How to Start a Decoy Collection

A recent price for an A. Elmer Crowell standing goose went for over $600,000 at auction. Fortunately, decoys begin at around $20. The variety of decoys on the market place range in the hundreds of thousands, and most have been carved within the last 175 years.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Budget
• Decoy venues
• Decoys
• Display area
• Reading material

1. Build a knowledge base about decoys. Like any collection, education remains the goal to understanding value, market, maker and history of decoy making.
2. Think what type of collection to start with. Possibilities include display purposes, decoys from specific regions, particular carvers, species type or because you like it.
3. Provide and budget funds to start a collection. Buy what's affordable. Later, trade a decoy, sell for price appreciation or keep and purchase another one.
4. Visit art and antique shows, museums, exhibits and any venue that might have decoys for sale. This experience gives the collector a feel for the market while learning from the sellers.
5. Look at the condition of the decoy. Broken tips, scratches and paint mars reduce the value, but older decoys usually show wear. The collector needs to buy quality when possible.
6. Join a decoy collectors association.
7. Choose a location to display your collection. Solid light background colors provide good contrast with the decoys. Display individually in different locations at eye level or lower. Dedicate special shelves or pedestals for the new collection.

Tips & Warnings

• Recommended reading includes "The Art of the Decoy" by Adele Earnest and "American Bird Decoys" by William F. Mackey. A book written by an early collector ,"Wildfowl Decoys," presents an entry point understanding of collecting. Another, edited by Joe Engers, "The Great Book of Wildfowl Decoys," has plenty of illustrations.
• Museum workers handle decoys with white gloves to prevent oil reaching the paint, but washing hands before handling makes sense. Also, pick the decoys up at the body.
• Keep decoys away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
• Never place a decoy near or on heat vents.

Who Can Help: