How to Buy Duck Decoys

Duck decoys have been used for hundreds of years to lure unsuspecting formations of ducks into streams, lakes and open fields. Many of these antique decoys can be worth quite a bit of money to collectors. Beginner collectors can buy duck decoys for reasonable prices from many outlets. Here are a few tips to get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look through online auction houses for great examples of duck decoys. Check the dealer's credentials before making a purchase as reproductions are sometimes sold as antiques.

2. Visit thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales. These locations can produce some of the nicest examples of duck decoys. Individuals donate items from their estate to charities, producing a wonderful outlet for duck decoys.

3. Inspect the decoy for fine details. Early duck decoys from the 1880s to the 1940s have a higher level of detail to the animal than later models. Many of the early decoys have glass eyes and are weighted to perfect buoyancy with lead ingots.

4. Collect modern duck decoys. Contemporary duck decoy carvers offer some of the best reproductions of the older models. Buying these ensures an artist will prosper, and new decoys will age to become classics.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a signature style of duck decoy. Many antique decoys are not signed as art as they were a utilitarian piece of work. They were created by hunters to simply lure ducks and not as pieces of art.
• Ask local dealers and even older neighbors where to find good duck decoys. Some old-timers have decoys sitting in their barns or in their attics or basements.
• Be certain to verify a dealer's reputation before spending any large amount of money on antique duck decoys. Many reproductions exist and can be difficult to distinguish from the originals.

Resources

• Here is a wonderful duck decoy resource.
• Find an online retailer and seller of beautiful antique duck decoys.
• Learn how to buy great duck decoys here.