tucked and turned head and is hollow carved. Incredible burnt feather tail carving detail with tail and wing tips as thin as actual feather. One small area where tail feather got bumped and was glued back proper and have to look for to see. Habbart was born in Cambridge, MD in 1926. He led a interesting full life. His father was a Skipjack Captain and sailing with his father he developed his love of the Chesapeake Bay and its great fish and fowl bounty. He was very involved in helping start of the Ward Brothers Museum at Schmaucher Pond. Dan Brown was his carving mentor and later met Lem and Steve Ward who became fast friends and carving buddies. He carved some competitions thru out the 1970s and 80s, was well known for his great talent and kind personality and loved to help others learn to carve all over the world. His carvings are not a easy find and treasured by those who knew him. More pics avail.
$750

 
Ira Hudson JCK Black Duck

Ira Hudson Black
JCK mark
 

 

Rare "JC KRUGER rig" Black Duck by Ira Hudson (1876-1949), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1900-1935. Has "JCK" scribed in pad weight. Has excellent all original paint with very little wear for the age and useage, lots of great blending and scratch painting. No repairs or touch ups of any kind. Has some honest hunting wear but would grade excellent. Measures approx 16 3/4 inches. This is a unique and very desirable Hudson style, with a great head style with nicely carved bill, 3 piece hollow style body, with original tack eyes. Retains original weights with "JCK" marking and original line tie leather mostly gone. Hudson made a rig of Black Ducks and Brant in this style. Not sure if Brant made for Kruger as only Black Ducks have been found with this marking. I think Kruger was a NJ gunner who special ordered these beauties. Only a small group has ever been found. This is a really nice true classic Hudson Black Duck, great form and very, very clean. Great bird and in the nice original condition you always hope to find. More pics available.
$7500

 

MD RBM pr
MD RBM pr Sig
 

 

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

 

Fat Knot
Fattie Peep
Bottom of fattie
 

 

Exceptional offering of a very early and rare, very fat Red Knot by Eli Doughty (1844-1923) of Hogg Island. Ex-collection of Bill Mackey and Sam Dyke and has both ink collection stamps. Paint is a very early and all original. Bill is a early replacement that is splined thru head bill proper. No eyes and solid carved body measures approx 7 inches long and has nice very plump "just fed" fat body. Has Has around a dozen small shot scars. Exceptional style and form that make this a true Eastern Shore of Virginia classic and great folky style look. Eli was a guide on Hogg Island before the turn of the century and his decoys show the strong influence of the great Hogg/Cobb Island carvings. Some nice info on Eli Doughty can be found in Henry Fleckenstein's excellent book "SOUTHERN DECOYS of Virginia and the Carolinas" or Dr Lloyd Newberry's superb book "WINGS OF WONDER". Eli Doughty made some of the finest style decoys made on Virginia's Eastern Shore and these decoys are very rare and a very strong addition to any collection of great classic Southern decoys. They are a rare offering and this example is sure to please any collector. Great piece here and more pics avail of this chubbie Southern Beauty.
SALE PENDING!

 
Ward Can
Ward Canvasback
BRAND ON WARD CAN drake
 

 

Exceptional and very rare model drake Canvasback by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Circa 1920-30's but probably 1932. Never signed. Branded "H.L. DARNER, WASH. D.C.". I think this small rig turned up at a auction house in 1984. The rig consisted of Ward Brothers Canvasbacks and I have seen Lloyd Sterling Widgeon, repainted by Lem with same brand. Excellent all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Beautiful patina and great paint patterns on this one. Minimal gunning and age wear and would easily grade excellent plus, especially for the vintage. Has irregular hairline around neck base where puddy has slightly shrunk. Solid carved body measures approx 16 1/4 inches long and has glass eyes and higher head pose. Original weight and line tie have been removed. Very clean and nicely done style for that era. The price of good early Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a sweet decoy for any collector looking to add a early Ward Canvasback and demands great or classic examples and investment quality decoys. E-mail for more pics if interested.
$18,000

 
BB HEN
BMcG hen BB


 

 

Very scarce all original hen Bluebill by Robert McGaw (1879-1958), Harve de Grace, MD. Circa 1930-40. Excellent all original paint and condition, great patina and aging. Never waxed, paint is super strong, dry and crisp. Hen working Bluebills are absolutely one of the hardest hens to find. I collected McGaws for years and can count on one hand how many Ive seen anywhere on 1 hand. Measures approx 14 inches long and has original bottom weight and staple ring line tie. Has a natural half circle removed knot on bottom that McGaw mounted weight over. Classic paint patterns in McGaws best style. As good as you will find unless you want a decorative on a stand. Hen Bluebills in OP you just can't find at any price these days. You will be thrilled with this pretty girl. McGaw decoys of this quality continue to be a strong investment you can put in a collection. More pics avail.
$1500

 
 
Cameron GE
GE by Cameron
CTM signature
 

 

Superb "alert head" style drake Goldeneye decoy by Cameron McIntyre. Circa less then 25 years old. Eastern Shore of VA. 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. Beautiful surface and paint detail. It measures approx 17 inches. Very nicely done fat hollow carved body with bottom board. Rigged with screw eye line tie and hourglass shaped lead pad weight. Cameron's work is very hard to get and this Goldeneye is outstanding. Cameron said he has made very few Goldeneye decoys. 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 decoy auctions you will appreciate the deal on this classic beauty.This is a neat style and looks 100 years old. Its very hard to get any of Cameron's work and this one is superb. Carved "CTM" signature. More pics avail.
SOLD!

 
Dave Umbrella Watson Goose
Dave Watson Goose
 

 

Very nice and rare Canada Goose decoy by Dave "Umbrella" Watson (1851-1938), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1900-1920. Very strong paint which is mostly original with possible "gunning touch up" in areas, unable to fully tell as not obvious and too old to show with the black light. Surface is very clean, strong and dry finish, the paint work is classic Watson. A rare species when you talk this vintage as most goose shooting was in NC so early Geese decoys are always a great find and important addition to any collection of sothern decoys. Full size with glass eyes, measures approx 25 inches long and classic Watson hollow carved body with tiny raised wing near drop down to tail. Full size with original weight and leather line tie. Body is large, hollow with a few thin drying cracks including a hairline on neck but all secure and dont distract. Has a very cool wedge right side top of tail that Watson did when made. Watson was very interesting guy. He market gunned till outlawed in 1918 he then focused on mostly making hunting decoys for sale. They say he only made 2 or 3 decoys a week and were expensive at $6 each which was a lot in 20-30s. He used only white pine his brother in Delaware would aquire for him. Most of his decoys went to the Assateague Club in MD/VA and the famous Gooseville Gun Club in NC. His decoys are exceptional work but he will always also remembered for carrying a umbrella everyday. Great example here and sure to please any collector looking for classic maker Chincoteague makers for their collection. More pics avail.
$9250

 

Canvasback pair Ward Brothers


Ward Cans bottom
 

 

Finest known "SHOOTING STOOL" Canvasback decoy pair by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Dated 1966, signed and marked "SHOOTING STOOL" on bottom of each. Made for and Ex-collection of Dr Kramer. Extra nice carving and paint for Dr Kramer and hot branded "MK" on bottom. Signed on bottom "Made by Steve, Painted by Lem" Excellent and minty all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Beautiful patina and great extra detail paint patterns on this pair with perfect neck filler. Solid bodies that measure approx 17 1/2 inches long on each. Heads are turned on each which is typical of the Ward's. Great looking classic Ward Brothers Canvasback decoy pair here, very clean and nicely done style for that era and the condition is exceptional and perfect. This was one of the Ward's favorite species to make and the respect they had for the species shows in the fine form, paint and workmanship in this superb pair. The price of good matched Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is probably the finest known Canvasback Shooting stools known and are investment quality decoys. Great find here, especially with the extra nice carving and paint. E-mail for more pics.
$12,500 pair

 
Strunk Black Duck
Strunk Black Duck
GS BLACK
 

 

Superb "Barnegat Bay" style Black Duck decoy by George Strunk, Glendora, NJ. Scratch paint signed and stamped weight. Outstanding all original paint and excellent condition. This beautiful bird is hollow carved and is rigged with lead pad weight and leather line tie proper and ready to hunt with or stick on the shelf. Has stamped into lead "G. STRUNK". Hollow carved body that measures approx 18 inches long. Has glass eyes and very detailed scratch 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 with detailed bill carving with straight head in true classic Barnegat style. George makes a great looking bird mostly 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 that is sure to please.
SALE PENDING!

 
SP PLOVER
SP PLOVER
Crowell stamp
 

 

Superb, rare and pristine lifesize Semipalmated Plover shorebird carving by A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952), East Harwich, Mass. Circa 1920-40. Outstanding all original paint and condition. Paint is very detailed, dry, and clean with a perfect patina of age. No repairs or touch ups of any kind, blacklights perfect. All gesso for thighs, knees & toes are original and in great shape. Has good strong square style brand. Lifesize it measures approx 5 inches long, and 5 inches tall. Solid body with glass eyes and is mounted on carved clam or quahog shell. Extra pics available. This is a excellent example for any collector looking for a strong Crowell Shorebird carving to add to a collection, this beauty is extra tuff species to aquire. Good buy here as Crowell decoys continue to be the strongest part of the decoy market, early untouched examples this nice are getting impossible to find at any price.
$11,000

 

Alvin Meekins RB Merganser pair
 

 

Super nice and never rigged Red-Breasted Merganser decoys by "Gunner" Alvin Meekins (1918-1992). Hooper’s Island, Maryland. Circa 1950s. All original paint with a bit of age wear but would still grade very excellent and never rigged to gun with. Solid carved bodies measure approximately 18 1/2 on drake and 17 1/4 inches long on hen. Folky paint pattern is simple but very effective. Painted eyes on these which is typical for Meekins. “Gunner” Alvin Meekins’ made decoys for many years starting in the 1950s, originally for his own use and for sale to local gunners and later for sale to tourists. This pretty matched pair exhibits his best classic style with fluid well carved bodies and single crested heads. Areas of the Eastern Shore gunned Mergansers heavy in the spring and ate them regularly. Truly a excellent and classic examples of Hoopers Island “fence post pheasant” by the Island’s most famous maker. If you’ve always wanted a Hoopers Island classic Merganser pair for your collection then this is as good as you will find as they keep getting harder to find. Very nice for the Folk Art decoy collector or collector of Eastern Shore decoys. More pics available.
$750 pair

