|
| Sold Decoys |
 |
Merganser pair by Chincoteague, Va. legend Delbert "Cigar" Daisey. An early 1960's decoy pair by Mr. Daisey. This life size pair was carved and painted in a traditional Chincoteague pattern. It is difficult to find a matched pair from nearly 50 years ago. Sold. | |
 |
Red Breasted Merganser-"Hairy Head" by Ronald Justis, Chincoteague Island, VA. This decoy is influenced by a 1920's style Ira Hudson. "R J" carved under tail, signed in marker. Sold. | |
 |
Miles Hancock (1888-1974) Chincoteague Island, VA . Miniature, 6 inches, Canada Goose. Signed and dated 1970. A very nice little carving and highly sought after. Mr. Miles' eyes were bad and his hands arthritic by this time. A special miniature to own for a reasonable price. Sold. |
|
| Large Black Duck by Cameron McIntyre. In the style of Nathan Cobb, Cobbs Island Va. Two piece carving with separations in the wood. Appears over 100 years old with dry paint, chips and worn gunning use. Cameron shared with me that this was the first Cobb style he made . He made this in South Carolina in 1987 as part of his personal gunning rig. Sold. | ||
 |
Hollow original gunning Brant by Grayson Chesser, Holden Creek, VA. Approx 17 inches bill to tail, with a nicely carved bill with mandible. Glass eyes with fine Chesser paint and raised primaries. Carved "C" under tail and rigged for use. Grayson's decoys are highly sought after. Sold. | |
 |
Outstanding Dudley style "dollar duck" by Ira Skees,Onancock,VA. This drake Ruddy duck exhibits Ira's keen eye to detail in appearance and form. Great replica of a classic decoy. I. Skees carved in bottom and rigged with leather strap and flat lead weight. Sold. | |
 |
Black Bellied Plover by William Gibian, Eastern Shore of VA. Mr. Gibian's work is highly sought after and collected. The bill is inserted through the back of the head , the head is turned to the left about 40 degrees. This carving by Mr. Gibian is Sold. | |
 |
Teal pair, Grayson Chesser , Holden Creek, Va. Content and confident teal. Grayson's outstanding hunting decoys carved from solid cedar wood and painted in the traditional manner. Ready for the water or the shelf. A neat pair for any collector or gunner. Sold. | |
 |
Full-sized Canada Goose by Grayson Chesser, Sanford, VA. Two piece hollow carved and painted in Grayson's gunning pattern. Grayson makes his decoys "The Century Old Way" for his gunning club and personal use. Carved "C" in bottom, Goose measures 27 inches in length. Sold. | |
 |
Delbert "Cigar" Daisey Black Duck hen. "Cigar" ,born and lives on his native Chincoteague Island,VA. A legend gunner, trapper, and decoy maker. This mint Black Duck made in the 1990's was carved from solid Cotton wood/Paulownia wood . "Cigar" branded in keel and signed. Sold. | |
 |
Curlew, Lloyd Tyler, Crisfield, MD (1898-1970). Circa 1950’s, scratched painting with slight shrinkage and minor paint loss. Henry Stansbury’s book on Tyler has other examples on page 69. A great looking Crisfield School piece of Folk Art measures about 14 inches from bill to tail. Sold. | |
 |
Gunning Black Duck by Ronald Justis. Hollow body with slight raised primary feather carving. This hen, has thick oil paint on the head that really accentuates this decoy. 'R.J." carved under tail, signed by maker and cornbread mold weight. Ronald's decoys vary from gunning styles to classic sculptures. (Note Ronald & his Shore Bird on the home page). Sold. | |
 |
Blue Winged Teal pair by Crisfield, MD's Oliver Lawson. This pair is done similar to the Ward Brothers 1936 model. Carved from cedar and painted in Mr. Lawson's outstanding manner. This pair is in mint condition and not dated. A unique pair by Mr. Lawson. Sold. | |
 |
Full-sized hollow two piece carved Mallard drake by Brian Piccirillo formerly of Stratford, CT. Painted in oils and finished with a antique appearance. This decoy measures 17 inches bill to tail. BP carved in underside as shown. Fantastic head carved disposition. This carving Sold | |
 |
Decorative Yellowlegs by Ronald Justis, Chincoteague Island, VA. Outstanding sculpture and paint by Ronald who is taking his carving to another level. The wing and turned head bring this bird to life. R J carved under tail and signed. Creative base has sand and pebbles for Yellowlegs to stand.Sold. | |
