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.
SALE PENDING!

Exceptional Mourning Dove by Josh Brewer, Delmar, Maryland. Signed and dated 2005 on bottom. Outstanding all original paint and condition. Exceptional painting with good color and blending. Resting solid carved body that measures approx 10 inches long on a 7 3/4 X 4 1/4 inch walnut base. Glass eyes and detailed head and tail carving. Josh is a great talent and has quickly found a large following of his incredible work. Josh sold his video games as a youth and bought carving tools and is self taught with a artistic eye. He carved years ago to help put himsef thru medical school and became a doctor and now splits his time between Maine and Maryland. 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.
$1650

Scarce hand chopped "Cecil County style" Widgeon pair by J. Evans McKinney (1913-2000), Elkton, MD. Signed and dated 1989 in electro-pen and marked "Made for Scott Zinn". Minty all original paint that's very strong, dry and clean. Has some nice detailed feather painting. Scott was a dear friend of Evan's so extra nice job on these. Measure approx 13 3/4 inches long each. Retains original weight and staple/ring line tie on each. Condition is mint and never hunted. Evans authored "Decoys of the Susquehanna Flats and their Makers" and a permanent display of his decoys are at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. He was a very nice man and very generous with his knowledge. A scarce species pair here by one of the Upper Chesapeake Bay classic historic makers. Priced to sell as its a very good buy on this harder to find classic maker. More pics avail.
SOLD!

Early and stylish Dowitcher shorebird decoy by unknown maker, most likely mid-Atlantic coastal area. Circa pre-1920. Excellent original paint and condition. Paint is very thick, very clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice surface and a nice clean patina. Bill is all original and is metal, probably a nail with some rusting. Solid carved flattie style shorebird measuring approx 13 inches long. Very excellent old bird here with good form. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique shorebirds. Metal stand included and more pics available. Good buy here.
$750

Awesome drake Common Eider decoy by Steve Brettell, Biddleford, Maine. Signed and dated 2006. This is a handsome example and thanks for collector help for info on Steve. Excellent all original paint and condition. Glass eyes and ready and to gun with and has probably been gunned with litely. Measures approx 16 3/4 inches long with slightly turned head. Very well done fat solid carved body. Never weighted but has leather line tie. 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 pretty Eider drake 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!
$475

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

Fantastic Red~Breasted Merganser pair of decoys by "Dr Duck" Russ Allen, NJ and the Eastern Shore of VA. Hot branded "ra" on both and both ink signed. Excellent all original paint and condition with very nicely done hollow carved bodies that are put together with wooden dowels. Nice paint work and carving style on this pair with beautiful form. Measures approx 18 1/2 inches long each with carved crest and very cool carved eyes. Both are rigged to hunt with aged lead weights and leather line ties. A really nice pair in a style Russ has not done many of. Russ is known as "Dr Duck" and one of the most well known people in the decoy hobby as he is best known for his professional repairs on top tier decoys for the major decoy houses and private collectors. He does a bit of his own carvings including to order when time allows which isnt often. This is a really nice stylish pair to add to any collection. More pics avail.
$950 pr

Superb and scarce sleeper drake Canvasback decoy by Charlie "Speed" Joiner (1921-2015), Chestertown, MD. Not signed or dated but thats common for birds made earlier to gun with. Excellent all original paint, I dont think ever hunted over. Has a couple of tiny "drip spots" kinda rust colored and will probably clean off but havent tried it as it dosent distract as seen in above pics. Beautiful colors and blending of paint and feather painting. A species that has always been one of the collector favorites as it is the classic species for the upper Chesapeake Bay. Full size with painted eyes, measures approx 14 1/2 inches long. Full size with original weight and ring/staple line tie. Everyone looks for his sleeper models, very popular with collectors. 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. They say he could paint a pair of Canvasbacks in 14 minutes. Great example here and sure to please any collector looking for top quality Joiners for their collection. More pics avail.
SOLD!