 
 

Brant
Brant Hogg/Cobb Island
 

 

Exceptional offering of a very early and rare classic Brant by Walter Brady(1860-1945), Oyster, VA. Circa 1860-1900. There is a open conversation about whether these birds are made by Walter Brady Or Eli Doughty (1844-1923) of Hogg Island? I personally think the ones with the splinded thru head bills are Brady and others are Doughty, or maybe they worked or hunted together. Paint is a very early working repaint that is probably by Eli Doughty. I don't believe any of Brady/Doughty Brant are known in original paint, Classic original splined thru head bill, squarely inserted in face that is classic Brady. No eyes and solid carved body measures approx 18 inches long and has nice raised wing tip carving as in the best style Cobb Island decoys of that era. Original weight long and original leather line tie still attached. Exceptional style and form that make this a true Eastern Shore of Virginia classic. Brady was a guide on Cobb Island before the turn of the century and his decoys show the strong influence of the great Cobb carvings. The Brady rig Brant were thought to be hunted over by President Grover Cleveland who was a frequent hunter on the Shore for several years. Some nice info on Walter Brady and Eli Doughty can be found in Henry Fleckenstein's excellent book "SOUTHERN DECOYS of Virginia and the Carolinas" or Dr Lloyd Newberry's superb book "WINGS OF WONDER". Walter Brady and Eli Doughty made some of the finest style decoys made on Virginia's Eastern Shore and these decoys are very rare and a very strong addition to any collection of great classic Southern decoys. They are a rare offering and this example is sure to please any collector. Great piece here and more pics avail of this Southern Beauty.
$13,500

 
CP PLOVER
Pusey Golden Plover
CP BRAND
 

 

Nice, award winning Golden Plover by Chris Pusey, (Born 1966). West Ocean City, MD. Hot branded "C. PUSEY" on bottom of bird. This exact bird was awarded 2nd place in 2023 Ward Brothers World Championship in "Contemporary Antique Pristine Catagory". Strong, dry and clean all original paint that shows Chris's superb talent with a paint brush in the Cape Cod best style. Has very clean and strong antiqued surface with nice super clean surface. Nice full size bird at approx 11 1/2 inches long with hollow carved body. Carved in true "CAPE COD" style and form with nice raised wing tip with drop tail carving and splined bill. Very cool carved eyes with some face carving detail. Chris has been carving for over 35 years and is a award winning carver. He started mostly carving decoys for his hunting rig but has developed a great talent for doing birds in the antique style with aged surfaces. He has been competing for about 10 years at the Ward World Championships with many wins under his belt. First time shorebird offering here and sure to please. Extra pics avail and a great buy on this very handsome Golden Plover. More pics available.
SOLD!

 
Hudson Black Duck
Hudson BD head
Hudson BD head left



Hudson Black Duck
Black Duck brands
 

 

Super nice classic flowing body style Black Duck by Ira Hudson (1876-1949), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1920-1935. Ex-collections of Bill Purnell with double collection brands and Bobby Jester collection stamp. Has excellent all original paint with very little wear for the age and useage, lots of great blending and scratch painting. No repairs or touch ups of any kind. Measures approx 16 3/4 inches. This is a classic and very desirable Hudson style, with a great head style with nicely carved bill, fat flowing style body, with classic flutted tail carving, solid cedar body, and tack eyes. Retains original weights and u nail line tie. This is a really nice true classic Hudson Black Duck, great form and very, very clean. Great bird and in the condition and style you always hope to find. More pics available.
$9500

 


McNair Plover
McNairBBP


McNair signature
 

 

Superb hollow carved Black Belly Plover shorebird decoy by Mark McNair, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa 1980s. Excellent very detailed all original aged paint and condition, superb surface thats very dry and clean with proper wear for aged look of antique shorebird. Fat hollow carved body with "blind" no eyes, measures approx 13 1/2 inches long. Has inserted bill. Has a few hairline natural drying splints, look to have been there when carved for look of natural antique aging. Hairline across top of head gives nice look of age too. 2 piece hollow carved body with head separate which is pegged to body. Carved signature. The paint on this bird is excellent and very detailed aging, but with Mark it always is. This is a very nice different style by Mark. McNair's decoys are modern classics and a must have for any collection. You saw some record prices for McNair's this past few years at auction with a talk of a book coming. McNair's continue to be very strong in todays market and excellent and different examples continue to be very hard to find for sale. Priced to sell. More pics avail. Includes a nice black metal stand.
$1750

 
 




Ward Hooded Mergansers

Hooded Mergansers

 

 

Very rare pair of Hooded Merganser decoy carvings by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 1963 and "WATERFIELD 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 edge wear to high areas and 1 small bump to side of drake and a flake as seen in above pic. Probably carved from 1 piece of wood as other species I've seen in this style. Hollow cedar bodies measures approx 13 inches long each with slightly heads, both wings lifted from body with concave carving near tip area. Fantastic detail to feather painting and carving that showcases the incredible talent of the Ward Brothers. Great looking Ward Brothers Hooded Merganser 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.
SOLD!

 
Marty Hanson Mallard pair
MH brands

MH ink sig
 

 

Superb pair of hollow carved Mallard decoys by Marty Hanson, Prior Lake, Minn. Circa 1980's. Both have been branded "JDC" and hen also has Marty's "MH" brand, drake is ink signed. Excellent all original paint and condition. Paint is detailed, its dry and clean with a great look as a pair. Both have keels and probably have been gunned a couple times by some lucky hunter but would grade excellent. Perfect glass eyes and hollow carved bodies measure approx 17 1/4 inches each. Very nicely done hollow bodies with raised wingtip carving and great head and bill carving. Ask for extra pics if interested. Very nicely done matched pair for the money as Marty's decoys are nearly impossible to get and he carries a large backlog for his beautiful work. Marty is a true artist and Im constantly amazed at his beautiful work and his talent seems to have no limit.
SOLD!

 
Ira Hudson Bluebill
Ira Hudson Bluebill
 

 

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.
$1250

 
Dan Brown Teal pair
Dan Brown signature
 

 

Super nice Greenwing Teal decoy pair by the late Dan Brown, Hebron, MD . Both are signed and dated 1984. Excellent all original paint and in unused condition. Bodies measure approx 10 inches long each with slightly turned heads. Glass eyes with nice layered feather carving with very nice keels. Would grade minty. Dan went back to the early days of collecting and was important for the tireless work he did gathering a lot of the info that we know today about the decoy makers and the history of the gunning that was done in this region. He was a competitive carver who won many awards and was instrumental in what the Ward Museum had become to both collectors and carvers at its height. A very nice man who loved to share his knowledge with others, he is missed. Dan Brown made a great bird and his decoys are a collector favorite and hard to find, and this beautiful 40 year old pair will be sure to please. More pics avail.
SOLD!

 

Russ Allen Merganser pair
Russ Hudson style merganser pair
Russ hot brand
 

 

Very cool "Ira Hudson style" flying 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 paint and condition. Nice paint work and carving style on this pair in a true Hudson style mix of blending and scratch painting. Measures approx 19 inches long each and about 20 wide with outstreched wings. Very nice detail in Hudson style with fluted tail, carved teeth bills and separate carved feet. A really nice pair in a style Russ rarely does with a really nice 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 outstanding carvings including to order when time allows which isnt often. This is a really nice pair to add to any collection. More pics avail.
$1500 pr

 
Mitchell Black Duck
MM BD
RMM carving pic

 

 

Minty never gunned Black Duck by R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993), Harve de Grace, MD. Signed and dated 1976 with electro-pen by Mitchell. Excellent and thick all original paint and condition. Nice feather scratch painting style. Very strong, dry and clean surface on this one. Measures approx 17 inches long in unhunted condition with a very slightly turned head. Retains original weight and line tie. A excellent puddle duck species decoy by the dean of Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. Really top notch nearly 50 year old example here for any collection of classic decoys by Mitchell. More pics avail.
$385

 
Paul Nock
Paul Nock GW Teal
Paul Nock sig and date
 

 

Rare Greenwing Teal drake decoy by Paul Nock (1915-2007), Salisbury, MD. Signed and dated 1977. Excellent all original paint, with very clean, strong and dry finish, the paint work is excellent with great detail and blending. Beautiful colors and blending of paint and comb feather painting. A species that has always been one of the hunter/collector favorites for Chesapeke Bay decoy collectors. Perfect glass eyes, measures approx 9 1/4 inches long with a turned head. Very cool leg carving and burnt feather tail carving detail. Paul was co-founder of the Ward Brothers Museum in 1968. He carved some competitions thru out the 1960s and 70s, was well known for his great talent and kind personality. His carvings are not a easy find and treasured by those who knew him. He would tell people who asked how to carve a decoy that "You just cut away the parts of the wood that don't look like a duck". More pics avail.
$650

 


Ward Goose
Ward Goose

WB GOOSE

WB GOOSE BOTTOM

MK brand WB


 

 

Rare and early 1941 Canada Goose decoy by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 1941 and ex-collection of Mort Kramer and has his "MK" hot brand on bottom and was also the exact bird used for the Paul Shertz well known Ward print. Looks like a earlier then 1941 decoy but Im sure Lem knows way more then I about this bird. Head looks very much like the ones done for the Bishops Head Gun Club. Paint is original and very strong, clean and dry. Nice aged patina and surface. Shows some lite but honest gunning wear. Has chip to end of bill that was retouched by Lem years ago but never repaired. Has very tight hairline drying crack to puddy around where neck meets body as would be expected. Original line tie and weight removed. Solid cedar body measures approx 27 1/2 inches long. Head is straight with perfect glass eyes. Great looking very early Ward decoy here, very clean and nicely done style for that era and the condition is very good plus to excellent collector grade. The price of good earlier Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a very nice decoy for any collector looking to add a classic Ward and very early example in original paint for a collection. You wont find another this early in this condition at anywhere close to this price. E-mail for more pics if interested, a great piece to add to your Canada Goose collection.
$16,750

 

Corb Reed Hooded Mergansers

C REED sig

 

 