 |
Neat pair of Buffleheads by Ira Skees, Onancock, Virginia.These "dippers" measure about 8 inches long and are thin, flat bottomed with a keel. The finely artistic shaped head is incised into the body as most of Ira's birds tend to be (a characteristic of his Cobb and Hogg Island decoy roots). Ira painted this pair with oils and applied approx. 7 layers of paint and finish. Sold. |
|
 |
Classic Delaware River Mallards by George Strunk of Glendora, NJ., only a "stones-throw" from the Delaware River.Made in 1996 and so signed. . He makes and floats his birds as if for his own gunning rig. George learned from Jamie Hand, Goshen, NJ. who learned from Hurley Conklin. Note small shelf rub on hen's tail feather. Sold. | |
 |
Back preening Dunlin by Chincoteague VA's, Ronald Justis. Ronald is purist who relates to the old Chincoteague “Masters”. This shore bird is carved out of cedar wood and painted in oils. The feathering detail on the neck has a life-like appearance as this Dunlin turns her head. RJ carved under tail. Sold. | |
 |
James Corbett Reed (1897-1983) Chincoteague, VA. "Bull" Canvasback drake carved from red cedar and painted in Corb's "mysterious" pattern. Stipple technique is a mystery he took to his grave. Signed, dated and stamped 1980. This Corb Reed decoy Sold. | |
 |
Full size ( approx. 30 inches long) Canada Goose by Oliver Lawson from Crisfield, Maryland. Very rare to find a Goose, let alone, in a swimming and hissing posture. This carving is hollow and two pieces from cedar wood. Mr. Lawson's outstanding oil painting technique brings life to this sculpture. Sold. | |
 |
Green Winged Teal pair from 1969 by Chincoteague Island's "Cigar" Daisey. Fantastic two piece hollow carved Teal with round bodies. Comb painting on drake and great 40 year old mellow patina. Branded Cigar and "ELW" ( previous owner). Signed and dated . Sold. | |
 |
Artistic tucked bill Black duck by Mark McNair. According to Mark, he has only made three in this style.Bottom board is attached adding to the creative expression. Classic raised wings with carved primary feathers add to this creation Sold . |
|
 |
Life-size (15 inches) hollow Brant by Ronald Justis of Chincoteague Island, VA. This Brant in Ronald's antique style has a mellow, worn patina. Ronald's creative carving and paint styles continue to evolve. Ronald's trademark corn bread mold lead weight adds to the old gunning look. Sold. | |
 |
Ruddy Duck in the style of Lem Dudley,North Carolina by Mark McNair. This "dollar duck" was made about 10 years ago and is a classic example of a Dudley Ruddy. Mark's outstanding replica gives the appearance of a hundred year Dudley.This example by Mark, Sold. | |
 |
Black Duck sleeper by Brian Piccirillo formerly from Stratford, CT. Hollow carved with Brian's outstanding classic oil painting. A New England style with a strong McNair and McIntyre influence. My pictures do not do this bird justice. Sold | |
 |
Eskimo Curlew on a walnut base by William Gibian of Onancock, VA. The layered feathers with raised or relieved wings and primaries are an outstanding example of Mr Gibian's talents. His painting brings this Curlew to life. Sold | |
 |
Classic gunning Pintail by Ronald Justis, Chincoteague,VA. Two piece hollow cedar carving, painted in thick oils and rubbed for effect as an antique decoy. Ronald's initials are carved under tail. Ronald has been carving since 1983 and his decoys are gaining popularity as he becomes a classic Chincoteague carver. Sold. | |
 |
Bufflehead "Butterball" Pair dated December 1962 by J. Lloyd Sterling. A great pair of decoys by one of Crisfield's prolific makers. The Sterling linage goes back at least 300 years to Somerset County, MD as some of the first English settlers to the Chesapeake Bay area. Sold. | |
 |
Superb hen Pintail by Joseph Kralic of Stratford,CT. Elegant full-sized sculpture painted in oils by Joe. Joe's outstanding wet-on-wet paint technique is on full display with this hen. The feathering and facial expression bring life to this carving. Joe only carves about dozen birds a year and demand is increasing. This pintail Sold. |