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

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

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

Awesome Bufflehead decoy pair by Ronald Justis, Chincoteague Island, VA. Signed and dated 2015. Strong, dry and clean all original paint that shows Ronald's superb talent with a paint brush. Nice diminutive birds at approx 10 inches long on drake with alert head and 9 inches on snuggled head hen. Glass eyes with very detailed head/bill carving and raised wing tips much in the style of Cigar Daisey. Has his "corn cobb" bottom lead weight. Ronald is a award winning carver and makes a excellent decoy in many different styles. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work and not easy to find. Extra pics avail and a great buy on this awesome looking pair. More pics available.
$850 pr

Scarce and earlier Coot decoy by Delbert "Cigar" Daisey (1928-2017), VA. Circa 1970-80's. Includes "CIGAR" embossed weight still attached. Signed and branded "CIGAR" and has "HUNTING DECOY" written on bottom. Excellent all original paint and condition in excellent condition. Stylish carved body measures approx 12 inches. Has red glass eyes and detailed carved wingtips and perfectly done head and bill. Cigar's decoys have soared thru the roof in the last couple of years and choice examples are hard to get, Cigar has quite the following all over the country and I hope you had a chance to meet this Chincoteague legend. If you have been watching the price of Cigar's decoys the last few years or been to any of the local auctions on Delmarva you know what a good value this earlier beauty is with a pair selling for 9k earlier this year. More pics available.
SOLD!

Early and very scarce matched Widgeon drake decoy by Doug Jester (1876-1961), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1940-50. One of just 6 ever made of this species. Strong, bone dry and clean all original paint and condition. Nice size bird at approx 16 inches with best style neck shelf carving. A stylish and earlier bird that was most likely carved from cedar. Red "F" painted on bottom. This small rig of 6 Widgeons are thought to be only ones Jester ever made. They were found about 20 years ago in Virginia Beach area by a collector who bought rig from the Eugene Fara family who had rental cottages for the tourist at the beach and during the off season Doug would travel there and paint cottages for the family, thats when these were ordered by the Mr Fara. Extra pics avail. Nicely done head and nice classic Jester form. A very scarce and very clean Jester for any Southern or Chincoteague decoy collection. Doug Jester decoys are true Eastern Shore of Virginia classics and are highly sought by collectors. Very nice example here, getting hard to find this nice, especially Widgeon. Not a species that Jester made many of with only 1 small group of 6 ever showing up. More pics avail.
SOLD!

Early and stylish Black Bellied Plover shorebird decoy by unknown maker, most likely mid-Atlantic coastal area, probably NJ. Circa pre-1920. Excellent original paint and condition. Paint is very thick, very clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork with some cool scratch painting mixed in. This bird has a nice surface and a nice clean patina. Bill is all original. Solid carved tapered flattie style shorebird measuring approx 10 1/2 inches long. Very excellent old bird here with good form. Good looking old decoy for any collection of folk art or antique shorebirds. Metal stand included and more pics available. Good buy here.
$550

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

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

Very early and stylish feeding shorebird decoy by unknown maker, most likely Massachusetts coastal area. Circa 1875. Ex-Robin Starr colection and this exact bird is published (page 168) in "The Bird Decoy, an American Form" by Paul Johnsgard in 1976. Early all original paint and condition. Paint is clean, dry and strong, with nice feather strokes and brushwork. This bird has a nice surface and a nice clean patina. Bill is all original and is metal, probably a nail. Has a few shot scars. Solid carved bird measuring approx 10 1/.4 inches long. Very excellent and interesting 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.
$850

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

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

Outstanding and very scarce third size drake Bluebill carving by J. Corb Reed (1897-1982), Chincoteague Island, VA. Ink signed and dated 1969 and "J.CORB REED". 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. Measures approx 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 mini carving as you will ever find they are super scarce. The decoys by Corb Reed are some of the most underated and undervalued decoys to come off of Chincoteague Island. More pics of this beauty available.
SOLD!

Very nice and very rare Black Duck decoy by John Henry Downes (1863-1961), Townsend, VA. Circa 1910-1930. "HD" carved in bottom. Very strong paint which is all original with excellent and strong feather scratch painting. Surface is very clean, strong and dry finish, the paint work is incredible with scratch painted wings, head and feathers. Has some honest hunting wear but grades excellent. A rare addition to find Black Ducks decoys this early in original condition and paint are always a great find and important addition to any collection of southern decoys. Full size with carved eyes, measures approx 18 1/2 inches long and classic hollow carved body with Jersey style inletted weight. Has couple of thin drying lines in body but would still grade excellent for region and vintage. Hollow body put together with 6 nails and 4 dowels. Retains original weight and staple/ring line tie. Mr Downes served in the U. S. Lifesaving Service and most off hours hunting and fishing the great bounty of that area. He and his son John Hanson both made great Eastern Shore of VA Black Ducks. Great example here and sure to please any collector looking for classic Eastern Shore of VA seaside makers for their collection. More pics avail. of this very scarce offering.
$8500

