Sold 5 May 2026 · William James Antiques

This “Early 20th Century Decoy Duck” found a buyer.

It was listed by William James Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Decoy Duck Carved Duck Decoy Carved Wooden Bird Ask the dealer for something similar

Description

A charming early 20th century decoy duck with the original hand painted finish. In superb condition throughout and a super quality example, note the dramatic eyelashes! English, Circa 1910.

Dimensions: 14 cm - 5 1/2 Inches, Width: 28 cm - 11 Inches, Depth: 12 cm - 4 3/4 Inches.

Price inclusive of parcel courier within England & Wales

Date of Manufacture

William James Antiques has dated this Antique Wooden Duck Decoy to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions

Height

14cm (5.51")

Width

28cm (11.02")

Depth

12cm (4.72")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1021258

Description

A charming early 20th century decoy duck with the original hand painted finish.

“

In superb condition throughout and a super quality example, note the dramatic eyelashes! English, Circa 1910.

William James Antiques

Dimensions: 14 cm - 5 1/2 Inches, Width: 28 cm - 11 Inches, Depth: 12 cm - 4 3/4 Inches.

Price inclusive of parcel courier within England & Wales

Date of Manufacture

William James Antiques has dated this Antique Wooden Duck Decoy to the 1910s.

Physical Dimensions

Height

14cm (5.51")

Width

28cm (11.02")

Depth

12cm (4.72")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1021258

About the Dealer

William James Antiques

Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2010

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the William James Antiques Profile Page

Trade Associations

William James Antiques is a registered member of LAPADA

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An early twentieth-century carved wooden duck decoy with worn green and brown painted surfaces sits on a patterned wooden table.

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Archive I

Early 20th Century Decoy Duck

Archive II

An early twentieth-century carved wooden duck decoy with worn green and brown painted surfaces sits on a patterned wooden table. View II

Archive III

An early twentieth-century carved wooden duck decoy with worn green and brown painted surfaces sits on a patterned wooden table. View III

Archive IV

An early twentieth-century carved wooden duck decoy with worn green and brown painted surfaces sits on a patterned wooden table. View IV

William James Antiques

Telephone 01603 736947

Location

Coltishall
Norfolk
United Kingdom

By appointment only.

Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/wja

Verified Since Apr 2010

Items For Sale 73

Items Sold 2,190

Email William James Antiques

Early 20th Century Decoy Duck

Ref: SA1021258

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Cataloguer’s Note

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing

ObjectDecorative Sculptures
Period1900 - 1920
StyleFolk Art
MaterialWood, Paint
ColourGreen and Brown
MotifsHand-carved body, Hand-painted plumage, Aged patina, Stylised bill
SizeH 14 cm (6 in) x W 28 cm (11 in) x D 12 cm (5 in)

FAQs

Wooden duck decoys were historically crafted by hunters and folk artisans to lure waterfowl within range. Over time, these functional hunting tools transitioned into collected pieces of folk art, valued for their regional carving styles and authentic field use.

Traditional decoys were typically hand-carved from native timbers such as white pine, cedar, or balsa. Artisans often shaped the bodies with drawknives and hand-painted the surfaces with oil-based pigments to mimic natural plumage.

Authentic pieces exhibit genuine wear, such as flaking paint layers, wood grain oxidation, and tool marks consistent with hand-tool fabrication. Weight, ballast placement, and maker marks or lead weights on the underside also provide key indicators of age.

These sculptures integrate well into rustic, traditional, or transitional spaces. Placing a wooden decoy on a bookshelf, mantelpiece, or console table introduces organic texture, heritage character, and a touch of vernacular craftsmanship to a room.

To preserve the original paint and patina, keep wooden decoys out of direct sunlight and away from extreme fluctuations in temperature or humidity. Dust gently with a dry, soft cloth and avoid chemical cleaners or abrasive treatments.