|
 |
Life like gunning Merganser pair by Grayson Chesser, Sanford, VA. Solid carved bodies rigged for hunting and Grayson's "C" carved in bottom. Drake measures 19 inches in length ,hen measures 14 inches in length .Grayson makes his decoys "The Century Old Way", for his hunting guide business.Sold. | |
 |
"Chicken Duck" (Coot) by Ronald Justis Chincoteague,VA. Simplistic cedar-carved Coot by Ronald, finished in an antique contemporary style which is one of Ronald's varying styles of painting. This example Sold. |
|
 |
Lem and Steve Ward, Crisfield, MD. Green Winged Teal Circa 1960. This half-sized, 8 inches long, Teal is in original dry paint and has a cedar head and inserted cedar tail. This outstanding decoy by Lem and Steve is a great addition to any decoy collection. Sold. |
|
 |
Eight inch Widgeon pair by Donnie Briddell from 1961. Don made these when he was about 15 years old and growing up in Crisfield, MD. where he learned under Lem and Steve Ward. An outstanding artist who retains the "Crisfield school style" . Sold. | |
 |
Widgeon Pair by Joe Kralic of Conn. This pair by Joe demonstrates his great "wet on wet" paint technique. The blending of his oil paint give a life-like appearence. Application and drying time takes weeks but the end result is worth the wait. Sold. | |
 |
"Cannon Ball" Ruddy Duck by Ronald Justis, Chincoteague,VA. Cedar carved and painted with oils in Ronald's outstanding style. This Ruddy measures about 10 inches bill to tail. Ronald's trademark brand and cornbread mold weight are with his signature. Sold | |
 |
Pintail pair signed and dated 1989 by Oliver Lawson,Crisfield, MD. Carved from cedar and painted by the highly respected Mr. Lawson.A gunning decoy without a keel. These decoys are made for gunning. You can see the detail and quality that goes into his decoys. This is the last pair of eight that I have to offer. Sold. | |
 |
Bufflehead Drake by Dan Brown, Salisbury, Maryland Circa 1970. Original condition gunning decoy. This decoy is carved from a solid piece of cedar. Painted in oils in the Crisfield style that Mr. Brown identified with. Dan was close friends with Lem and Steve Ward and was one of the original founders of the Ward Museum Sold. | |
 |
Yellow Shafted Flicker, common to the North East. Ice pick for mounting. Ward style.Made by Ross Smoker. He enjoys teaching wood carving to students at the Ward Museum, Windward Studio, and near his home in Selinsgrove, PA. This Flicker Sold. | |
 |
Preening gunning pair of Mallards by Grayson Chesser of Jenkins Bridge, Va. Outstanding decoys with raised wing carving. Grayson first started making decoys in the 1960's when he turned to the likes of Lloyd Tyler of Crisfield, MD, and Chincoteague, Va. makers "Cigar" Daisey and Miles Hancock. This pair is carved with Grayson’s signature “ C” . Great Mallard pair from a legend decoy maker and gunner. Sold. | |
 |
Beautiful preening Dunlin by Chincoteague VA's, Ronald Justis. This shore bird is carved out of cedar wood and painted in oils. The feathering detail on the neck has a life-like appearance as this Dunlin turns her head. From base to top of head Ronald's creation measures approx 9 inches tall. RJ carved under tail. Sold. | |
 |
Miles Hancock Chincoteague Island , VA. Bufflehead pair circa 1940's,50's. Carved from cotton wood and very similar to the pair on page 17, figure 8 in the 1981 book " Chincoteague Carvers and Their Decoys " by Berkey. Structure is outstanding for this old gunning pair. Sold. | |
 |
Dowitcher in preening pose by Ronald Justis of Chincoteague, VA . Ronald has carved his initials under the tail. Ronald's mentor and close friend "Cigar" Daisey spent hours teaching Ronald when he was a young teenager. This Dowitcher Sold. | |
 |
A Hudson style yellowlegs by Brian Piccirillo. Oversized and carved from Basswood in one piece. For more information on Brian, see page 32 in the Sept-Oct. issue of "Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine" written by Rod Taylor. “BP” branded on bottom of stands.Sold. | |
 |
Trio of woodpecker carvings by Ross Smoker, PA. Outstanding painting bring life to these pieces of wood.Sold. | |