Superb and early running Yellowlegs shorebird decoy by William Gibian, Onancock, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa less then 40 years old. Carved early style "WG" signature on belly area. Excellent all original paint and condition with a nice soft patina finish. Measures approx 14 inches long and is solid carved body with glass eyes. Has inserted bill that is splined thru back of head. Nice detailed carving on this beauty with raised "double wing carving" with detailed wing tips with very well done form and detail. Love the low head running form with very slightly turned head. This is a neat style and shows the strong use of form and movement that Gibian incorporates in his fine work. Its tuff getting any Gibian carvings as his decoys are highly sought by collectors of both old and contemporary decoys. Very nice piece here and sure to please and way below auction prices. More pics available.
$1250

Very nice Atlantic Brant decoy by Grayson Chesser, Jenkins Bridge, VA. Circa 1998 and dated. Has Grayson's "C" carved into bottom. Excellent all original paint and condition. Hollow carved body measures approx 17 1/4 inches long with straight head with full body carving. Condition is very good plus with some lite gunning wear. Retains original weight and keel and thats the way Grayson makes them, you can gun with it or put it on the shelf. Grayson was the "Carver of the Year" at the 2004 Harve de Grace Decoy Show, and just did an exhibit at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. Grayson makes a great bird and getting very hard to get. Getting very hard to buy under 1k. This is a very nice Brant showing Grayson's fine decoy making talent and superb painting skills and will please even the most demanding of collectors. Part of well known Northampton County Brant hunting rig. More pics avail.
SOLD!

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

Superb near mint Black Duck decoy by Ira Hudson (1876-1949), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa late 1930's-1940's. Has excellent original paint with very little wear for the age but has had little if any gunning time. Lots of great blending and tiny scratch painting with a bone dry surface that is clean and strong. Had a small area on neck of puddy shrinkage loss that was touched up in that small area, but you cant find without a blacklight. Solid carved balsa body measures approx 17 inches. This is a classic and very desirable Hudson style, with a great head style with nicely carved bill, fat, full, flowing style body, with classic flutted tail carving with tack eyes. Retains original pad weight and leather line tie. This is a incredibly beautiful classic Hudson Black Duck, great form and very clean. This bird is rigmate to the group of purchased by a hunter in NJ and doubt he used much if at all. See Henry Stansbury's Ira Hudson Decoy book for like example of this rare beauty. Great bird and in the condition and style you always dream to find. More pics available.
SOLD!

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

Early and scarce hen Hooded Merganser decoy by Doug Jester (1876-1961), Chincoteague Island, VA. Ex- Bill Mackey collection and has his ink collection stamp on bottom. It is exact bird published in his iconic decoy collector book " AMERICAN BIRD DECOYS", plate #137 on page 163. Circa 1925-40. Strong, dry and clean all original paint and condition. Has some honest old gunning wear and a few shot scars. Nice desirable size bird at approx 11 inches. Typical tube painted eyes and classic Jester form. Retains original staple line tie and lead pad bottom weight. Extra pics avail. Nicely done "4-tine" head and nice classic Jester form. A classic and very clean Jester for any Southern or Chincoteague decoy collection. Doug Jester decoys are true Eastern Shore of Virginia classics and are highly sought by collectors. Very nice one here, getting hard to find this nice, especially a published bird from the famous Bill Mackey collection. More pics avail
SOLD!

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

Super nice Long Billed Dowicher shorebird decoy by Mark McNair, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa 1980's. Excellent all original aged paint and condition with very well done intentional wear. Measures approx 11 1/2 inches, fat full body with raised wing tip in the true Cobb style. Perfect glass eyes, splined bill and forward feeding or running head position, all very accurate in detail. This is a really nice and harder to find style by Mark. Carved McNair signature with capital "R" that helps date when made. Metal stand included. More pics avail. of this great looking McNair. Hard not to want to add this scarce beauty to your collection, great form, style and surface. A super nice McNair shorebird for a collection and way below what they have been bringing at auctions.
$1500

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

Very early and very rare drake Redhead by Capt. Ben Dye (1821-1896), Perryville, MD. Circa 1850-75. Very dry and worn but all original paint. Paint is strong enough to show original pattern but most areas to wood and bone dry. Retains a iron keel weight. Body measures approx 14 inches long and is in very good condition with the exception of a few shot scars and tiny chips to edge of tail as expected of this vintage. Has tack eyes. Great classic "long body" form and style with a nicely done head and bill carving. This is a rare all original example by one of the earliest documented makers on the Chesapeake Bay Flats area. This is a rare and important classic decoy from one of the most historic gunning areas that there ever was. A very fine overall decoy, especially when you consider it is approx 150 years or more old! You wont find another at any price. This is a rare opportunity to add a super nice classic maker Upper Bay decoy of this vintage to a collection. More pics available of this beauty.
SOLD!

