Duck decoys have become popular collector’s items over the last few decades, with rare antique decoys fetching high prices at auction. Certain brands, carvers, styles, and materials make some decoys far more valuable than others. Finding and identifying the most valuable decoys requires research into duck decoy history and current collector trends.
What Makes Duck Decoys Valuable?
Several key factors determine the value of vintage and antique duck decoys:
- Age – Older decoys from the late 19th or early 20th centuries command higher prices.
- Rarity – Decoys made in small numbers or by lesser-known carvers can be worth more.
- Condition – Decoys in fine, original condition bring higher auction prices.
- Brand Name – Famous brands like Mason, Dodge, Peterson, Evans, and others are highly valued.
- Carver – Decoys by renowned folk artists can sell for thousands of dollars.
- Species – Certain species like canvasback, redhead, or brant can be more desirable.
- Style – Unique styles and regional carving methods attract collector interest.
- Provenance – Decoys belonging to famous hunters or collections command premium prices.
- Historical Associations – Decoys connected to important events or legends can increase value.
With so many factors influencing price, it’s impossible to definitively rank the most valuable decoys. However, certain brands and carvers stand out repeatedly in high-priced auctions and collections.
Most Valuable Vintage Duck Decoy Brands
Mason Decoys
The Mason decoy company operated in Detroit, Michigan from 1896 into the 1920s. Mason is credited with making some of the earliest mass-produced wooden hunting decoys in America. Their classic duck and shorebird carvings are highly prized by collectors today. Important Mason decoy facts:
- Founded by Henry Mason, a late 19th century Detroit wood carver.
- Early decoys made entirely by hand, later transitioned to a combination of hand carving and machining.
- Mason’s top carvers were Charles Perdew and Frank Strey.
- The company made decoys for duck, swan, snipe, plover, yellowlegs and more.
- Mason decoys featured a rectangular stamp brand to identify them.
- Original Mason decoys in fine condition can sell for over $100,000 at auction.
Dodge Decoys
The Dodge family of Detroit, Michigan created some of the most famous and valuable decoys of the early 20th century. The Dodge brand operated from the late 1880s into the 1930s. Their lively, finely painted decoys are among the most sought after by collectors. Notable Dodge decoy facts:
- John J., Zeke, and Frank Dodge were the principal family carvers.
- The Dodges had a craft decoy shop but largely worked in their home.
- Species included mallard, black duck, widgeon, pintail, teal and others.
- Dodge decoys featured a hot-branded anchor stamp.
- High-end Dodge mallards and black ducks can reach $300,000+ at auction.
- A prized Dodge decorative swan sold for a record $830,000 in 2007.
Peterson Decoys
The Peterson Decoy Factory of Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin carved outstanding decoys from the 1910s into the 1950s. Their hand-crafted birds were prized for hunting but now draw top dollar as vintage folk art. Peterson decoy details:
- Founded by Andy Peterson, a Danish immigrant carver.
- Peterson hired expert decoy carvers to work in his factory.
- Classic Peterson species were mallard, black duck, canvasback, redhead, teal.
- Decoys featured a stamped “PETERSON DECOY” brand.
- Top-quality Peterson mallards can reach $50,000+ at auction.
- Peterson decoys featured detailed paint and lifelike carving.
Evans Decoys
Bob Evans of Salisbury, Maryland was one of the most renowned makers of working brant decoys for hunters. His classics from 1920-1946 are now highly collectible. Fun facts about Evans brant decoys:
- Evans was a market hunter who created brant decoys for his own rig.
- His decoys were built rugged to withstand daily use in tidal waters.
- Evans brant featured simple, stylized carving and basic paint schemes.
- Most were branded or stamped with “R. Evans – Salisbury” on the bottom.
- Mint condition Evans brant can auction for $20,000 or more.
- Less than 1,000 surviving vintage Evans decoys exist today.
Most Valuable Antique Duck Decoy Carvers
While vintage brand name decoys are valuable, some individual carvers stand out based on their exceptional talents and the quality of their decoys. These master folk artists created duck decoys that can be worth a small fortune today.
A. Elmer Crowell
Known as the “Dean of American Decoy Makers,” A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) of Cape Cod pioneered impeccably detailed, lifelike decoys. Crowell facts:
- Began carving working birds as a young boy in the 1870s.
- Opened a shop in East Harwich, Massachusetts in the early 1900s.
- Perfected decoy body and head shapes to mimic live ducks in motion.
- Innovated new regional styles copied by other makers.
- Best Crowells can reach $200,000 to $300,000+.
- Crowell elevated decoy making to a fine art form.
Willie Ward
Virginia decoy carver William “Willie” Ward (1895-1985) became one of the most famous folk artists of his era. Top facts about Willie Ward:
- Carved decoys as a young waterman on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
- Developed a style of elongated, smoothly rounded decoys.
- By the 1950s, Ward switched to decorative carving full-time.
- Championed by folk art collectors and museums.
- Exhibited at the Corcoran Gallery and Smithsonian museums.
- Ward decoys can sell for over $100,000 depending on species and condition.
George Boyd
Renowned as the “Last of the Great Decoy Makers,” Seabrook, Texas carver George Boyd (1912-1995) mastered Gulf Coast style decoys. Boyd decoy facts:
- Began carving to make hunting rigs in the 1930s.
- Boyd’s home:ection spanned over 60 years.
- Classic Boyd decoys featured rounded breast and tail carving.
- Bright, stylized paint in sprigs, stipes and dots.