 |
Swimming Red Breasted Merganser by Ronald Justis of Chincoteague Island, Va. Solid body carved decoy with horse hair comb. Weighted with his traditional "corn bread" mold from his grandmother and signed. Decoy measures approx. 18 in. This decoy is only Sold. | |
 |
Hen Black Duck by Ronald Justis, Chincoteague Island, VA. Outstanding hollow carved decoy with a 2009 penny inside and his trademark "corn bread mold" weight. Note Ronald's detailed painting with oils and slightly raised wings. This carving Sold. | |
 |
Large Wood Duck hen by Brian Piccirillo, Miami, Fl. This decoy, carved from cedar, is a three piece body slightly hollowed with an inletted head. Brian’s dry and mellow patina with paint chips and lifting of wood gives this decoy a well gunned and aged appearance. Sold. | |
 |
Preening Canvasback hen by James "Corb" Reed of Chincoteague, Va. The wings have been highlighted by carving and outstanding painting. This hen decoy by "Corb" is signed stamped and dated 1977. A special decoy by Mr. Reed who passed away in the mid 1980's. Sold. |
|
 |
Reggie Birch is from Chincoteague,Va. Reggie is not just a decoy carver, he is a master craftsman. Everyone should have at least one piece of his art. This pair Sold. | |
 |
Outstanding Hudsonian Godwit by Rich Smoker, Somerset County, MD. This Godwit has warm,smooth and blended paint. Carved from White Pine and mounted on a African mahogany base. Rich is a regular winner in the Ward World Championships held in April. Sold . | |
 |
Barrows Golden Eye pair by Oliver Lawson, Crisfield, MD. A rare species by Mr. Lawson ,this pair signed and dated 1981. Carved from cedar and painted with oils- these were gunning birds without a keel / ballast weight. A rare find for almost thirty years old. Sold. | |
 |
Red Breasted Merganser pair by Reggie Birch, Chincoteague,VA. A full-sized carving, approximately 17 inches long, by one of the most popular contemporary makers today. Reggie is a purist and traces his ancestors to some of the first settlers on Chincoteague. This pair, signed and dated 1982. Sold |
 |
Gunning pair of Wood Ducks by Grayson Chesser of Jenkins Bridge, Va. Outstanding preening decoys with raised wing carving. Grayson first started making decoys in the 1960's when he turned to the likes of Lloyd Tyler of Crisfield,Md, and Chincoteague, Va. makers "Cigar" Daisey and Miles Hancock. Sold. |
 |
Scaupe/bluebill/blackhead pair signed,dated,unweighted by Paul Gibson, Havre DE Grace, MD. 1975. Gibson a friend and maker with R. Madison Mitchell was born in 1902 and passed in 1985. In 1941 Paul purchased Madison Mitchell's duplicating lathe for making bodies which he used until his death. Sold. | |
 |
"Pocomoke Sound" Bluebill pair by Danny Marshall, Chincoteague Island, VA.Full size cedar decoys made and painted in the Crisfield,MD School style. Mr. Marshall grew up near Saxis,VA across the Pocomoke Sound from Crisfield. Sold. | |
 |
An outstanding sculpture by Mark McNair. This goose carving by Mark was influenced by Walter Brady of Oyster,Va. If you don't own a fine Brady goose, this would be a great addition to your collection for only Sold. |
|
 |
Mr Miles Hancock,Chincoteague,VA. The larger measures about 12 inches bill to tail and has overlapping raised primary feathers. This mallard was made in 1970. Mr Miles started making these mini's late in his life when his hands and sight began to fail him. Mr Miles passed in 1974. Sold. | |
 |
Hooded Merganser by "Cigar" Daisey. Carved in the early 1960's from Cottonwood. Approx. 12 inches long, branded and recently signed by Mr. Daisey. This rare decoy is life size and in great condition. Sold | |
 |
Semipalmated Plover by Mark McNair. This Plover by Mark was created in 2005 and very few were made. McNair is carved in the underside of the Plover. This unique carving by Mark McNair Sold . | |
 |
A special Bluebill by Joe Kralic, of Shelton, Conn. This beautiful hollow two piece decoy has a fantastic preening pose. You can almost see this drake picking and lifting his feathers too dry. Joe's painting technique is a slow layered process. You can almost see the bird come to life. Sold. | |