Rare pair of Bufflehead decoys by Edson Gray (1891-1982), Ocean View, Delaware. Circa 1950's. Excellent all original paint and in excellent condition. 2 piece bodies measure approx 14 1/2 inches long on swimming head drake and 13 1/2 on hen. Glass eyes with original keels. Not sure these have ever been gunned over as condition is outstanding, near crispy mint. A few natural agelines in bodies but all are stable and secure. Gray is really the only known historic maker from Delaware. He was a Merchant Mariner and cabinet maker when not hunting. The detailed workmanship on some of his earlier decoys is quite impressive. His decoys are very scarce, especially a matched pair of a tuff species like Buffleheads. I can count on one hand how many Gray decoys I've had to sell over the last 30+ years, very hard to find any at all. More pics avail, very good buy on this scarce pair.
$1200 pair

Very scarce published "running" Curlew shorebird decoy attrib to Capt. John Haff (1868-1909) of Cobb Island, VA. Circa 1890-1905. Excellent original paint and condition. Paint is strong, clean, and dry. This bird has a nice old surface and a nice clean deep patina. Bill is original. Solid carved bird measuring approx 15 1/8 inches long. This exact bird is pictured on page 161 of Henry Fleckenstein's outstanding book "SOUTHERN DECOYS of VIRGINIA and the CAROLINAS". They say John Haff jumped his fathers ship when it sailed past Cobb Island and he swam to shore and was raised by Nathan Cobb. 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.
SOLD!

Very nice and earlier round back style drake Mallard miniature by Miles Hancock (1888-1974), Chincoteague Island, VA. Has his earlier ink stamp and not dated. Measures approx 5 7/8 inches. Excellent all original paint, thats very dry and clean, with very nicely done brush work paint patterns and lots of scratch painting. A very sharp and clean little bird with original tack eyes. Miles Hancock was a classic decoy maker and started making his "little birds" after a heart attack in the 1960s and selling them to the steady increasing flow of tourist to Chincoteague Island. This one has a great look, and more good pics avail.
$250

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

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

"The OUTLAW GUNNER, 2nd Edition ", by the late Dr. Harry Walsh. Re-issued and signed by son Joe Walsh. First written in 1971. This edition is reprint of original and includes 2 chapters from Dr. Walsh's other book "MY RIVER". Condition is brand new and signed. Hard back with dust jacket, measures approx 7 1/2 X 10. I first read this book in late 70s when I started hunting waterfowl hard and found this book unforgettable and hard to put down. Goes thru in great detail about market gunning and outlaw gunning and the folks who lived by gunning the great bounty of the Chesapeake Bay. You will enjoy this book and it was very important in making everyone realize its not a unlimited resource. Has more than 150 of the most unusual and rarest wildfowling photos known, including the tools of that trade. A must read if you care about wildfowl and hunting history. Limited quanities.
$35

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

Scarce and very nice large drake Canvasback decoy by Miles Hancock (1888-1974), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1940-50s. Very good plus all original paint, thats very dry and clean, with very nicely done paint patterns with some lite hunting wear. Retains original line tie and weight. Measures nice size at approx 16 inches long and almost 7 1/2 wide and is solid cottonwood. Has his typical metal tack eyes. Canvasbacks are one of the harder to find species by Hancock to find as a gunning bird. Hancock was a neat guy with a great history, lots written on him is available in most all decoy books about historic Virginia carvers and are a interesting study, no apologies needed on his classic work. This is a excellent Canvasback example for any collection. It is sure to please any collector of Chincoteague or Virginia historic maker gunning decoys. More pics avail.
$1200

Very nice and scarce Black Duck decoy by Dave "Umbrella" Watson (1851-1938), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1900-1920. Ex-collection of Jim Doherty who was well known for his "top notch quality" collections. Retains his collection auction sticker. Very strong paint which is all original with excellent and strong feather painting. Surface is very clean, strong and dry finish, the paint work is classic Watson. Has some honest hunting wear but grades excellent. A rare addition to find Black Ducks decoys this early in original condition and paint are always a great find and important addition to any collection of southern decoys. Full size with perfect glass eyes, measures approx 16 1/2 inches long and classic Watson hollow carved body with tiny raised wing near drop down to tail. Retains original weight and staple/ring line tie. 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.
$6250