Superb and very scarce pair of Hooded Merganser decoys by J. Corb Reed (1897-1982), Chincoteague Island, VA. Stamped "J.C. REED" on bottom of each and ink signed and dated 1979 on each. Excellent all original paint and condition.Great detail and the colors and blending on the feathers are the most accurate I have seen on any "Hairy Head" decoys. Corb was a outstanding painter, he could paint vermiculation like no other carver, they say he had a small piece of something he wore on his finger that he used to achive his realistic vermiculation, he would never tell anyone what it was and they say he swallowed it before he died taking his painting secret to the grave. His paint is unmatched by very few. Nice slightly raised wings with great head, tail and feather carvings.Drake has crest in full flared position and both have slightly turned heads. Both have perfect glass eyes and never rigged. Both measure approx 14 inches long with solid carved bodies and no splits. Corb Reed started carving around 1912, he was well known for his decoys and flatwork art of marsh and wildfowl. He painted many wall murals in the government buildings in Washington D.C. This is the finest pair of Corb Reed Hooded Mergansers I have seen. The decoys by Corb Reed are the most underated and undervalued decoys to come off of Chincoteague Island. His work not as early as the Wards or Crowell but certainly as fine and beautiful, especially for a man raised in the marsh with no formal art training. Outstanding offering here. More pics of these beauties available.
$4250 pr

 
 
Ira Hudson Widgeon pair
IH WIDGEON



 

 

Very rare, folky and classic football style pair of Widgeon decoys by Ira Hudson (1876-1949), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1920-1940. Ex-Bill Purnell collection and marked with his hot "P" brand on both. This is the only known pair of Ira Hudson Widgeon known in original paint. Published in 1st edition of Bobby Richardsons "Chesapeake Bay Decoys, and the Men who Made and Used them". Has good all original paint with some very lite but honest gunning wear as would be expected. Nice blending and scratch painting. No repairs or touch ups of any kind and bone dry never waxed surface. Measures approx 15 inches on each. This is a classic and very desirable Hudson style, with a great head style with nicely carved bills, football style bodies, with classic "banjo" flutted tail carving, solid cedar bodies and tack eyes. Retains original lead strip weights and leather line ties on each. This is a nice true classic Hudson Widgeon pair with great form, style and all original as when retired. This exact pair sold for 70k privately at one time. Great pair and in the condition you rarely find a Hudson that was gunned over. More pics available of this very rare Chincoteague classic pair.
$9950 pair

 
WB CAN HEN
Wes Bratcher drake
WB sig


 

 

Excellent Canvasback heads decoy carvings by Wes Bratcher, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 10/95. Paint is all original, very strong and very clean. Nice original surface on this pair that is very dry and clean with very detailed paint and feather carving. Head measures approx 6x6 inches on approx 8 inch round red cedar bases with glass eyes. Wes is a well known and respected carver from Crisfield and has competed and placed high in many of The Ward Worlds contest and the Salisbury's Chesapeake Shooting Decoy Challenge contest. Email for more pics if interested.
$425 pr

 
Madison Mitchell Mallard drake
Mallard drake by MM
Mitchell

Michell Mallard signature

 

 

Never gunned drake Mallard by R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993), Harve de Grace, MD. Signed and dated 1976 in ink by Mitchell. Excellent and thick all original paint and condition. Nice feather painting style. Very strong, dry and clean surface on this one. Measures approx 17 inches long in unhunted condition with a very slightly turned head. Retains original weight and line tie. Only slight fault is hairline drying crack in bottom and right hip but hard to see and is secure and stable, and some small spotting on bill that might wipe off, I havent tried to clean as not a distraction. A excellent puddle duck species decoy by the dean of Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. Really nice nearly 50 year old example here for any collection of classic decoys by Mitchell. More pics avail.
$425

 
Joiner GE pair
CJ GE sig
 

 

Superb and scarce Goldeneye pair by Charlie "Speed" Joiner (1921-2015), Chestertown, MD. Signed on both but not dated. Circa 1970s-80. Exceptional all original paint, with very clean finish, the paint work on these birds are a killer. Condition is minty. A species that has always been very hard to find by Joiner. Full size with perfect glass eyes, solid bodies measure approx 15 1/2 inches long on hen and 16 on drake, which is proper for species as drake is slightly larger then hen in the wild. Both have slightly turned heads. Charlie was a classic Chesapeake Bay maker that really reset the standard for upper bay birds that many have tried to put into their work. He painted in the true Ward Brother style and put it on the classic upper Chesapeake Bay body style and the results were legendary. They say he could paint a pair of Canvasbacks in 14 minutes. Pricing for Goldeneye pairs thru the 80's and early 90's would cost you about 2500-3000 a pair after these were made, and with early "ER" branding Goldeneyes would be in the $6000 range. This is a very good buy on these and are the pre-2000 vintage that everyone is looking for. Great examples here and sure to please any collector looking for top quality Joiners for their collection. More pics avail.
$1500 pr

 

WB MERG hen
Ward Bro hen Merg
Ward Merg hen bottom

 

 

Super nice hen Red~Breasted Merganser "SHOOTING STOOL STYLE" decoy by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 1966. Plus nice signature by both brothers. Excellent all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Nice patina and nice paint patterns on this pretty girl with no cracks even in the neck filler. Has pinhead size flake on tip of top crest. Solid body that measures approx 15 3/4 inches long with head slightly turned to the right. Great looking classic Ward Brothers Red-Breasted Merganser hen pair here, very clean & nicely done style for that era & the condition is exceptional. This was one of the Ward's harder to find species and to make and the respect they had for the species shows in the fine form, paint and workmanship in this pretty girl. The price of good Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a sweet example for any collector looking to add a classic Ward Red-Breasted Merganser and demands exceptional original condition examples and investment quality decoys. E-mail for more pics.
$3750

 
MARK DAISEY MALLARD pr
MARK D pr
 

 

Exceptionally nice Mallard pair by Mark Daisey, Chincoteague Island, VA. Signed and dated 2014 and hot branded "MARK". Strong, dry and clean all original paint in excellent original condition. Perfect minty. Nice size birds at approx 17 3/4 inches long each with hollow carved bodies with both having straight heads. Perfect glass eyes with nice detailed wing, bill and tail raised feather carving. Mark Daisey is the nephew of the 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. His work is getting harder to find for resale as more folks starting to collect his fine work. Extra pics avail & a great buy on this pair.
$850 pr

 

Shorebird 1
Shorebird pic 2
 

 

Early primitive Yellowlegs shorebird decoy by unknown maker, most likely mid-Atlantic region. Circa pre-1920. Excellent original paint and condition. Paint is thick, clean, dry and very strong, with nice busy feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice crisp unmessed with surface and was probably never hunted over. Bill is wooden and original and has wiggle room. Solid carved with separate piece head measuring approx 9 3/4 inches long with a nice flattie style body and alert head carving. Very cool old bird here with thats super clean and dry. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique shorebirds. Metal stand included and more pics available. Good buy here.
$450

 




Ward BWT pair

bottom of BWT pr

 

 

Stunning pair of Bluewing Teal decoy carvings by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 1962 and "for Norris Pratt" written on bottom. Perfect mint all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Beautiful patina and great paint patterns with incredible fine detail. Probably carved from 1 piece of wood as other species I've seen in this style. Hollow cedar bodies measures approx 10 inches long each with preening heads, both wings lifted from body with one outstretched. Drake has hairline drying line in bottom that comes up about a inch on bottom area of breast but have to look for to see. Fantastic detail to feather painting and carving that showcases the incredible talent of the Ward Brothers. Great looking Ward Brothers Bluewing Teal pair carvings here, very clean and dry with the condition and detail more then exceptional. This was one of the Ward's favorite 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 classic Ward decorative pieces and demands exceptional original condition examples and investment quality decoys. E-mail for more pics.
$13,500

 

Bruce Epp Coot
BE COOT
Coot BE

 

 

Folky very fat Coot by Bruce Eppard (b. 1952), Crofton / Royal Oak, Maryland. Circa less then 25 years old. Excellent all original intentional aged paint and condition. Has his stamped brand in bottom. Measures approx 12 1/2 inches with forward swimming high head. It has never been rigged but paint has been aged with a nice surface. Carved eyes and bill detail and defined tail carving. Bruce has been carving decoys in the traditional way for nearly 30 years. He was first inspired by the woodcarving traditions passed down by his grandfather, and later by the master decoy makers he met including Ray Whetzel, Rich Smoker and Reggie Birch.Today, his work, which includes contemporary gunning decoys, working decoys and contemporary antiques, is actively sought out by collectors. In the mid-1990s, Bruce began competing in top decoy shows including the Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition, the Virginia Beach Show and the Chesapeake Challenge at the Ward Museum in Salisbury, Maryland. He has become a consistent blue ribbon winner at each of them. This "mud hen" is a contemporary classic and will be a joy to own. More pics available of this cool bird.
$325

 
 


Charles Clark Yellowlegs
Charles Clark YL
STARR stamp

 

 

Early and scarce Yellowlegs decoy by Charles Clark, Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1890-1920. Ex-George Ross Starr collection and exact bird pictured figuire 29 of "Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway" by George Ross Starr. Also has his collection ink stamp on bottom. Excellent all original paint with lots of nice brushwork. Nice surface that is crisp, dry and clean with a perfect patina. Splined bill is original which is so rare to find on a Clark shorebird especially still in original paint. Solid carved balsa body measures approx 11 1/4 inches long. Neck/head has thin crack and was reset with glue no touch ups and probably a old collector reset as already done when in Starr collection. Has a few shot scars and some old blood stain on a belly area. Classic Clark with the sharp ridge carving down the entire back with flared paddle tail with knobby head carving. Nice full body has a good look and feel in hand. Charles Clark made some of the best folk art shorebirds made and they have become a high demand item in the last few years. Very rarely are they offered this nice and clean for less than 5 figures. E-mail for more pics if interested. Classic examples of Clarks shorebirds have sold for over $100,000.+, they are great decoys for any collector of shorebird decoys or collectors of Southern or American folk art. It is thought these were made for the Wallops Island Gun Club near Chincoteage which is now a NASA site. Very nice condition, form and old surface on this one. Metal stand included. More pics available.
$3750

 
Hudson BB pair
Purnell brand



 

 

Scarce matched pair of classic football style Bluebill decoys by Ira Hudson (1876-1949), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1920-1940. Ex-Bill Purnell collection and his his collection "W.H.P." hot brand. Has good all original paint with some honest gunning wear to bare wood as would be expected in a few areas. Lots of great blending and scratch painting. No repairs or touch ups of any kind and bone dry never waxed surface. Hen has short drying crack on top of back 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 3/4 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 "banjo" tail carving, solid 2 piece cedar bodies and tack eyes. Retains original lead strip weights and the line ties on each have been removed. This is a nice true classic Hudson Bluebill pair with great form, style and all original as when retired. Great pair and in the condition you rarely find Hudsons that was gunned over. More pics available of this Chincoteague classic pair.
$5250 pair

 

Josh Brewer mini set
Josh Brewer mini set of 5

JOSH BREWER SIG

 

 

Exceptional set of 5 "Crowell style Divers" miniature ducks by Josh Brewer, Delmar, Maryland. Signed and dated 2006 on each and both have "Set 4 of 35" written on each bottom but only 3 sets of these were made. Outstanding all original paint and condition. Exceptional painting with good color and blending and great detail. All are solid carved bodies that measures approx up to 5 inches tall on tallest and up to 6 inches long on longest. Painted eyes and wire legs. Josh is a exceptional talent carver and started carving while in medical school. After a few years of being a Dr. he has gone back to full time carving. I got to see several of his pieces at the Easton Waterfowl Festival and it was incredible. Very talented and every piece of the carving is fully thought out. He has won many awards and his work is highly sought by collectors of old and contemporary decoys. He makes decoys in many styles and they are very impressive and sure to please. More pics avail.
SALE PENDING!