 |
Old Squaw hen by Connecticut carver and painter Joe Kralic. Joe has had 50 years of refining his style as this decoy shows. He applies layers of wet on wet oil paint to blend a thick feathered appearance. Joe's unique style is on display in his upcoming article in the magazine "Hunting & Fishing Collectibles". Sold . | |
 |
Yellowlegs by Mark McNair. This outstanding carving is one of 13 conceived and created at Island Neck, a point of land in view of the Chesapeake Bay near Mark's home. Upland and water birds seek refuge in this outdoor studio. Sold. |
|
 |
Beautiful Black Duck in the Stratford School style by Brian Piccirillo. Brian made this large decoy from cedar that has been hollowed. The elegant yet life like painting has been done in oils. Relief carving has been done on the tail and speculum feathers. Brian makes decoys in a life like manner as well as antiqued contemporary style. Sold. | |
 |
Red Head pair signed and dated 1989 by Oliver "Tuts" Lawson, Crisfield, MD. Mr. Lawson started carving decoys about 1948 at the side of Lem and Steve Ward. Mr. Lawson knew the Ward brothers better than any one alive today. Carved from cedar and pained in oils this pair is a standard size Red Head. Sold. | |
 |
Rare (1 of 12 only) Grebe by Delbert "Cigar" Daisey of Chincoteague Island. Life size, 8 inches, distinctive decoy carving from cedar and painted in Mr. Daisey's personal pattern. Nice wing carving on the back, branded and signed. Sold | |
 |
Black Duck by Joe Kralic of Shelton, CT. Large hollow, decoy with exceptional wet on wet thick oil paint. Three layers of oils give Joe's decoys a texture and depth which is rare due to the time for painting and drying. This wonderful example. Sold | |
 |
Pintail gunning pair by the Crisfield MD master, Oliver Lawson. Outstanding painting details which border as decorative for many makers. However Mr. Lawson uses accurate life like detail for his hunting decoys. Patina has flat and dry appearance as a gunning bird should.This pair Sold. | |
 |
Mr. Miles Hancock (1888-1974) Chincoteague Island, Va. Miniature signed and dated 1973. February, 1974 was the last decoy Mr. Miles made before his passing. Very nice little carving as Mr. Miles' eyes were bad and his hands arthritic. A special miniture to own for a reasonable price. Sold. | |
 |
VA Ruddy Duck by Ira Skees. Two piece hollow carving rigged for gunning and branded I Skees. This bird won first place in 2006 Ward World Championship Carving Competition for Antique Contemporary category and third place in Division. Fantastic patina gives this decoy a 100 year old gunning look. Sold. | |
 |
A study for form and function of a 1936 model Shoveler by Rich Smoker. Rich regularlly enters and wins at the Ward World Championship Competition held each April in Ocean City, Md. An example of this Shoveler is in "Timeless Treasures" pg. 56. Sold. | |
 |
One of two Merganser decoys made in this style by Mark McNair. 18 inches long bill to tail and made from white cedar and hollowed. The crest is made of leather and McNair is carved into the bottom. Great patina with carved wings, a must have for only Sold. |
|
 |
A miniature, 8 inches long , just under 5 inches tall Canada Goose by Oliver Lawson. This goose is a higher quality grade than the miniatures he made for " The Duck House" in Rumbley, MD. Mr. Lawson was making a few decoys for select customers at this time and was adding more detail than the standard grade he had been producing for Ms. Elizabeth Hall. Sold | |
 |
Blue Bill pair by Ronald Justis, Chincotague Island, VA. This pair of realistic size scaupe have a resemblance to the great Hudson "Football" style. Ronald uses his grandmother's corn bread mold to make his weigths. In 2007 he won Best IN Show for his Gadwall Drake in prestigious " Lem & Steve Ward Shooting Competion". Sold | |
 |
Outstanding and rare, breast preener yellowlegs shorebird by "Cigar" circa 1980's. Stamped and signed by Mr. Daisey. Sold |
|
 |
Large Tern, 17 inches long by Mark McNair. Mark's New England craftsman roots are evident with his pegged wing attachment. The width of this shorebird is approx. 4 inches across the center. Bill is inserted through back of head. Mark carved this Tern when he lived on the seaside in Modestown, VA. and regularly visited the barrier islands to observe wildfowl. Sold | |