Very cool mini Canada Goose carving by Zach Jester, Chincoteague and Wallops Island, VA. Has Zach's ink stamp and carved "ZJ" on bottom. Excellent all original paint that is very slightly aged for a perfect look of a old antique classic. Great looking painting style with a nice surface. Body is solid carved and measures appox 6 3/4 inches long with high head and painted eyes with paddle tail carving. This is the first mini wildfowl piece offered on website and is different then his usual carvings. Zach is the great great grandson of Doug Jester and stays true to his work by using only hand tools in the original tradition makers. He doesnt compete for that reason that "decoys were never sculpted to be competition pieces in the beginning". His work is highly sought after by folks that have seen his work and a long backlog is proof of that. This beauty is sure to please and priced to sell. More pics available on this cool carving.
$350

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

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

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

Early and scarce Canada Goose decoy by Lloyd Tyler (1898-1970), Crisfield, MD. Circa 1920-50. Paint is all original and no repairs. Has honest some gunning wear but a excellent example for a collector. Has some natural rough areas in wood, mostly left rear side area and a few in body that were there when made but all are stable and secure. Has a very cool small carpenter bee hole in lower right side jaw and couple grain lines in head and neck but none go completely thru and probably there when made from old telephone pole. No repairs but old small touch up to left edge of paddle tail splintering. Good age on this classic hand chopped Tyler with a nice patina. Solid body measures approx 26 inches long with a straight alert head and cool big paddle tail. Original lead pad weight and screw eye line tie were removed. Lloyd 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 good old gunning example of Lloyd Tyler's fine work and sure to please any collector that appreciates the good folk art appeal of his work. This scarce classic gunner is sure to please, email for more pics if interested.
$1950

Super nice Yellow-shafted Flicker hunting decoy done in the Eastern Shore style by unknown maker, possibly Zack Ward, Crisfield, MD. Circa less then 50 years old. Never signed but looks much like the ones made by Zack Ward and is done in his classic style. Very nice piece that is life size. Paint is all original with good colors. Painted eyes and measures approx 11 inches long with super fat solid carved body. Paint in excellent shape with a nice dry surface. Has wooden bill and mounted on nice piece of old wood with belly nail so ready to hunt with. If you ever had one of these things working on the wood siding on your house you know why they shoot them, they can so some serious damage to your house or barn. Not 100% its by Zack but very much done in his style. Zack passed a few years ago and was a cousin to the Ward Brothers. He was a real character and always fun to talk with. Very good piece here, its sure to please and seldom seen species that was hunted in areas. More pics avail.
SOLD!

Superb hen Canvasback decoy by Charlie "Speed" Joiner (1921-2015), Chestertown, MD. Signed and dated 1991. Excellent all original paint, with very clean finish, the paint work is a killer and about mint, I dont think ever hunted over. Beautiful colors and blending of paint and feather painting. A species that has always been one of the collector favorites as it is the classic species for the upper Chesapeake Bay. Full size with painted eyes, measures approx 16 1/2 inches long. Full size with original weight and ring/staple line tie. 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. They say he could paint a pair of Canvasbacks in 14 minutes. Great example here and sure to please any collector looking for top quality Joiners for their collection. More pics avail.
SOLD!

Superb "Cobb-Hog Island" style fat Yellowlegs 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.
SOLD!

Scarce and very nice fat Brant decoy by Miles Hancock (1888-1974), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1940-50s. Excellent all original paint, thats very dry and clean, with very nicely done paint patterns and looks like it was very lightly hunted. Weight has been removed but retains original line tie. Measures nice size at approx 17 1/2 inches and is solid cottonwood. Has his typical metal tack eyes. Brant are one of the harder to find species by Hancock to find as a gunning bird. Hancock was a neat guy with a great history, lots written on him is available in most all decoy books about historic Virginia carvers and are a interesting study, no apologies needed on his classic work. This is a excellent example for any collection. It is sure to please any collector of Chincoteague or Virginia historic maker gunning decoys. More pics avail.
$1950

Nearly mint Pintail decoy pair by Paul Gibson (1902-1990s), Havre de Grace, MD. Never signed or dated. Circa 1950s -70s. Excellent all original paint and condition. Nice painting style with lots of nice feathering brush work. Measures approx 18 inches long and have never been hunted but are fully rigged. 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 puddle ducks. A good collector quality Pintail matched pair by one of the great old time Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. You will be very happy with this exceptional pair. More pics avail.
SOLD!

