How were wooden decoys used?

These carved birds were placed on water or in fields to attract wildfowl within range of hunters. Over time, working exposure to weather created the distinctive weathered surfaces collectors value today.

How do I date an old decoy?

Dating relies on the style of the carving, the type of timber, and the composition of the paint layers. Early twentieth-century and nineteenth-century pieces often show specific tool marks and wear patterns typical of their period.

Are these decoys still waterproof?

Most pieces have lost their functional utility and are now preserved as decorative sculptures. Displaying them indoors protects the historic paint and timber from further moisture damage.

What birds are represented here?

The selection includes ducks, pigeons, geese, loons, and godwits. Each form reflects the specific quarry pursued by rural sportsmen in earlier decades.