 |
Early vintage Ira Hudson "football" style dipper by Delbert "Cigar" Daisey. This 1960 solid body bufflehead has tack eyes, ballast weight and a fluted paddle tail. Two small age cracks in wood do not detract. Dry original paint with some flaking. Note Henry Stansbury's book on Ira Hudson, page 81 for a reference. Rare decoy by one of our great Virginia makers. Sold | |
 |
Outstanding Yellowlegs in back preening pose by "Cigar". Circa 1990. This unique shorebird is stamped and signed by Mr. Daisey. Sold | |
 |
Joe Kralic at his best with this outstanding Mallard Decoy. Joe's painting is one the best with wet-on-wet oil painting giving the bird feathering depth. This is a hollow full sized decoy carved from cedar. This example. Sold | |
 |
Widgeon/baldpate gunning decoy by Art Kilmon, Pocomoke, MD signed and dated 1988. Outstanding scratch paint raised wing feathering on back.Bird measures 12 inches breast to tail. Mr. Kilmon is well thought of by local artists such as Mark McNair. Art does not carve anymore and finding his decoys in mint condition is rare. Sold. | |
 |
Lloyd Tyler (1898-1970) Crisfield MD. Blue Bill Drake circa 1930's. Dry and flat original paint worn to bare wood in spots. Note the painted eyes which are barely visible and identify and old gunning decoy. This large and wide Crisfield/Chesapeake Bay gunner weighs about 3 pounds and is 7.25 inches wide at the hips and made for wide open water.Old nail repair sticking out of neck. Sold. | |
 |
Preening Pintail in the style of Elmer Crowell by Ronald Justis of Chincoteague,VA. This beautiful decoy by Ronald is carved from cedar and hollowed out with a penny inside. Painted in oils and measures 15 inches breast to tail. The bill does not touch the back and is signed and branded by Ronald. Balest weight is lead from Ronald's grandmother's corn bread mold. Sold | |
 |
Black Duck (hen) sleeper by David Carroll of Chestertown, MD. Outstanding details on this gunning decoy. Note the bill does not touch the back. David learned from Mr. Charles "Speed" Joiner and was a good student .Length from breast to tail is 14 inches. Sold. | |
 |
1989 Wood Duck pair by Oliver Lawson, Crisfield, MD. This pair is in mint condition and has been stored for nearly 20 years by the collector who purchased them directly from Mr. Lawson in 1989. Carved from cedar and has a convex- raised back. Outstanding paint and observe the detail on the hen. Mr. Lawson paints the prettiest hen decoys. This is full sized pair. Sold | |
 |
A slightly diminutive, 11 inches long by 8 inches tall, standing Widgeon hen by Lloyd J. Tyler (1898-1970) of Crisfield, MD. A true Folk Art decoy. See Henry Stansbury's reference book Lloyd J. Tyler , Folk Artist, Decoy Maker. Pages 9,38,67 show similar examples by Tyler. Under the base reads "Lloyd Tyler Crisfield MD Circa 1930's female widgeon" Sold. | |
  |
Yellow Legs by Delbert "Cigar" Daisey of Chincoteague Island , VA. Standard size shorebirds . Shorebirds are signed and branded, "Cigar ". Sold. | |
 |
Bufflehead pair by Miles Hancock (1888-1974). Mr. Hancock started carving decoys in the 1920's. This pair of gunning 'coys were from the collection of Walt Oler. This exact pair are included in the Berkey's 1981 book, " Chincoteaque Carvers and Their Decoys" page 17, figure 8. Sold. | |
 |
Full size Mallard pair by Dan Brown, Salisbury, Maryland 1965. This pair is carved from balsa wood with a cedar head and cedar inserted tail. Painted in oils and mint original condition with a mellow 43 year old patina . Dan was close friends with Lem and Steve Ward and was one of the original founders of the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art. Sold | |
 |
1987 Baldpate full-sized gunning pair by Oliver Lawson, Crisfield, MD. This pair is in mint condition and has been stored for nearly 20 years by the collector who purchased them directly from Mr. Lawson in 1987. Sold |  |