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

Scarce third size Mallard pair by Lem and Steve Ward. Signed species noted on hen. Paint is minty, original, strong, and bone dry. Only fault is hairline in bill where original was reset but never touched up anywhere. Measures approx 8 inches each with slightly turned heads on each. Painted eyes with inserted cedar tails, cedar head and hard balsa body. Super nice form done in the classic 1930-40s style. This is a really nice matched pair and good collector species. See pics above and more pics available of this great looking 60+ year old pair of Ward minis. Hard not to want to add these classic little beauties to your collection, great form, style and paint. Won't last long.
SALE PENDING!

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

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.
SOLD!

Excellent turned head Yellowlegs shorebird decoy by Steve Weaver, Cape Cod, Mass. Circa less then 25 years old. Ink signed but not dated on bottom of bird. Excellent all original paint in excellent condition. Stylish carved body measures approx 7 inches with raised wing tip split tail carving and 90 degree turned head. Has perfect glass eyes. Nice detailed bill carving. Steve makes a great looking decoy and his work is highly sought by collectors of old and contemporary birds. This is the first I have had one to offer. His work is very nice and always sells very strong at the decoy auctions. Nice one here for the value with great form and style, its sure to please. Comes with metal or wood stand. More pics avail.
$750

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

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

Beautiful Delaware River style Canada Goose decoy by "Dr Duck" Russ Allen, NJ and the Eastern Shore of VA. Hot branded "ra". Excellent all original paint and condition with very nicely done thinly carved hollow body and beautiful curved neck. Nice paint work and carving style on this beauty. Measures approx 22 1/2 inches long with full breast preen curved neck with tack eyes. A really nice Goose in a style Russ rarely does with a really nice surface and superb form. Russ is known as "Dr Duck" and one of the most well known people in the decoy hobby as he is best known for his professional repairs on top tier decoys for the major decoy houses and private collectors. He does a bit of his own carvings including to order when time allows which isnt often. This is a really nice Goose to add to any collection. More pics avail.
$1050

Scarce and very nice Coot decoy by Miles Hancock (1888-1974), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1940-50s. Good all original paint, thats very dry and clean, with very nicely done paint and has some honest gunning wear. Retains original line tie and weight. Measures approx 13 inches and is solid cottonwood. Has his typical metal tack eyes. Coot are one of the harder to find species by Hancock to find as a gunning bird. Hancock was a neat guy with a great history, lots written on him is available in most all decoy books about historic Virginia carvers and are a interesting study, no apologies needed on his classic work. This is a excellent example for any collection. It is sure to please any collector of Chincoteague or Virginia historic maker gunning decoys. More pics avail.
SALE PENDING!

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

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

Exceptional 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.
SALE PENDING!

Superb and early Mourning Dove decoy by William Gibian, Onancock, Eastern Shore of VA. Circa less then 40 years old. Carved early style "Gibian" signature on belly area. Excellent all original paint and condition with a nice soft patina finish. Measures approx 13 inches long and is solid carved body with glass eyes and approx 11 1/2 tall on base height. Has inserted bill that is pegged from top of head, much like the style done by George Boyd. Nice detailed carving on this beauty with raised detailed wing tips with very well done form and detail. Beautifully done hand carved wooden base. This is a neat style and shows the strong use of form and movement that Gibian incorporates in his fine work. Its tuff getting any Gibian carvings as his decoys are highly sought by collectors of both old and contemporary decoys. Very nice piece here and sure to please and way below auction prices. More pics available.
SOLD!