- Best Boyds sell for $50,000 to $100,000.
- Boyd inspired generations of Texas decoy makers.
Lem and Steve Ward
The Ward brothers of Crisfield, Maryland pioneered the classic “Chesapeake Style” of decoy carving. Their influence endures today. Lem and Steve Ward quick facts:
- Began carving decoys in the early 20th century.
- Developed a regional style of flat-bottomed decoys.
- Used broad carving and bold paint patterns mimicking live birds.
- Inspired and trained dozens of apprentices.
- Mint Ward decoys can reach $75,000 or more at auction.
- Wards helped establish decoy collecting as a hobby.
While not a comprehensive list, these makers consistently produced superlative decoys that represent the pinnacle of vintage duck decoy art and value. The quality, rarity, and demand for their work keeps prices high at auction.
Most Valuable Species of Antique Duck Decoys
Certain species of vintage duck decoys consistently reach superior prices due to scarcity, aesthetics, or historical use patterns. These are among the most valuable antique decoy species for collectors to pursue:
Canvasback
– Scarce along the East Coast in the vintage era, making desirable decoys.
– Dramatic coloring and elegance draws collectors.
– Tough, durable birds brought top prices from hunters.
– Top canvasbacks by famous carvers can break $100,000.
Redhead
– Stunning plumage and colors increase appeal.
– Comparatively few made, increasing rarity.
– Iconic diving duck of rich American marshes.
– Perfect redheads in mint condition fetch premium auction prices.
Brant
– Specialized coastal hunters created rare brant decoys.
– Magnificent black and white winter plumage.
– Used in historically important hunts along major flyways.
– Collectors compete for rare, outstanding brant examples.
Widgeon
– Delicate lines and warm colors attract collectors.
– Many regions had limited widgeon decoy production.
– Found in prime wintering areas like the Chesapeake Bay.
– Good widgeons can easily reach $10,000 to $20,000.
Teal
– Smaller teal decoys allowed detailed artistry.
– Bright blue wing markings on males add beauty.
– Declining teal populations increased vintage demand.
– Perfectly carved and painted teal decoys are rare.
While not as pricey as elite mallards or blacks, these species offer collectors and investors special value due to beauty, scarcity, and historical associations. The rarest, most exceptional examples by top carvers bring strong auction bids from discerning buyers.
Most Expensive Antique Duck Decoys Sold at Auction
A handful of extremely rare, highly coveted decoys have smashed price records in recent years. These are some of the most expensive antique duck decoys ever sold publicly:
Dodge Drake Mallard (2007) – $896,000
This near-perfect hollow Drake mallard by Frank Dodge sold for a record sum exceeding $800,000. Its pristine original paint and condition drove intense bidding between collectors.
Mason Drake Goldeneye (2019) – $330,000
A mint, carved Mason goldeneye drake fetched over $330,000 at Guyette & Deeter Auctions. It featured ideal original paint and provenance from the famous Corrigan collection.
Ward Brothers Canvasback Pair (2005) – $684,000
This matched rig mate pair of canvasbacks by the Ward brothers drew enormous interest, selling for over $684,000 at auction. It demonstrated peak form early Ward craftsmanship.
Mason Hollow Black Duck (2008) – $290,400
An extremely rare hollow black duck decoy stamped by the Mason factory sold for nearly $300,000. Its hollow carved body was uniquely vulnerable and delicate.
Evans Decorative Black Duck (2008) – $299,000
Bob Evans rarely made decorative birds, making this pristine black duck unique. Its flawless original condition justified the $299,000 auction price paid by a private collector.
While not common, a small number of superb, highly important decoys have commanded auction prices from $250,000 to over $800,000 when competing collectors move to acquire the very best. Provenance, condition, and rarity combine to drive record bids.
Tips for Collecting Valuable Antique Duck Decoys
For hobbyists hoping to collect or invest in valuable vintage duck decoys, important tips include:
Learn the top species, makers, and styles – Knowing which are most desirable allows recognizing hidden gems.
Study price trends – Understanding which makers and styles are rising or falling in value can inform purchases.
Attend auctions – Viewing decoys in person allows assessing quality and condition accurately.
Consult experts – Leading appraisers and collectors provide guidance on makers, values and market conditions.
Focus on condition – Decoys with original paint and no repairs or damage bring strongest prices.
Verify authenticity – Confirm brands, stamps, or signatures to avoid costly fakes.
Be selective – Many common decoys exist, so target truly special pieces as investments.
Understand regulations – Migratory bird laws can restrict interstate transport and sales.
Join collector groups – Connecting with other hobbyists expands knowledge and opportunities.
With patience and research, collectors can target special vintage duck decoys that represent both beautiful folk art and wise investments for the years ahead. Treasure hunting for that rare, amazing attic find remains one of the great thrills of decoy collecting.
Conclusion
Antique duck decoys by premier American carvers and brands can be valued at up to a quarter million dollars or more based on age, condition, species, and inherent artistry. While common decoys abound, those special few that combine fine original paint, outstanding carving skills, and important provenance stand atop the pricing hierarchy. Whether appreciating the handcrafted artistry of functional hunting tools or making strategic acquisitions, understanding the top duck decoy makers, styles and influences allows collectors to discern and invest in truly significant vintage pieces. With proper care and preservation, outstanding antique decoys will continue to draw interest and increase in worth as new generations of enthusiasts enter the market. For lovers of decoy history and traditional Americana, choosing wisely and collecting the best becomes a passion that only grows richer through the years.