HINGHAM, Mass. — Duck decoys, carved masterpieces designed to lure actual ducks to their ultimate fate, are the stars at Copley Fine Art Auctions in an exclusive Timed+ event beginning Sunday, October 1 at 8 am Eastern time and starts drawing to a close Thursday, October 12 at noon Eastern time at LiveAuctioneers.
Duck decoys date to prehistory, but are best known as an American hunting tool that has been elevated to an art form. Typically hand-carved from wood native to the eastern region of the United States, decoys are now collected and treasured by hunters and fans of Americana alike.
Known as the “Wildfowl Counterfeiters in Wood” — a term they used themselves — the Ward Brothers of Crisfield, Maryland, are considered among the most accomplished decoy makers in modern history. Lemuel (1897-1984) and Steven (1895-1976) divided up the duties, with Steven handling the carving and Lem the painting and detailing. While earning only pocket change in the beginning, today their decoys can bring hundreds of thousands of dollars at auction.
Copley has a long tradition of earning top dollar for Ward Brothers decoys and this sale is on track to do the same, with 12 of their decoys included in the lineup and one as the highest-estimated lot. With its realistic proportions and excellent decoration, this 1934-model Canada goose decoy is estimated at $4,500-$6,500.
A broadbill drake decoy by Ira D. Hudson (1873-1949) looks as-new and Copley suggests it has never been used during a hunt. Measuring 13in long and from the circa-1935 period, it is estimated at $2,500-$3,500.
A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) was an artisan working out of East Harwich, Massachusetts, and his decoys are highly desired today. A circa-1940 mallard drake in three-quarters size is beautifully decorated and bears the Crowell rectangular stamp. It has an estimate of $1,000-$1,500.
Despite the popularity of mass-produced decoys for today’s hunters, a legion of contemporary carvers are carrying on the tradition. A multiple-time winner at the U. S. National Decoy Show, Robert “Bob” White (b. 1939-) has nine items in the sale, topped by a wigeon hen decoy from early in his career. It is estimated at $2,000-$3,000.