 
 
Golden Plover by Cameron
CTM PLOVER
CTM sig
 

 

Superb "Massachusetts" style fat Golden 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 and paint detail. Measures approx 11 1/2 inches long. Very 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.
SALE PENDING!

 
 


Ward Brothers Widgeon


Widgeon signature

 

 

Exceptional and rare gunning Widgeon decoy pair by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Dated 1948, signed by both Steve and Lem on bottom of each. Ex-Bill Purnell collection and each is double branded with his collection brands Excellent all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Beautiful patina and great extra detail paint patterns on this pair with perfect neck filler. Solid balsa bodies that measure approx 15 inches long on each. Drake has small bump on right side but original paint still intact and doesnt distract. Heads are turned on each which is typical of the Ward's. Great looking and rare classic Ward Brothers matched widgeon decoy pair here, very clean and nicely done style for that era and the condition is exceptional. This was one of the Ward's favorite species to make and the respect they had for the species shows in the fine form, paint and workmanship in this superb pair. The price of good matched Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is probably the finest pair of 48 Widgeons that have been found and are investment quality decoys. Great find here, especially with the extra nice carving and paint. E-mail for more pics.
$16,500 pair

 

Ellis Parker GP
Ellis Parker Plover

 

 

Very cool and early Golden Plover shorebird decoy by Ellis Parker (1870-1952), Beach Haven and Surf City, NJ. Circa 1900. Very good all original paint and condition. Paint is clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice old surface and a nice clean deep patina. Has some early grain sapping but is long ago dried and stable. Bill is very dainty but original. Solid carved fat full body bird measuring approx 8 3/4 inches long with fat full body and painted eyes. Has hairline ageline in lower right side but hard to see. Ellis was the uncle of Rowley Horner. He grew up in a strong waterfowling enviroment but it is said he never gunned a day in his life but made many duck decoys for local hunters. Very nice old bird here with good 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.
SALE PENDING!

 
Eider drake

Eider drake


 

 

Very nice large drake Common Eider decoy by Stephen Brettell, Biddleford, Maine. Has a "WLP" hot brand and 3 different signatures on bottom, probably a hunting club group. Circa 1980's-91. This is a beauty of example of a big sea-duck hunting decoy. Excellent all original paint and condition with minimal gunning wear. Glass eyes and ready and to gun with again. Measure approx 19 1/4 inches long with slightly turned head on each and long bottom keel. Very well done fat hollow carved body with slight raised wing. Steve is a award winning carver and has done decoy work for L.L. Bean. He is also a well known fishing Capt and guide. Beautiful quality work in hand it is very impressive. Very cool drake Common Eider here with great detailed form and painting style. Good scarce species example for any collection of Sea Duck decoys. More pics avail. Very good buy on this handsome boy, more pics available!
$400

 
EW 1
EW HG 2
EW HG sig
 

 

Superb Hudsonian Godwit shorebird decoy by Eddie Wozny, Cambridge, Maryland. Signed and dated 1988 with carved "W" in bottom. Very nice piece that has nice detailed carving and paint. Paint is all original, very strong and very rich in color. Glass eyes and measures approx 14 1/2 inches long with slightly turned head. Nice deep and rich lifelike colors and exceptional detailed carving with raised wing tips. Eddie is one of the best carvers out there and his shorebirds and minis are just superb. He is quick to sell out at any of the shows he does and his carvings are rarely offered for resale. Very good piece here, its sure to please. More pics avail.
$850

 
 
Paul Gibson Goose
Gibson Goose Early
Brand PG GOOSE
 

 

Very early Canada Goose decoy by Paul Gibson (1902-1990s), Havre de Grace, MD. Not signed or dated but branded "C" or "U" or maybe a horseshoe shape. Circa 1940s -50. Excellent all original paint and condition. Nice painting style with lots of nice feathering brush work. Measures approx 22 1/2 inches long and is solid carved. Has some lite old gunning wear but very nice example. Very thin in the making wood patched drying crack in bottom but still intact and stable. Has thinner then a hair crack in neck but super tight. Retains all the original gunning rigging. Paul was one of the upper Chesapeake Bays finest makers, totally self taught and only made his own decoys. His decoy output was small compared to Mitchell and examples this clean are a lucky find for the collector of classic Chesapeake Bay Goose collectors. A good collector quality Canada Goose by one of the great old time Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. You will be very happy with this early example. More pics avail.
$450

 


Charles Jester shorebird
Charles Jester shorebird
Jester shorebird bottom

 

 

Early and scarce shorebird decoy by Charles Jester (1876-19520, Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1900-1920. Ex-Bill Mackey collection and has his collection ink stamp on bottom also ex- DC North collection with his hot "N" brand in bottom. Excellent all original paint with lots of nice scratch painting. Nice surface that is crisp, dry and clean with a nice surface patina. Splined bill is original which is so rare to find on a Virginia shorebird especially still in original paint. Solid carved body measures approx 9 inches long with nice ridge on lower back tail area. Right side has heartwood drying crack on lower area but is stable and doesnt distract when displayed. Has a few shot scars but very small size shot. Charles Jester was the 1st cousin of Doug Jester. Charles was a market gunner for years until outlawed which he then became a game warden. One old story is when Charles was a game warden he came upon Miles Hancock who was carrying a hunting party and having a perfect Brant shooting day and were way over limit. It is said he told them "enjoy it today boys, you might not see another day like it" and he left them to hunt, they say final count was over 90 Brant for the one hunting party. Very rarely are any shorebirds found by Charles Jester. E-mail for more pics if interested. Very nice condition, form and old surface on this one. Metal stand included. More pics available.
$3850

 
Pusey Brant 1
Brant CP 2
CP BRAND
 

 

Nice, award winning swimming Atlantic Brant by Chris Pusey, (Born 1966). West Ocean City, MD. Hot branded "C. PUSEY". This exact bird was awarded 3rd place in 2023 Ward Brothers World Championship in "Contemporary Antique Worn Catagory". Strong, dry and clean all original paint that shows Chris's superb talent with a paint brush. Has very clean and strong antiqued surface with some lite intentional wear. Nice full size bird at approx 19 1/2 inches long with solid carved body. Carved in true "Eastern Shore" style and form with nice raised wing tip carving. Very cool carved eyes with some face carving detail. Nice style with a soft edge flat bottom and reaching forward swimming head Has aged leather line tie and aged lead pad weight. Chris has been carving for over 35 years and is a award winning carver. He started mostly carving decoys for his hunting rig but has developed a great talent for doing birds in the antique style with aged surfaces. He has been competing for about 10 years at the Ward World Championships with many wins under his belt. First time offering here and sure to please. Extra pics avail and a great buy on this very handsome Brant. More pics available.
SOLD!

 

Herringbone Shorebird
Herringbone SB

 

 

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.
$1450

 
Jim Brockman Canvasback
Jim Brockman Canvasback drake
JB sig

 

 

Beautiful "Blair" style swimming drake Canvasback decoy by Jim Brockman, Pungo, VA. Circa less than 30 years old. JB in ink on bottom. Nice aged paint to give this classic beauty a excellent soft patina surface. Superbly done tiny comb style feather painting. Hollow carved and measures approx 16 1/2 inches long and has proper authentic beveled edge lead pad weight and a leather line tie which adds to its realistic classic Blair look. This is a neat piece and a cool addition to any collection. If you love the great classics but cant afford what the real one will cost then this one should fill the bill at a small fraction of price of an authentic Blair. Jim is a very low key carver from Pungo area of VA. Beach. Many of his pieces were in the Refuge Decoy Museum that was owned by the late John Maddox. More pics avail and a good buy here.
$525

 
 
Mark Ford Brant
Mark Ford Brant
MARK FORD sig
 

 

Beautiful and super nice Atlantic Brant by Mark Ford, New Gretna, NJ. Signed and dated 2021. Strong, dry and clean all original paint that shows Mark's superb talent with a paint brush and carving tools. Minty condition and has been rigged to hunt. Nice full size bird at approx 18 1/2 inches long with hollow carved body. Glass eyes with nice head and bill carving detail. Nice style with a soft edge flat bottom and slightly forward swimming head. Mark has been carving for over 40 years and is a award winning carver including at the Ward World competitions and was "Carver of the Year in 2011" for the New Jersey Decoy Collector's . 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.
$375

 

BH YL
Ben H Yellowlegs


BH brand

 

 

Nice Yellowleg shorebird decoy by Ben Heinemann, Durham, NC. Branded on bottom but not dated. Nice alert running posture carving measuring approx 14 1/4 inches long. The body is solid carved with raised wing tip detail carving. Paint is exceptional and all original with outstanding feathering detail and use of color with a very nice surface. Cool carved eyes and great form. Ben is a award winning full time carver and has made decoys for 50 years and in styles that are very popular with collectors as his work has been collected all over the world. Will be a great addition to any collection. More pics avail.
$750

 
McNair RBM

McNair Merganser
McNair sig
 

 

Very exceptional and stylish drake Red-Breasted Merganser decoy by Mark McNair, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa less then 25 years old. Excellent all original aged paint and condition with very well done intentional wear and aging. Has nice carved signature. Measures approx 19 1/4 inches, racey and stylish full body style. Head and neck inletted into body and dowelled in place with no nails. "Blind" no eyes and has a leather line tie, with beveled edge lead pad bottom weight. This is a really nice piece, very rare to ever get these from Mark as he makes very few mergansers in this style and when he does its usually a special order. They are very popular with collectors of Mark's fine work. Carved McNair signature. More pics available of this great looking McNair. Hard not to want to add this scarce beauty to your collection, great form, style and paint and a classic. This exceptional piece won't last long and a perfect fit for top notch contemporary collection. More pics avail.
SALE PENDING!

