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Decoys

From ducks and geese to trout and frogs, vintage decoys have become valuable relics of early American fishing and hunting. Decoys were used not only in the commercial supply of fish and game to restaurants, but also for the personal need of feeding one's family.

The earliest decoys were made by Native Americans over a thousand years ago, with grasses, plants, and bones used as building materials. As settlers came to North America in the 19th century and began to fish and hunt, they generated a great demand for decoys, sparking a new industry of wood carvers and crafters that would cater to them. Of all bird decoys created, duck decoys were the most commonly made, however it wasn’t unusual to produce other species, such as geese, turkeys, swans, grouse, partridge, and pigeons. Winter spearfishing in the northern climates also created a demand for fish decoys, and these were used widely until many jurisdictions banned spearfishing in the 20th century.

Values of decoys today depend largely on several factors: rarity, condition, and form. For example, an unused, handmade decoy from a famed carver will often be worth more than a used, factory-made decoy. Of course, competitive bidding can always change that.


Quick Facts

  • A number of companies produced wooden duck decoys in the late 19th and 20th centuries including Dodge, Reynolds, Peterson, and Mason
  • A rare swan decoy made by Charles Birch sold for $186,500 in a 2011 Guyette & Schmidt, Inc. auction. This was an auction record for the carver’s pieces
  • Until the Migratory Bird Act was passed in 1918, shorebirds were commonly hunted for food and sport. Plovers, snowy egrets, yellowlegs, and flatties are a few of the shorebird types made into decoys

Recommended Items at Auction

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TWO CHESAPEAKE BAY AREA FRESHWATER COOT DECOYS 20th Century Lengths 13".
May 21, 9:30 AM EDT
TWO CHESAPEAKE BAY AREA FRESHWATER COOT DECOYS 20th Century Lengths 13".
by Eldred's
Est: $200- $300
$3256 Bids
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TWO FISH DECOYS Early 20th Century Lengths 7.5".
May 21, 9:30 AM EDT
TWO FISH DECOYS Early 20th Century Lengths 7.5".
by Eldred's
Est: $150- $250
$803 Bids
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Vintage Goose Decoy 8.5”H x 18”L
May 29, 6:00 PM EDT
Vintage Goose Decoy 8.5”H x 18”L
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$62 Bids
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FIVE DECOYS 20th Century Lengths from 13" to 16".
May 21, 9:30 AM EDT
FIVE DECOYS 20th Century Lengths from 13" to 16".
by Eldred's
Est: $300- $500
$1501 Bid
[FOLK ART] Gar Fishing Decoy. (American, 20th Century). Woo...
Jun 05, 10:00 AM CDT
[FOLK ART] Gar Fishing Decoy. (American, 20th Century). Woo...
by Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Est: $150- $250
$701 Bid
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Antique 1940s Folk Art Rainbow Trout spear decoy
May 24, 3:00 PM EDT
Antique 1940s Folk Art Rainbow Trout spear decoy
by Heritage Antiques & Auction
Est: $75- $150
$351 Bid
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Antique 1940s Folk Art Muskie Spear Fishing Decoy
May 24, 3:00 PM EDT
Antique 1940s Folk Art Muskie Spear Fishing Decoy
by Heritage Antiques & Auction
Est: $75- $150
$351 Bid
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A Vintage Wood Goose Decoy
May 25, 10:00 AM CDT
A Vintage Wood Goose Decoy
by Rivich Auction
Est: $200- $400
$1000 Bids
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NEW JERSEY BRANT DECOY 20th Century Length 15".
May 21, 9:30 AM EDT
NEW JERSEY BRANT DECOY 20th Century Length 15".
by Eldred's
Est: $150- $250
$700 Bids
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FOUR DECOYS 20th Century Lengths from 11" to 22".
May 21, 9:30 AM EDT
FOUR DECOYS 20th Century Lengths from 11" to 22".
by Eldred's
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
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HAROLD GIBBS MINIATURE SNOW GOOSE Barrington, Rhode Island, 1886-1970 Height 4".
May 21, 9:30 AM EDT
HAROLD GIBBS MINIATURE SNOW GOOSE Barrington, Rhode Island, 1886-1970 Height 4".
by Eldred's
Est: $400- $700
$2000 Bids
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PIKE FISH DECOY Late 20th Century Length 14.75".
May 21, 9:30 AM EDT
PIKE FISH DECOY Late 20th Century Length 14.75".
by Eldred's
Est: $150- $250
$700 Bids
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CAST IRON DECOY 20th Century Length 14".
May 21, 9:30 AM EDT
CAST IRON DECOY 20th Century Length 14".
by Eldred's
Est: $150- $250
$700 Bids
Paper mache goose decoy
May 24, 9:00 AM EDT
Paper mache goose decoy
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids
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An Antique Folk Art Painted Swan Decoy on Stand
May 25, 10:00 AM CDT
An Antique Folk Art Painted Swan Decoy on Stand
by Rivich Auction
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
A group of six rubber decoy pigeons (6).
May 23, 10:00 AM BST
A group of six rubber decoy pigeons (6).
by Adam Partridge Auctioneers
Est: £20- £40
£150 Bids
EARLY PAINTED TIN DECOY ON MOUNT
Jun 02, 6:00 PM EDT
EARLY PAINTED TIN DECOY ON MOUNT
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids
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Antique Folk Art Lizard Spear Ice Fishing decoy
May 24, 3:00 PM EDT
Antique Folk Art Lizard Spear Ice Fishing decoy
by Heritage Antiques & Auction
Est: $50- $100
$250 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Decoys


Eldred's

Eldred's

Heritage Antiques & Auction

Heritage Antiques & Auction

Atlee Raber Auctioneer

Atlee Raber Auctioneer

Rivich Auction

Rivich Auction