Decoys that are decades or even centuries old can potentially be quite valuable to collectors, depending on the type, condition, rarity and provenance of the decoy. Here are some quick answers about the value of old decoys:
What are decoys and why were they used?
Decoys are carved, wooden duck and other waterfowl used by hunters to attract live birds close enough to be shot. Decoys were an indispensable tool for market hunters in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who would deploy large rafts of them to lure flocks of ducks and geese within shooting range.
How old can surviving vintage decoys be?
It’s not uncommon for decoys made in the mid to late 1800s or early 1900s to still be around today. Some extremely old decoys date back to the 1700s or earlier. The oldest existing decoys were hand carved from wood, often by market hunters or sporting men themselves rather than professional carvers.
What types of vintage decoys are most valuable?
The most valuable vintage decoys tend to have some combination of:
- Age – 100+ years old
- Rarity – limited numbers made by region, carver
- Excellent condition – retaining original paint & materials
- Wildfowl species – certain ducks and geese more desirable
- Provenance – history of ownership known
- Carver reputation – made by famous decoy artisans
Rustic, early working decoys typically have higher values than later mass-produced decoys. Certain species like canvasback ducks, black ducks, and Canada geese often command premium prices. Named decoys and those by renowned carvers are also sought after.
How are decoys evaluated and valued?
There are several factors experts use to evaluate and value old decoys:
- Age – Dates to the early 1900s or before typically increase value. Look for maker’s marks.
- Condition – Original paint surface, intact materials, no repairs or touch ups.
- Form – Life-like carving and anatomy. Vintage production techniques.
- Provenance – Documented history and ownership records.
- Rarity – Limited numbers, unusual style or features.
- Species – Certain birds like canvasbacks are more prized.
- Maker – Decoys by renowned carvers fetch higher prices.
Unique examples in fine condition by early makers can sometimes sell for thousands. Most old working decoys have values in the hundreds up to low thousands.
Where can someone find appraisals or valuations?
There are several options for having old decoys appraised:
- Consult a professional certified appraiser specializing in decoys
- Get appraisals at major decoy auction houses like Guyette & Deeter
- Ask dealers at specialty decoy shows and exhibitions
- Pay subscription services like DecoyInfo.com to research values
- Check realized prices of similar decoys sold at past auctions
Values can vary widely based on exact condition, rarity and demand. Better to get several opinions from reputable sources before assuming a decoy’s worth.
Where and how can someone sell valuable antique decoys?
Top options for selling old, collectible decoys include:
- Decoy auction houses – Both live and online auctions like Guyette & Deeter or Pook & Pook.
- Classified listings – Specialty print publications like Decoy Magazine.
- Online marketplaces – eBay, Etsy and similar sites.
- Decoy dealers – Contact dealers to see if they are interested in purchasing.
- Collector forums – Connect with forums and groups of vintage decoy collectors.
- Exhibitions and shows – Display at decoy shows to market to serious collectors.
Expert help with identification, valuation, marketing and sales logistics is advised. Condition reports and cataloging by specialists adds credibility. For high dollar decoys, reputable auction houses often yield the best results.
What are some typical pricing ranges for old decoys?
General pricing ranges for old decoys based on age, condition and rarity:
| Decoy Age and Type | Typical Price Range* |
|---|---|
| Early 1800s working decoys | $3,000 – $20,000+ |
| Mid to late 1800s working decoys | $1,000 – $10,000 |
| Early 20th century working decoys | $200 – $3,000 |
| 1920s-50s commercial decorative decoys | $50 – $500 |
*Higher prices possible for rare examples in exceptional condition by famous carvers. Lower prices for examples with condition issues or damage.
What are some factors that decrease old decoy value?
Common issues that can negatively impact old decoy value include:
- Repairs, touch ups, and repainting – Collectors want original surface.
- Missing or replaced parts – Original heads, beaks, anchors preferred.
- Cracks, checks or structural issues – Integrity affects durability.
- Wear and paint loss – Even minor age impacts appeal.
- Modifications from original form – Should be in production state.
- Disease, rot, and insect damage – Weakens longevity.
- Lack of provenance – Unknown history and makers.
Professional restoration can sometimes recover value, but collectors generally prefer decoys to be as original as possible, even with slight damage or losses.
Conclusion
For serious decoy collectors, the most desirable vintage working decoys are those in fine original condition dating from the mid to late 1800s and earlier that were used by market hunters along key waterfowling areas. Rare, early examples by noted folk artists can reach valuations of thousands. Even more modest, unmarked working birds from the early 1900s can still be worth several hundred dollars depending on species, condition, and provenance. With vintage decoys, as with most antiques, exceptional examples by sought-after makers or from certain regions command premium prices.