 
 
Charles Newman Black Duck
Charles Newman Black Duck
Newman Black Duck collection stamps
 

 

Very cool and early Black Duck decoy by Charles Newman, Maine. Circa 1900-1930. Ex-George Ross Starr collection and has 2 of his collection stamps on bottom. Paint is all original with a nice age patina. Nice surface on this beauty thats very clean. Some lite gunning wear and early age has thinned paint in areas but would still grade very good plus. Has thin drying crack on side and one on bottom. Glass eyes and has original leather line tie. Measures approx. 16 1/4 inches long with very nicely done inletted head. Neat form and appealing style for any Maine decoy or folk art collection. Clean and strong Black Duck here with great appeal for the price, more pics avail.
$500

 




Ward Shovelers

Shoveler bottom

 

 

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

 
Leo Can drake
Leo M Can drake
Leo sig
 

 

Beautiful drake Canvasback decoy by the late Leo McIntosh (1953-2007). Woodville, NY. Signed and dated 1986. Strong, dry and clean all original paint that shows Leo's superb talent with a paint brush. Minty condition and never rigged to hunt. Nice full size bird at approx 13 3/4 inches long with solid carved body. Glass eyes with good detailed carving to head, bill, tail and raised wing tips. Leo started his artistic career in 1971 at 18 yrs old painting decoys for the Ken Harris decoy factory. He started carving competition birds from 1976-86 including winning "Best in the World" at the Ward World Carving Championship in 1981. He redirected his artistic talents to flat art and gunning birds after 1986. This bird is a beauty! I use to set up next to Leo at Easton WFF. He was a first class guy and had many friends and always enjoyed seeing him so busy at the shows. Extra pics avail and a great buy on this very handsome Canvasback. More pics available.
$1250

 


MDC YELLOWLEGS
MDC YL
MDC YL
 

 

Super nice Yellowlegs shorebird decoy by Marty Collins, Bridgewater, Mass. Signed "MDC" on bottom. Strong, dry and clean all original paint with a nice "aged" patina surface with no faults. Very cool decoy made in the classic New-England tradition. Full carved body measures approx 10 inches long with "alert" posture. Very nicely done body with raised wing carving. Glass eyes and nice bill detail that is splined thru head. Has copper insert for stick hole. Marty is a award winning carver and his work is collected by collectors of old and new decoys because of the fine work he does in the classic styles. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work. Outstanding value here and stand included. Extra pics avail.
$450

 

DM HUDSON BB
MD hudson style BB
Mark brand and sig
 

 

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

 

C JOINER MALLARD

Joiner Mallard Drake
CJ MALLARD

CJ species
 

 

Early and scarce flat bottom Mallard drake decoy by Charlie "Speed" Joiner (1921-2015), Betterton, MD. Signed and dated 1962. Very nice all original paint, with clean and dry finish, the paint work on this bird is superb as always with Joiner and something he learned from the Ward Brothers. This handsome boy is part of a small group I think were probably made for the shelf as I have had 2 or 3 others in the past. Full size with glass eyes, measures approx 14 1/4 inches long with early wide bill and slightly turned head. Has a very thin and tight crack at base of neck and a few 61 year old age rubs. Someone wrote $8.00 on back, I guess was once sold at a yard sale. Could be cleaned off if it bothered the next owner. Not perfect but very good condition for 61+ years old and where you going to find another at anywhere near this low price? Charlie Joiner decoys are classics and still some of the most sought after contemporary birds that were made, he reset the standards for a lot of todays Chesapeake Bay makers. Scarce example here and sure to please any collector looking for nice earlier Joiners for their collection. More pics avail.
$950

 
MH RBM pr
MH RBM pr bottom


 

 

Very scarce matched pair of Red-Breasted Merganser decoys by Miles Hancock (1888-1974), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1940-50s. Ex-collection of well known Miles Hancock Collector/Historian Bill Hall and both have collection stamp. Very good all original paint, thats very dry and clean, with very nicely done feather and scratch paint patterns on both. Measures nice size at approx 17 1/2 inches long each and both are solid cottonwood with no neck cracks. Both show a bit of gunning wear but very strong surface. Have original tack eyes still intact on both. Both retain original weights and antenna line ties. Hancock was a neat guy with a great history, lots written on him is available in most all decoy books about historic Virginia carvers. His decoys are a interesting study, no apologies needed on his classic work. This is a very nice and scarce matched set examples for any collection. It is sure to please any collector of Chincoteague or Virginia historic maker gunning decoys. More pics avail.
SALE PENDING!

 
 
Marty H hen Teal
Marty hen Teal


MH stamp
 

 

Superb "alert head" hen Bluewing Teal decoy by Marty Hanson, Prior Lake, Minn. Circa less than 40 years old. Has Marty's ink stamp brand on bottom. Excellent all original paint and condition with a beautiful surface that is very dry and clean. Body is solid carved that measures approx 12 inches long with perfect glass eyes and slightly turned head. Has original leather line tie. 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. More pics available.
$650

 

Golden Plover
Golden Plover shorebird
Branded GP
 

 

Very cool and early Golden Plover shorebird decoy by unknown maker, probably Massachusetts coastal area. Hot branded on bottom and possibly reads "C. Gardner". Circa pre-1920. Excellent original paint and condition. Paint is clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice old surface and a nice clean deep patina. Bill looks to be original with a blacklight. Looks like very tip of bill chipped. Solid carved fat full body bird measuring approx 10 1/2 inches long with flat bottom and painted eyes. Very excellent old bird here with good 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.
$850

 
Mark Daisey hen Merg
Mark D Merg
MARK hot brand
 

 

Very nice Red~Breasted Merganser hen by Mark Daisey, Chincoteague Island, VA. Ink signed and dated 1999, and hot branded "MARK" on bottom. Strong, dry and clean all original paint with some gunning wear but no problems. Nice size bird at approx 19 1/4 inches long with hollow carved body. Perfect glass eyes with a really nice head and body carving style with serrated crest. Outstanding job by Mark on this pretty girl Merganser and done in his style. Mark Daisey is the 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 as prices have increased if you can get something. Extra pics avail.
$450

 
RMM CANVASBACK pr

RMM double brad nail pic
 

 

Very scarce and nice "Double Nail Butt" Canvasback pair by R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993), Harve de Grace, MD. Circa 1950s and never signed or dated. Strong all original paint and condition with some honest old gunning wear to both. Nice feather painting style. Very strong and nice surface on this one. Measures approx 15 1/2 inches long each and hen has had original weight and line tie removed but drake has all. Very good condition overall with each having hairline neck crack and hen has grain lift on back and thin one on belly. What makes this pair really stand out is the double brad nails in butt of each. Mitchells with single brad indicated best grade wood, double nail was either customer supplied the wood or was used to mark a rig on request. Very scarce to find a rig pair like this. Nice classic Canvasback decoy pair by the dean of Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. Top notch and almost 70 year old example here for any collection of classic decoys by Mitchell. More pics avail.
$650 pair

 

Bob L Ringneck pr
BL pad weights
 

 

Super nice pair of Ringneck decoys by Robert Litzenberg (1910-1997), Elkton, MD. Engraved signed and dated 1988 . Excellent all original paint and condition with Bob's best paint style. Surface is very strong, clean and dry with nice patina and condition pretty much mint as day made. Full size solid carved bodies that measures approx 14 inches long each and shows the classic Cecil County school of carving with very strong Will Heverin influence that Bob incorporated into his decoys. Has original signed pad weights and leather line ties. Bob and his brother Bill started making a few decoys in the 1930's to supplement their hunting rig that they purchased from Norris Pratt in the 30's. Bob was the Honorary Maker of the 1986 Havre de Grace Decoy Festival. Bob was also a cabinet maker for the DuPont family. Great buy on this regal and scarce species by one of the Chesapeake Bays finest and seldom found classic decoy makers. More pics available.
$750 pair

 
 


Peep MDC
Peep MDC
MDC sig
 

 

Super nice Sanderling "Peep" shorebird decoy by Marty Collins, Bridgewater, Mass. Signed "MDC" on bottom. Strong, dry and clean all original paint with a nice "aged" patina surface with no faults. Very cool decoy made in the classic New-England tradition. Full carved body measures approx 6 inches long with "alert" posture. Very nicely done body with flowing body carving. Metal tack eyes and nice bill detail that is splined thru head. Marty is a award winning carver and his work is collected by collectors of old and new decoys because of the fine work he does in the classic styles. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work. Outstanding value here and stand included. Extra pics avail.
$325

 
Hudson Goldeneye pr



 

 

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

 

ESVA SB
Shorebird ESVA
 

 

Early and very cool Dowicher shorebird decoy by unknown maker, thought to be Wachapreague area Eastern Shore of VA. Circa pre-1920. Excellent original paint and condition. Paint is clean, dry and strong, with feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice surface and a nice clean patina. Bill is all original and is flat bottom oak but not splined thru head with small drying crack above that area but is stable. Has a few shot scars on right side of body. Solid carved bird measuring approx 9 1/2 inches long with tapered tail. Very nice 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.
SALE PENDING!

