Mallard Drake Hunting Decoy 1940s
This solid wood mallard drake decoy was produced using a duplicating lathe that gives it its characteristic grooved appearance. The majority of wood decoys sold commercially in the 1930’s-1940’s were made by “factory” decoy makers. This decoy retains the original yellow paint on its beak, the green paint on its head and both inset glass eyes.
The duck's fixed head is very slightly loose, with a long bill that has a few tooth marks from the dog that retrieved it. That same retriever gnawed the tail as well. The dark brown body has areas of paint loss and a divot on one side. On the bottom, there's a rectangular lead weight and a swivel snap hook, quite rusty, for attaching the decoy to a rig.
The decoy measures 17 inches from beak to tail, 6 inches in height to the top of its head and 5 1/2 inches across its breast. It weighs 1 pound, 7 ounces and given that it was hunted over, it's in pretty darn good shape.
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PYH 5490
This superb common loon decoy was carved and painted by Jeff W. Duxbury, who founded his decoy company, Dux' Dekes, in 1987 in New York's Adirondack region. The duck is dated June, 1992 and is hand signed "J.W. Duxbury" along with "Loon." "Dux' Dekes" is burned into the wood and there is a copy of the information leaflet taped on. In addition, a previous owner used a pen to add "Toyota Corolla Longland," which obviously had some personal meaning.
The hand painting on this Northern white pine decoy is excellent and realistic, with its striped collar, white throat and checkerboard back. Its beautifully carved head is turned slightly to its left and has red glass eyes. The decoy is half the length of the actual bird, measuring 14 inches long, 5 1/2 inches tall to the top of its head and 5 inches across the breast. It weighs 1 pound, 5 ounces and is in very good condition, with minimal wear and no damage. Male and female common loons look alike, so this decoy could depict either one. It's a handsome display decoy, one that you'll be proud to own.
***Dux' Decoys is still in business and has a website (Duxdekes.com) where they sell unpainted carvings and finished decoys (including 16 inch loons for $320.00). The company history is on the site, as well as much information about Jeff Duxbury.
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PYH 5607