Excellent drake Canvasback decoy by Eldridge Tyler (1901-1995). Name and date of 1950 written on bottom of bird. Excellent all original paint in excellent condition, never rigged to gun with. Stylish carved body measures approx 12 1/4 inches with upturned paddle tail. Body made with 2 pieces of wood. Eldridge was a relative of Lloyd Tyler and made decoys mostly for the Crisfield tourist trade. He made decoys until his tragic death in a house fire on Thanksgiving Day 1995. His work widely collected for the true Folk Art style of his decoys. More info can be found in Henry Stansbury's excellent book "LLOYD J. TYLER, FOLK ARTIST". Nice one here for the value with great form and style, its sure to please. More pics avail.
$275

Awesome Canada Goose decoy by Darkfeather Freedman, Michigan. Circa less then 35 years old, and ink signed. Strong, dry and clean all original paint with a great clean surface. Nice size bird at approx 23 1/2 inches long with hollow carved body. Has never been rigged, excellent plus condition. Glass eyes with a really nice slightly turned head and raised wing and tail carving. Outstanding job by Darkfeather on this beautiful Goose and only one I have seen by him personally. Darkfeather is part native American from the Blackfoot Tribe. He makes a excellent decoy including copying some of the classics. His work is a very smart buy for the good quality that he puts into his work. Outstanding decoy and great value here. Extra pics avail.
$750

Very cool mechanical Hoot Owl decoy by "Dr Duck" Russ Allen, NJ and the Eastern Shore of VA. Hot branded "ra" signature. Excellent all original aged paint and condition with leather ears and wing hinges with hole to mount on stand that will be included. Nice paint work and carving style on this one. Measures approx 14 inches tall off stand with deer antler beak and large glass Owl eyes. Russ makes these out of old headless decoy bodies and this one flaps its wings when string pulled. Russ is known as "Dr Duck" and one of the most well known people in the decoy hobby as he is best known for his professional repairs on top tier decoys for the major decoy houses and private collectors. He does a bit of his own carvings including to order when time allows which isnt often. This is a really nice style and a fun piece to add to any collection. Hot branded "ra" signature on bottom. Metal stand included. More pics avail. of this nice Hooter by Russ.
$750

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

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

Early and very scarce never rigged drake Redhead decoy by Doug Jester (1876-1961), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1925-40. Strong, bone dry and clean all original paint and condition. Nice size bird at approx 15 inches and is harder to find cedar body. Typical tube painted eyes and classic Jester form. Never rigged to hunt but has some small flaking which is typical for cedar grain edges. Extra pics avail. Nicely done head and nice classic Jester form. A classic and very clean Jester for any Southern or Chincoteague decoy collection. Doug Jester decoys are true Eastern Shore of Virginia classics and are highly sought by collectors. Very nice one here, getting hard to find this nice, especially a Redhead this clean. More pics avail
$2250

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

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

Unusual "Banjo Tail" Black Duck decoy 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. I bought this decoy privately from a family on Chincoteague Island. When I first bought the bill looked a bit shorter to me so I thought repaired but I put under a medical black light and no repair or touch up shows. What that means is if repaired it is old repair that has oxidized with age, you decide. Measures approx 16 1/2 inches. This is bit different but desirable Hudson style, with a great head style with nicely carved bill, football style body, and classic "banjo" flutted tail carving, solid cedar body and original tack eyes. I have only seen 1 other Black Duck with a "Banjo tail" it is more common on other species but not Black Duck decoys. Weight and staple/ring line tie still there. Nicely done classic Hudson paint style and hard to find on a bird of this vintage especially for the price. This is a nice Hudson Black Duck, great classic form, style and paint.
$3250

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

Super nice and scarce Doug Jester (1876-1961) miniature Canada Goose decoy, Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1940s-50s. Nice classic body style, measuring approx 6 1/2 inches long with a classic shelf carving and the one of best forms I have ever seen on one of his mini geese, the mini neck shelf had to be some work to do. Paint is all original and nicely done swirls on sides. Has lifted grain area on top of left side of head, looks like old tiny imperfection or chip but is intact and doesnt distract. Doug Jester was well known for his classic Chincoteague style hunting decoys, and his Hooded Mergansers are the most sought after of his work, but his minis are very hard to find, especially this nice and a Canada Goose. More pics avail of this beauty.
SOLD!

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

Scarce hand chopped "Cecil County style" Goldeneye pair by J. Evans McKinney (1913-2000), Elkton, MD. Signed and dated 1989 in electro-pen on bottom of each. Minty all original paint that's very strong, dry and clean. Has classic "Cecil County Style" painting. Drake has very tiny nail lift on head but is secure and stable. Measure approx 13 inches long each. Retains original weight and staple/ring line tie on each. Condition is mint and never hunted. Evans authored "Decoys of the Susquehanna Flats and their Makers" and a permanent display of his decoys are at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. He was a very nice man and very generous with his knowledge. A nice classic pair by one of the Upper Chesapeake Bay classic historic makers. Priced to sell as its a very good buy on this harder to find classic maker. More pics avail.
$475 pr