 
MM GOOSE 1
MM GOOSE 2
 

 

Very nice Canada Goose by R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993), Harve de Grace, MD. Not signed or dated but looks like 50s vintage style. Very good plus all original paint that's very strong, clean and dry. Great paint on this one, lots of nice feathering. Measure approx 24 1/2 inches long with a nice fat body and great form. Retains original weight and staple/ring line tie. Condition is very good plus with slight gunning wear with thin and secure drying crack in lower part of neck as seen in pics, but tight and doesnt distract from this classic beauty. More pics avail. A great 60+ year old classic Chesapeake Bay Goose decoy by the dean of Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. Really a nice example, especially if you prefer a gunned over earlier example for your collection. More good pics available.
$650

 
CTM CAN
CTM can
CTM sig
 

 

Superb "Upper Bay" style drake Canvasback decoy by Cameron McIntyre, Eastern Shore of VA. Signed and dated 1992 and part of rig gunned with in Canada by Cameron. 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. Beautiful surface and paint detail. It measures approx 15 inches. Very nicely done very fat solid carved body with high head and upturned tail carving. Rigged with double staple line tie and fat lead strip weight. Cameron's work is very hard to get and this handsome Can 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 decoy auctions you will appreciate the deal on this classic beauty.This is a neat style and looks 100 years old. Its very hard to get any of Cameron's work and this one is superb. Carved "CTM" signature and ink signed and dated. More pics avail.
$2250

 

Clark Madara Pintail drake
CM PINTAIL

 

 

Very cool and early drake Pintail decoy by Clark Madara (1883-1953), Pitman, NJ. Circa 1920-30s. Very good all original paint and condition. Paint is clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork and very nice detail to the paint you usually dont see on hunting birds. This bird has a nice old very dry surface and a nice clean deep patina. Has great form and style. Hollow carved full body bird measuring approx 16 1/2 inches long with stylish full body and glass eyes. Retains original leather line tie and lead pad weight. Not much known about Mr Madara but his decoys are true classics and highly sought. Very nice old bird here with good form and great all original condition. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or classic NJ decoys. More pics available. Good buy here and scarce offering.
$6500

 

SB 1
SHOREBIRD pic 2
 

 

Early and stylish Willet shorebird decoy by unknown maker, most likely mid-Atlantic coastal area. 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 all original and is metal, probably a nail. Has a few shot scars. Solid carved bird measuring approx 11 1/2 inches long. It has 2 holes drilled in bottom and I showed in pics above how it looks on stand in each hole for display. 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.
$750

 
Marty Collins


MARTY COLLINS Bufflehead
Buff bottom
 

 

Very neat drake Bufflehead by Marty Collins, Bridgewater, Mass. Branded "M. D. COLLINS" on bottom. Strong, dry and clean all original paint with a nice "aged" patina surface with no faults. Very cool decoy made in the classic New-England tradition. Stylish solid carved body measures approx 10 1/2 inches long. Very nicely done inletted head and made with no eyes. Has leather line tie and lead pad bottom weight. Marty is a award winning carver and his work is collected by collectors of old and new decoys because of the fine work he does in the classic styles. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work. Outstanding value here and from a older collection. Extra pics avail.
$450

 
Paul Gibson hen Can
Paul gibson can hen
 

 

Very pretty hen Canvasback decoy by Paul Gibson (1902-1990s), Havre de Grace, MD. Never rigged, not signed or dated. Circa 1950s -70s. Excellent all original paint and condition. Nice painting style with lots of nice feathering brush work. Measures approx 15 3/4 inches long and has never been rigged to gun with. Very tiny puddy loss to hair line top of head nail lift. Paul was one of the upper Chesapeake Bays finest makers, totally self taught and only made his own decoys. His decoy output was small compared to Mitchell and examples this clean are a lucky find for the collector of classic Chesapeake Bay Canvasbacks. A good collector quality hen Canvasback by one of the great old time Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. You will be very happy with this pretty girl. More pics avail.
SOLD!

 
JH AMERICAN MERGANSER
Headly collection stamp

Holloway brand
 

 

Beautiful American Merganser decoy pair by John Holloway, Parkertown, NJ. Ex-Somers Headley collection and stamped on both also has John's hot brand on bottom of each. Excellent all original paint and in unused condition. Big hollow carved bodies measures approx 19 inches long on drake, 18 1/2 on hen with stylish full body carving in the classic Delaware River style. Glass eyes with inletted lead poured weights with the original line ties removed. Nice brush work on these beauties with nice blending of color and detail with the brush. John is a long time decoy maker in the classic style of Delaware River decoys. He makes a great bird and his decoys are a collector favorite. This is a really nice pair and a seldom done species by any carver, and a great buy for the quality John puts into his outstanding award winning work. More pics available. You will be very happy with this pair.
$550 pair

 


Drake Pintail
Pintail drake
Pintail drake signature

 

 

Early drake Pintail decoy by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 1938. Strong old paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Appears to be a mix of mostly older working repaint with areas of original. Nice patina and nice paint patterns on this handsome boy with no cracks even in the neck filler. Has a tail chip with small working piece put in and doesnt distract. Solid body that measures approx 17 1/2 inches long with head slightly turned. Great looking early Ward Brothers Pintail with strong influence of the earliest style Lloyd Sterling birds. This was one of the Ward's favorite species and they always showed great respect when making them. The price of good Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a early example for any collector looking to add a classic Ward Pintail to a collection without spending a fortune. E-mail for more pics.
$2500

 

MD BD
Mark D Black Duck
Mark D brand
 

 

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

 
Strunk Shoveler
G Strunk Shoveler standing
Strunk sig

 

 

Superb and scarce full size standing drake Shoveler decoy by George Strunk, Glendora, NJ. Ink signed on base and base stamped "G. STRUNK". Outstanding and mint all original paint and excellent condition. This beautiful bird is hollow carved and on a nice carved base with carved feet and legs. Measures approx 18 1/4 inches long and about 12 3/4 inches tall on base. Raised crossed wing tips, carved tail feathers with slightly turned head. 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.
$1500

 
Ken Harris Mallard
Ken Harris Mallard drake
Ken Harris stamp
 

 

Super nice and earlier drake Mallard decoy by Ken Harris (1905-1981), Woodville, NY. Circa 1940s-50s. Has clear brand ink stamp in bottom. Excellent all original paint and condition with only a little shelf wear. Never rigged to gun with. Nice brush work including comb painting on the sides. Great surface on this beauty that is very dry, clean and strong, with a nice patina. Has perfect glass eyes with no cracks. Measures approx 15 1/2 inches long and is solid carved body. Ken started making decoys in 1927. They say it was to prove Black Ducks would decoy to a proper made decoy. His decoys were well made and highly sought. Some fine painters have worked with Ken over the years including the late Leo McIntosh who was employed as a teenager to be a painter for Ken. If you like Ken Harris's fine decoys you will be very pleased with this one. Truely a classic NY maker. More pics avail.
SOLD!

 
 
Long Island BB
BB Long Island NY
Long Island BB bottom
 

 

Fantastic and very early hen Bluebill decoy by unknown Long Island maker. Circa 1880-1910. 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 little bird here with great Folk Art appeal for the price, more pics avail.
$850

 
Bluebill 1
BB pic 2
BB signature
 

 

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

 
Mallard JWR
JWR Mallard
Bottom stencil
 

 

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 t 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

 
 


hen Pintail
Hen Pintail
Hen pintail bottom

 

 

Super nice hen hen Pintail "SHOOTING STOOL 1 of 15" decoy by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 1971 by Lem. Plus "1 of 15 Pintail Shooting Stools, The Last The Ward-Bro Ever Made". Excellent all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Nice patina and nice paint patterns on this pretty girl with no cracks even in the neck filler. Solid body that measures approx 16 1/2 inches long with head slightly turned. Great looking and scarce species Ward Brothers Shooting Stool hen Pintail here, very clean and the condition is exceptional. This was one of the Ward's harder to find "SHOOTING STOOL" models. The price of good Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a sweet example for any collector looking to add a classic Ward Shooting Stool Pintail and demands exceptional original condition examples and investment quality decoys. E-mail for more pics.
$3250

 
Charlie Bryan Redheads

CB RH sig

 

 

Nice classic pair of fat Redhead decoys with resting head hen by the late Charlie Bryan, Middle River, MD. Double signed and dated 1992 on each bird. Pair has never been gunned over. Paint is excellent and all original, thick and clean and classic Charlie style sponge painting. Never been waxed and very nice dry surface. Retains original weights and line ties. Hen has a hairline grain crack along bottom but is stable, very thin and doesnt distract when displayed. Nice fat solid carved bodies measure approx 15 1/4 inches long on drake and 15 on resting head hen. Charlie was a great guy, made a great decoy and was very respected by anyone who ever met this fine man. He started making decoys in the 50's and they were well thought out and different in many ways then what most others were doing. He use to make a few each year to pay for his hunting but the demand went crazy and he tried but could never keep up with the demand and really hated charging more then the $60 he got for them for many years. I know a lot of hunters and collectors and more of these folks considered this man a true friend then anyone else I have ever met. He is very much missed by many. Charlie's birds are highly sought by anyone who knew him and I rarely get this nice for resale, especially Redheads and never seen another with this style head on hen. More pics avail. Nice pair here.
$450 pair

 
Lloyd Tyler Snipe
Lloyd Tyler
 

 

Excellent and scarce "reaching" Snipe carving by Lloyd Tyler (1898-1970), Crisfield, MD. Circa 1930-50s. Some very faint signature on bottom of base by Tyler. Paint is all original, very strong and very clean. Beautiful surface on this one that is very dry and clean. Retains original wooden bill and wire legs and is mounted on small piece of wood, 3 X 1 3/4, and has the feet painted on the wood. Measures approx 8 1/2 inches long with 2 inches of it being the bill. Very tiny chip to tippy tip of bill but very small. Tyler made a great looking decoy and has become well known as a great Folk artist thanks to Henry Stansbury's outstanding book on Lloyd Tyler's decoys and artwork. His decoys have brought the respect of collectors as evidenced by the sale of his Hooded Merganser in the 6 figure range at the Guyette and Schmidt decoy sale in November 07. This is a great example and scarce species of Lloyd Tyler's fine work and sure to please any collector that appreciates the good folk art appeal of his work. Email for more pics if interested.
$750

 
 
MM Hen Mallard
Hen Mallard MM
Hen Mallard Mitchell

 

 

Never gunned hen Mallard by R. Madison Mitchell (1901-1993), Harve de Grace, MD. Signed and dated 1976 with electro-pen by Mitchell. Excellent and thick all original paint and condition. Nice feather painting style. Very strong, dry and clean surface on this one. Measures approx 17 1/2 inches long in unhunted condition with a very slightly turned head. Retains original weight and line tie. Only slight fault is small shallow dent on left side of bill and very slight puddy lift over 3 head nails, but secure and intact. A excellent puddle duck species decoy by the dean of Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. Decoy in Mitchell pic isnt one being offered. Really top notch nearly 50 year old example here for any collection of classic decoys by Mitchell. More pics avail.
$425

