What is an antique duck decoy?

An antique duck decoy is a carved wooden bird once utilised by hunters on the water to attract wildfowl. Today they are collected and displayed as decorative sculptures. They represent a direct link to rural traditions, combining primitive carving with expressive hand painting.

How do I date an antique decoy?

Dating relies upon the materials, tool marks and paint style visible on the piece. Evidence from our listings spans the nineteenth century through the nineteen thirties. Edwardian examples and pieces from the nineteen twenties or thirties often show distinct shifts in timber selection and finishing techniques.

Where were these decoys made?

The pieces originate predominantly from England and France, reflecting domestic shooting traditions across those regions. English country folk art is particularly well represented. Local workshops and individual makers produced these objects for practical use on local rivers and marshes.

How should I display a decoy?

Decoys sit comfortably on bookshelves, sideboards or mantels as sculptural decorative objects. Their rustic forms complement both traditional and modern interiors. Keep them away from direct heat sources to protect the wooden bodies and original painted surfaces.