Incredible and scarce wooden revolver carved by Eddie Dean from Hoopers Island, MD. Has metal name plate and is dated 2024. Less then 5 of these have been made. Excellent and super strong all original paint and condition. Paint is very clean, dry and strong, with a excellent patina and surface. Surface made to look like a light rusting. Even has bullet tips in cylinder. The pistol measures approx 13 1/2 inches long on a 19x11 weathered board. Truely a exceptional piece by one of Dorchester Counties finest carvers. Excellent and outstanding condition and with great detail for any collection of folk art or antique guns. More pics available. Use on your next stagecoach robbery. A very good buy here and truely a very scarce offering.
$850

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!

Minty Mallard decoy pair by Paul Gibson (1902-1990s), Havre de Grace, MD. Never signed or dated. Circa 1950s -70s. Excellent all original paint and condition. Nice painting style with lots of nice feathering brush work. Measures approx 16 inches long and have never been hunted but are fully rigged. 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 puddle ducks. A good collector quality Mallard matched pair by one of the great old time Upper Chesapeake Bay makers. You will be very happy with this exceptional pair. More pics avail.
$475 pr

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

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.
SOLD!

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

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

Scarce model standing Crow decoy with corn cobb by Grayson Chesser, Jenkins Bridge, VA. Not dated but less then 10years old. Has Grayson's "C" carved into bottom of the crow. Excellent all original paint and condition. Solid carved body measures approx 18 inches long and approx 15 inches tall on carved 10 1/2 X 8 inch base with 7 1/2 inches length on carved corn cobb. Condition is excellent. Has glass eyes and nice raised wing carving with detail to tips and face. Grayson was the "Carver of the Year" at the 2004 Harve de Grace Decoy Show, and just did an exhibit at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. Grayson makes a great bird and getting very hard to get. Getting very hard to buy especially at auctions. This is a very nice artistic gunning Crow showing Grayson's fine decoy making talent and will please even the most demanding of collectors. Getting hard to get any Chesser birds for resale, especially something scarce like this. More pics avail.
$1250

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

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

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

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!

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

Early and very scarce never rigged drake Bluebill decoy by Doug Jester (1876-1961), Chincoteague Island, VA. Circa 1925-40s. Ex-Charlie Hunter collection and retains his brass collection tag. Strong, bone dry and clean all original paint and condition. Nice size bird at approx 14 3/4 inches with earliest no neck shelf carving. A stylish decoy and Doug Jester classic. Typical tube painted eyes. Nicely done head and nice classic earlier Jester form. A classic and very clean Jester for any Southern or Chincoteague decoy collection. Doug Jester decoys are true Eastern Shore of Virginia classics and are highly sought by collectors. Very nice one here, getting hard to find this nice, especially a Bluebill. Not a species that Jester made a lot of and from a famous Southern collection. More pics avail
$1900

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

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

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.
SALE PENDING!

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

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

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

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

Super nice "AUTOMATIC CANVAS DECOY DUCKS" drake Mallard by the J.W. Reynolds Decoy Factory (1904-1950). Circa 1910-30s. Still retains original factory ink stamp on bottom and probably never used. Excellent 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

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

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

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.
SOLD!

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

Nice "Ward style" drake Pintail decoy by Charles Spiron, Goldsboro, NC. Circa less then 50 years old. Branded "Currituck Decoy Co" and a ink signature. Has all original aged paint and condition with a nice soft surface. Solid carved body measures approx 17 inches long with turned head carving. Charles has been carving for nearly four decades and has worked with many of Americas finest Museums including Colonial Williamsburg, Winterthur, and the Smithsonian, and has provided these classic forms to collectors all across the country. Using time honored methods of decoy construction and painting, he has created thousands of carvings now in private and public collections. Many of his carvings were sold with the brand, Currituck Decoy Company, started in Currituck, North Carolina in 1977. He continues to carve original work on a limited basis. Nice earlier example here by Charles. More pics avail.
$450

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

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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.
SALE PENDING!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOLD OUT, MORE ON ORDER AS SHOWS CANCELLED AND HARDER TO GET

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

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

~~~WANTED TO BUY~~~

~~~WANTED TO BUY~~~
MINIATURE SHOREBIRD CARVINGS by ELMER CROWELL for my COLLECTION
ALL SPECIES CONSIDERED, SEND DESCRIPTION or PICS and PRICE