 
Pearson Can 1
Edwin Pearson Canvasback
 

 

Scarce and early Canvasback drake by Edwin Pearson (1859-1932), Havre de Grace, MD. Circa 1890-1925. Strong and clean surface that is early working repaint possibly by Joiner as expected on Chesapeake Bay decoy of this vintage. Beautiful style solid body measures approx 16 1/2 inches. No neck crack but does have slight lift of head from body and very old drying crack in bottom but all are very much stable and secure. Has 1 inch chuck out of breast that was there when made. Original line tie and original weight. Pearson lived in Havre de Grace his entire life and owned a lumberyard there. He made a very fine bushwack boat and was said they were only second to the ones made by James Holly. He made mostly decoys for his own used which are branded "E. PEARSON" but some were made for sale for others and sold unbranded as is this bird. Truly a scarce example of a classic and historic Susquehanna Flats decoy that are very hard to find for a collection. More pics available.
$450

 
 
CB BLACK DUCK
Black Duck CB
BD CB bottom

 

 

Never rigged Black Duck decoy by Charles Buchanan (1911-1990), North Augusta, Ontario, Canada. Circa 1950-60s. Ex-Hugh Turnbull collection. Mint all original paint, very strong, dry and clean with a great patina. Hard to really get true rich color to show on my pics, Black Duck pics always a challenge. Condition is mint and never rigged to gun with only one small rub to wood on left side of bill near tip. Excellent stylish form and painting brushwork with nicely done carved wing tip detail. Solid body measures approx 16 1/2 inches long. Has original perfect glass eyes and a very nice carving style on head and bill. Charles carved many decoys with the strong influence of the decoys by Ferman Eyre. This is a very pretty Black Duck and would make a nice addition to any collection of Ontario decoys. More pics avail.
$650

 
Hurley Curlew
Hurley Conklin Curlew
Conklin Curlew

 

 

Scarce Curlew shorebird decoy by Hurley Conklin (1913-1991), Manahawkin, NJ. Circa 1950-75. Ink signed but not dated. Superb all original paint, very strong and clean, with a nice painting style. Condition is excellent, strong and dry. Solid full body measures approx 17 1/2 inches long with slightly alert head. Painted eyes and very nice carving style on head and bill, with raised wing tip carving. Hurley was a WW2 vet and a NJ classic decoy maker and was making decoys for sale as early as 1928. If you are looking for a excellent example of a NJ classic maker Curlew this is it. Good buy here. More pics avail.
$425

 
RR MALLARD
RR MALLARD hen

Reed Mallard sig


 

 

Very nice and scarce hen Mallard miniature by Ralph Reed, Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1960's and signed on bottom. Excellent all original paint, thats very dry and super clean, with very nicely done brushwork paint patterns, a very sharp and clean little bird. Has tiny glass eyes and raised wing carvng and slightly turned head with nice carving detail on wingtips and tail. Measures approx 7 inches long. Ralph made minis for the Chincoteague tourist trade like his more famous neighbor Miles Hancock, except in much smaller numbers. He lived on Ocean Blvd, which is the main drag to beach that all the tourist would pass.
$175

 
BB 1
CANADIAN BB pic 2
BB Miller collection stamp
 

 

Very cool tucked head drake Bluebill decoy by unknown maker from most likely the Ontario region of Canada. Circa 1925-1950. Ex-Miller collection and has his collection stamp. Paint is clean, thick, very strong and all original with a nice surface. Measures approx. 14 inches long. Solid carved body with 2 "lightner" holes drilled in bottom to reduce weight. Very well done and stylish content head with raised wing and tail and wingtip carving detail in the classic Ontario style. Retains both original glass eyes. Retains original leather line tie. Great form and style and very appealing for any decoy or folk art collection. Very clean and strong bird here with stylish form for the price. More pics available.
$450

 

A MEEKINS MERGANSER PAIR
 

 

Super nice and classic style Red-Breasted Merganser decoys by "Gunner" Alvin Meekins (1918-1992). Hooper’s Island, Maryland. Circa 1950s. All original paint with a bit of age wear but would still grade very good to excellent with some lite gunning wear. Solid carved bodies measure approximately 18 1/2 on each with classic "Hoopers Island chain rigging". Folky paint pattern is simple but very effective. Retails all the original metal tack eyes. “Gunner” Alvin Meekins’ made decoys for many years starting in the 1950s, originally for his own use and for sale to local gunners and later for sale to tourists. This pretty matched pair exhibits his best classic style with fluid well carved bodies and single crested heads. Areas of the Eastern Shore gunned Mergansers heavy in the spring and ate them regularly. Truly a excellent and classic examples of Hoopers Island “fence post pheasant” by the Island’s most famous maker. If you’ve always wanted a Hoopers Island classic Merganser pair for your collection then this is as good as you will find as they keep getting harder to find. Very nice for the Folk Art decoy collector or collector of Eastern Shore decoys. More pics available.
$800 pair

 
 

Mark Daisey Can
Mark Daisey Canvasback
Mark sig
 

 

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

 
Oscar Perch
O Peterson Perch
Check out the "FISHING" page for more nice fish spearing decoys just added!
 

 

Super nice and earlier large size Perch fish spearing decoy by Oscar Peterson (1887-1951), Cadillac, Mich. Measures 9 1/8 inches long. Circa 1930's. This fish has an excellent surface, the paint is original and exceptionally clean, and very strong with excellent color and brush work and nice original varnished finish with some paint loss on fins and belly weights. It does have touch ups to top and bottom tips of tail and area along back at line tie but still a great large perch. This fish is a flat tack eye model with typical Peterson carved gills and mouth. Has all 7 original metal fins with some paint each. Mostly small areas where fins meet body which is typical, 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 and honest is desirable and very scarce to find in this larger size. This fish is guaranteed 100% and 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 and really hard to find this large for this price and condition!
SOLD!

 
 
Cherry stand


 

 

Extra nice Cherry wood cradle style decoy stands. Made of Cherry wood but also have in oak. Handmade in Maryland. Measures approx 6 inches by 4 1/2 inches. These have rounded edges and are a bit longer then others I had and are top quality. Quantity is currently limited but more on order. Email your needs.
$8.50 each, $95 per dozen
BACK IN STOCK!

 
OAK STAND


 

 

Extra nice Oak wood cradle style decoy stands. Nice Oak wood ends, also have in Cherry wood. Handmade in Maryland. Measures approx 6 inches by 4 1/2 inches. These have rounded edges and are a bit longer then others I had and are top quality. Quantity is currently limited but more on order. Email your needs.
$8.50 each, $95 per dozen

 
DOUBLE STAND


 

 

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
ONLY OAK AVAILABILE CURRENTLY, SOLD OUT of CHERRY, MORE ORDERED!

 
LONG STAND CHERRY


 

 

Extra nice longer style Cherry wood cradle style decoy stands. Made of cherry and also have in 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

 
LONG STAND OAK


 

 

Extra nice longer style Oak wooden cradle style decoy stands. I also have in cherry. 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

 
MP BLACK DUCK
MP BLACK DUCK 2
MP BD sig
 

 

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.
$450

 
WB Ruddy Duck
Ruddy Duck Ward
Ruddy Duck signature
 

 

Very scarce drake Ruddy Duck decoy by Lem Ward, Crisfield, MD. Circa 1969, signed and dated 1969 and noted "1-of-12". Excellent all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong and clean. Beautiful patina and great paint patterns on this one. Only fault is on tail Lem made the tail with 13 pointed quill type tiny points that measure approx 1/2 inch each, 4 are broken/missing, I think it would look better without them but Lem thought it was way to do it and he was smarter then me. Lots of nice detailed feather painting on this one. Solid carved cedar body with cedar head that measures approx 11 3/4 inches long. Head is turned to right slightly. Great looking classic Ward decoy here, very clean and nicely done style for that era and the condition overall is excellent. The Ward's started to see a influx of collectors in the 1950's and started to focus on more "Collector Grade" type examples instead of just gunning birds. The Collector Grade models are a bit fancier in carving and quite a bit more of the classic Ward Brothers detailing in paint work. The price of good Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a sweet decoy for any collector looking to add a classic but rare species Ward Brothers and demands excellent original condition examples and investment quality decoys. E-mail for more pics if interested, you will like this one for the price and I can probably have pro repaired if preferred by buyer. Big auction estimate was 3k to 5k on this one.
SALE PENDING!

 
Doves from Ill
AB dove pair

 

 

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

 
DB MALLARDS
DAN BROWN MALLARDS
 

 

Super nice and scarce third size Mallard decoy pair by the late Dan Brown, Hebron, MD . Both are signed and dated 1973. Excellent all original paint and condition. Bodies measure approx 7 1/4 inches long each with both having slightly turned heads. Glass eyes with nice layered feather painting detail. Very minor 50 year old spots of edge handling wear but otherwise minty. Dan went back to the early days of collecting and was important for the tireless work he did gathering a lot of the info that we know today about the decoy makers and the history of the gunning that was done in this region. He was a competitive carver who won many awards and was instrumental in what the Ward Museum has become to both collectors and carvers today. A very nice man who loved to share his knowledge with others, he is missed. Dan Brown made a great bird and his decoys are a collector favorite and very hard to find, and this very nice to find species pair and will be sure to please. More pics avail.
$500 pr

 

BBP 1
BBP pic 2
 

 

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.
$750

 
CD LI BB SHOOTING
 

 

New DVD "WHEN THE BROADBILL WAS KING ON GREAT SOUTH BAY ", put together and presented by The Long Island Decoy Collectors Association. Done in March 2015. Co-hosted by Craig Kessler and Steve Sanford. Video by Anthony Babich. Featuring interviews with Allen Horal, Dick LaFountain, Preston Raynor, John Verbeke and Schuyler Watts. Great info on the old time gunning on Long Island. Condition is brand new. A nice addition to any collection.
$20

 
 

MD DOWICHER

MD sig
 

 

Awesome "Sleepy eye" style Dowicher shorebird decoy by Mark Daisey, Chincoteague Island, VA. Signed and dated 2015 and hot branded "MARK" on bird and ink signed and dated on base. Perfect dry and clean all original paint with great detail very much in the style of his late uncle "Cigar Daisey". Nice accurate carving and painting style with nice resting form. Solid carved with glass eyes it measures 9 inches long and approx 8 1/2 inches tall on driftwood stand. 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. I currently have 2 available if you like pairs. Outstanding value here. Extra pics avail.
$450

