Old working decoy question?

R

Rich Newman

Active member
Where do you see the value of antique collectible decoys going, up or down and why. I'm thinking we could see a downward slide in prices as collecting seemed to have peeked in the 80's. Are our kids going to be interested in decoy collecting? I'm asking this because I've always wanted a Ken Anger decoy (Dunnville Ontario Carver) for my shelf but would like it to be an investment. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks Rich.
 
Rich - I started with vintage decoys back in the early 80's and thought at some time, the bottom is going to fall out of the decoy market. It never has. As for our kids, I do agree, they don't have interest in the old decoys. It seems that each generation that gets further removed from the generations of the vintage carvers, interest diminishes... My kids have no interest in old decoys except for my great grandpa's, mine and a few close carving friends...

I buy decoys to enjoy them and the heritage they stand for. There are better investments out there than decoys...

Personally, I hope the old decoy market does soften. It needs to. Prices are tood high.

Just my 2 cents...
 
I think primo antique decoys will always hold their value and generally increase.

However, I think the overal demand for wooden decoys is going to slide and the value of "common" or well worn decoys will tank. IE, the pool of collectors will shrink and they will only want the good stuff.
 
I've found that as younger generations mature they become more receptive to nostalgia and history. Doesn't seem to be a shortage of young duck hunters at least not in my area. As they become adults I'm sure they will (hopefully) develop an appreciation for the finer things in life. I bet most of us followed the same pattern.
 
I'm 37 and I love to look at old wooden decoys. Study the construction, shape, painting, etc. I carve my own decoys and can appreciate the old decoys as well as incorporate some of their techniques into my own birds. I've read some of the decoy books too and really enjoy the stories of the old carvers.

However I haven't gotten into collecting decoys because the prices are just too high for my budget. My kids do show an interest in what I'm carving. However if I don't collect other decoys, they may not be interested in collecting either.

Maybe someday when the kids are grown I may have some extra cash to start a collection.
 
Our state DU chairman had an interesting little speech at our dinner this spring. The average duck hunter is now 58 years old. That number shocked me. Not sure if it because I am young and typically only hunt with people around my age but that is somewhat scary. That number says to me there are fewer and fewer doing it.

As far as really getting into decoy collecting I have bought a few pieces that have more sentimental value than anything. A few decoys from my grandfather, an old squaw from Jobes from my first visit to DU headquarters, a scoter from an antique store in Maine when I traveled there and a Brant carved by Worth that I hope to use again one day.

I hope my generation doesn't lose the appeciation for the decoy art that is out there. Hard to see that happening with with major shift to everything plastic though...
 
That is a great question. I am starting to collect decoys from the guys I think are the best but its a slow process with limited funds. At 53, I hope I can collect a few a year for the next 20 and leave my son who loves waterfowling something that he can treasure. The actual worth isn't as important to me because I hope he never sells them. But I know sooner or later, in some future generation, my treasure becomes another persons clutter.
 
Bartering and trading your own work for old decoys is a good way to start. In the 80's & 90's I bought old decoys I liked and could afford.
Now I prefer well worn old decoys, as I can learn the most from them. The oldtimers knew what they were doing and I can't improve upon that.
In todays economy if you have the $$$ NOW is the time to buy, as prices will go up.

Waterfowling has a rich history that parallels the histroy of North America.
When you hold a old decoy in your hands you touch that history.
They are tools that improve a persons ability to appreciate.
 
Where do you see the value of antique collectible decoys going, up or down and why. I'm thinking we could see a downward slide in prices as collecting seemed to have peeked in the 80's. Are our kids going to be interested in decoy collecting? I'm asking this because I've always wanted a Ken Anger decoy (Dunnville Ontario Carver) for my shelf but would like it to be an investment. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks Rich.
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Like buying real estate, long term, as long as you don't buy junk, it should go up in value. However, just like the housing bubble, don't go and buy overpriced decoys because this demand will artificially increase the market values (if this hasn't already happened) and create potential for a correction when people come to their senses. If you find one YOU like and YOU can afford and YOU will enjoy having it, go for it.

For me, though I appreciate the antiques, I have prefered to build my collection (rig) up through trades with fellow carvers whom I know and respect as carvers, fellow hunters and all around good guys. (I have yet to spend one penny directly out of pocket for a decoy)

Best
Chuck
 
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