 
Tyler Widgeon pic 1

Tyler Widgeon pic 2
 

 

Excellent and scarce standing drake Widgeon gunning decoy by Lloyd Tyler (1898-1970), Crisfield, MD. Circa 1935-50s. Originally made as a gunning bird. Rigging removed and mounted on base by Tyler. Paint is all original, very strong and very clean. Nice original surface on this one that is very dry and clean. Has carved wooden legs and is mounted on small piece of wood, 3 1/4 x 4 3/4 and has the feet painted on the wood. Has a thin crack in bill but looks as if it is just surface and not deep. Balsa or Cypress body and hardwood head that measures approx 12 3/4 inches long and about 8 1/4 inches tall with a straight head and a very nice raised wing carving. Tyler made a great looking decoy & has become well known as a great Folk artist thanks to Henry Stansbury's outstanding book on Lloyd Tyler's decoys & artwork. His decoys have brought the respect of collectors as evidenced by the sale of his Hooded Merganser in the 6 figure range at the Guyette and Schmidt decoy sale in November 07. This is a great example of Lloyd Tyler's fine work & sure to please any collector that appreciates the good folk art appeal of his work. Email for more pics if interested.
$650

 


Sleeper BB hen
Sleeper BB hen

 

 

Super nice hen sleeper Bluebill "SHOOTING STOOL 1 of 50" decoy by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated 1972. Plus nice signature by both brothers. Excellent all original paint and condition. Paint is very strong, clean and dry. Nice patina and nice paint patterns on this pretty girl with no cracks even in the neck filler. Solid body that measures approx 13 3/4 inches long with head fully turned and lays on back. Great looking classic Ward Brothers Shooting Stool Bluebill here, very cleanand nicely done rarer style for that era and the condition is exceptional. This was one of the Ward's harder to find sleeper model. The price of good Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a sweet sleeper example for any collector looking to add a classic Ward Bluebill and demands exceptional original condition examples and investment quality decoys. E-mail for more pics.
SOLD!

 
Hen Can 1
Can 2
 

 

Very cool and early hen Canvasback decoy by unknown maker but most likely Canada. Circa 1890-1925. Paint is old second coat and is strong with some edge gunning wear. Nice patina and dry, clean surface on this beauty. Has been made for the head to completely swivel around so it can be used as a sleeper or alert head. Measures approx. 16 3/4 inches long and is solid carved flat bottom body. Retains original leather line tie and double weight. Great form and very appealing for any decoy or folk art collection. Very clean and strong bird here with great Folk Art appeal for the price, more pics avail.
$550

 
MH BD 1

MH BD

 

 

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 & clean, with very nicely done scratch paint patterns, a very sharp & 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, & more pics avail.
$200

 
STAND 1
STAND 2
stand pic


 

 

Custom Mahogany wood insert style decoy stands. Handmade in Maryland and branded "GBW". Duck size measures approx 11 1/4 inches by 6 1/4 inches with cut out that measures 6 1/4 X 1 3/8. Goose size measures approx 12 3/4 by 6 7/8 with 9 3/4 by 1 1/2 slot. These are awesome for Upper Bay style or any maker with same style rigging so your decoy can sit flat and a very clean and formal look that is super stable. Quantity is very limited. Email your needs. These are perfect for most style upper bay decoys. Only a few left of the Goose size!
$25 each for duck size, $30 each for Goose size
, SOLD OUT GOOSE SIZE!

 
King family Bluebill pair
 

 

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

 
Pete Buffleheads

Pete Buffleheads
 

 

Scarce pair of "Heron Lake" Bufflehead decoys by "Hurricane Pete" Peterson, Capeville, VA. Signed and dated 2010 and hot branded "PETE" in bottom of each. Excellent all original paint and condition and very little if any gunning wear. Solid carved bodies measures approx 14 1/4 inches long each with stylish horse style heads and full body carving done in style of the decoys from the Heron Lake region of Minn. No eyes with original leather line ties and weighted keels on each. Both have Pete's brand "PETE" in bottom. Pete makes a great bird and his decoys are a collector favorite, and getting very hard to find. This is a really nice and scarce model by Pete and a deal if you have been following what Pete's decoys have been bringing when available. More pics available.
$1500 pair

 
 
DAN BROWN BLACK DUCK
DAN BROWN BD

 

 

Scarce gunning Black Duck decoy by the late Dan Brown, Hebron, MD. Circa 1960's and gunned over on the Nanticoke River. Very good all original paint and in honest old gunning condition. Some looseness to head and some puddy shrink cracks but ready for another season. Solid carved cork body measures approx 17 inches long with slightly turned head. Perfect glass eyes with nice detailed head carving. Made with wooden head, inserted wood tail and bottom with unweighted keels. Dan hunted over these with his friend on the Nanticoke River. Dan went back to the early days of collecting and was important for the tireless work he did gathering a lot of the info that we know today about the decoy makers and the history of the gunning that was done in this region. He was a competitive carver who won many awards and was instrumental in what the Ward Museum has become to both collectors and carvers today. A very nice man who loved to share his knowledge with others, he is missed. Dan Brown made a great bird and his actual gunning decoys are very hard to find, and this Black Duck will be sure to please for the price. Something cool for the Dan Brown collector. More pics avail.
$300

 
Ward Brother Black Duck
Ward Black Duck


 

 

Rare and early 1928 Black Duck decoy by the Ward Brothers, Crisfield, MD. Ex-Herb Wetanson collection who was known for his fine collection of Ward decoys. Paint is original and strong, clean and dry. Nice aged patina and surface. Shows moderate wear with some thin drying cracks along body with a couple of shot marks and a couple dents as seen in top pic. Original rigging removed. Bottom has been repainted black and comes up slightly around bottom edges but doesnt distract. Small thin chip on bottom of bill has been professionally repaired. Solid cedar body measures approx 17 3/4 inches long. Head is slightly turned to right with perfect glass eyes. Great looking very early Ward decoy here, very clean and nicely done style for that era and the condition is very good collector grade. The price of good earlier Wards continue to be strong, they are great American folk art and stand on their own. This is a very nice decoy for any collector looking to add a classic Ward and very early example in original paint for a collection. You wont find another this early in this condition at any price. E-mail for more pics if interested, a great piece to add to your Black Duck collection.
$9000

 
Hen merganser

Hen merganser pic 2
Davis Merganser tag
 

 

Very interesting and early hen Merganser decoy attrib to "Muckie Davis", Falmouth, Mass. Circa 1900-1935. Very good all original paint and condition. Nice painting style with nice feathering brush work. Beautiful surface on this one. Some flaking of puddy over nails and neck base. Very cool painted eyes. Solid body measures approx 16 inches long with nice form. Condition is very good plus with some old honest hunting wear but overall really strong. Still has original lead weight and leather line tie. Has collector number tag on bottom. I have 2 of these girls and hope buyer gets both so not to separate these sisters after all these years. You will enjoy this decoy, great species, very early, beautiful surface and always great to find a Merganser in original condition from Cape Cod. More pics available.
$550

 
decoy bag

Color asst
logo pic logo pic
 

 

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 & protect your investment!
$35 each for regular size, smaller size less and larger size more, call for custom size pricing

 
 
Corb Reed Goose

Corb Reed Canada Goose
JC REED stamp

Corb Reed and wife

 

 

Outstanding and very scarce half size Canada Goose carving by J. Corb Reed (1897-1982), Chincoteague Island, VA. Stamped "J.C. REED". Circa 1950s-70. Excellent all original paint and condition.Great detail and the colors and blending on the feathers. Corb was a outstanding painter, he could paint vermiculation like no other carver, they say he had a small piece of something he wore on his finger that he used to achive his realistic vermiculation, he would never tell anyone what it was and they say he swallowed it before he died taking his painting secret to the grave. His paint is unmatched by very few. Nice slightly raised wings with great head, tail and feather carving. Bird is carved with erect and slightly turned head with glass eyes. Measures approx 14 7/8 inches long. Corb Reed started carving around 1912, he was well known for his decoys and flatwork art of marsh and wildfowl. He painted many wall murals in the government buildings in Washington D.C. This is as fine a Corb Reed Goose carving as you will ever find. The decoys by Corb Reed are the most underated and undervalued decoys to come off of Chincoteague Island. More pics of this beauty available.
SALE PENDING!

 
 
CS1CS2
 

 

"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

 
 
Tin Yellowlegs
Tin Yellowlegs
 

 

Extra nice tin Yellowlegs shorebird decoy with original stick. Probably the Read Decoy Co. Circa 1890-1920. Very good plus all original paint that is very dry, clean & strong with great colors. Shows very little use with 1 pencil eraser size flake to metal on right side rear area. Retains original wire staples that hold the body together. Retains original stick. Factory maker unknown but thought not to be S&S as not marked as such on inside. More pics avail, very nice example for the shorebird or tinnie collector.
SOLD!

 
 
OP BT 1
OP BT 2
CHECK OUT THE FISHING PAGE FOR SOME AWESOME FISH DECOYS!
 

 

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!

 
Shorebird stands
stands


 

 

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.
SOLD OUT! Checking on future availability

 
Ian Black
Ian Black Duck
Ian sig
 

 

Super nice oversize Black Duck by Ian McNair, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa less then 15 years old. Excellent all original paint & condition. This big boy measures approx 20 1/2 inches with a nicely done head. Glass eyes, cork body, wooden head, tail insert & keel. This is from a local hunting rig. Its tuff getting any McNairs & this one is cool, I bet it did a good job fooling the ducks. Lead weight strip on keel. Keel has carved Ian McNair initial signature. Very neat bird here for the McNair collector who is looking for something different or wants a great gunning bird. Good buy on this one.
SOLD!

 
Oscar Peterson small Perch decoy
Oscar Peterson Perch fish decoy
Check out the "FISHING" page for more nice fish spearing decoys just added!
 

 

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!

 
 
Goose stand


 

 

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!

 
Duck decoy stand


 

 

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, MORE ON ORDER AS SHOWS CANCELLED AND HARDER TO GET

 
Goose stand


 

 

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

 
Spirt of the birdSpirt of the bird - DVD
 

 

"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!!

 
 
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~~~WANTED TO BUY~~~
Elmer Crowell mini SP Plover
~~~WANTED TO BUY~~~
MINIATURE SHOREBIRD CARVINGS by ELMER CROWELL for my COLLECTION
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