Ward World winner, Rich Smoker and his Red Breasted Merganser in courtship pose. This "Down East"esk Maine style is painted with 4 layers of oils. Rich inserted black china bristle (hogs hair) into the back of the head for a more life-like crest. Decoy is 9.5 inches tall at the top of head. A great opportunity to own a world class makers decoy Sold . |
 |
A Virginia, Cobb Island gunning pintail by Ira Skees. This large, hollow two piece with no seems showing decoy measures 17- 18 inches long . Branded I. Skees and from the former collection of Lars Crispman and numbered 103.Ira ,a world championship award winning decoy maker who creates an outstanding blend of contemporary and antiquity. Sold . |  |
Gunning Mallard pair by Grayson Chesser of Holden Creek Virginia. Outstanding comb or scratch paint on drake and vibrant feathering on hen. A true sturdy built Virginia gunning decoy by the purist, Chesser. Grayson's brand and signature are on the bottom and dated 2003. Sold |
 |
Knotts Island, North Carolina Ruddy Duck by Ian McNair. Ian's influence on the popular N.C. Ruddy is on display with the upswept tail. I McNair, branded under tail. This ruddy measures about 10.5 inches breast to tail. Sold | |
 |
Black Duck flier by Connecticut artist Joe Kralic. Joe's creative genius is on full display here as his delicate sculpture demonstrates. His layers of thick wet on wet blending using oil paints provides a combination of sculpture and paint to create this magnificent piece of art. Joe was recently featured in Hunting and Fishing Collectibles Magazine. Sold | |
 |
Pintail pair circa 1993 by Grayson Chesser, Jenkins Bridge, VA. Made to be hunted over as expressed in Grayson's book Making Decoys the Century Old Way. Grayson has been making decoys since 1960. He first sought the assistance of Lloyd Tyler of Crisfield, Cigar Daisy and Miles Hancock from Chincoteague. It was Mr. Miles who apprenticed the young Grayson. Sold | |
 |
2006 Ruddy Duck in the style of Lee Dudley, Knott's Island, NC. An outstanding carving by Ira Skees of Onancock Creek, Va. The original Ruddy is estimated to sell at auction for $160,000... Sold. |
|
 |
Blue Winged Teal by Rich Smoker of Marion Station, MD in Somerset County. This decoy was gunned over in the early season as the Teal came through Chesapeake Bay country. A Ward World Championship Wildfowl carver. Sold |
|
 |
Miles Hancock,mint pair of buffleheads ( dippers ). Tack eyes still in paint, cottonwood construction, measures about 12 inches long x 5 inches wide. Hen is missing ballast weight ,great collectible Hancock's for only Sold. | |
 |
Brian Picirrillo vintage Ruddy Duck. Large 12 inches long decoy slightly hollowed two piece body. Not rigged for gunning but rides the water nicely. Brian's outstanding carvings are gaining popularity. His influences are Cameron McIntyre, Shang Wheeler,Joe Kralic, Ira Hudson, an impressive list. Sold | |
 |
Miles Hancock (1888-1974), circa 1940 Red Breasted Merganser approx. 15 inches bill to tail. Original paint with tack eyes and scratch paint to the back. Crest is in good condition.Outstanding Chincoteague gunning decoy. Sold | |
 |
Rare life size goose by Mark McNair. Hollow two piece construction with Mark's one of a kind painting. The bill has been inserted from the back of the head,note the fine space between the bill and head. Made on Currituck Creek off the Chesapeake Bay and so signed and branded . Mark put a wine cork inside. Sold |
|
 |
Outstanding Kent County, MD. wood duck by David Carroll. Rigged for gunning in the Upper Chesapeake Bay tradition. Vibrant male wood duck colors on this full size bird. David learned from Mr. Charles "Speed" Joiner and was a good student. Sold | |
 |
Redhead by Ira Skees, Eastern Shore of VA. Ira won first place in the 2007 Chesapeake Wildfowl Expo with his contemporary antique Canvasback
(19 entered).
This hollow Redhead, carved in a Cobb Island style looks to have been gunned over for years. Branded I Skees. Sold. |
|
 |
Curlew shore bird by Mark McNair, 2007. Mark’s unique style of carving and painting aged to look a century old. This Curlew has raised wing carvings and an oak bill inserted into the head. Stands on a very nice signed walnut base, and branded by Mark. Sold. | |
 |
Miles Hancock 6 inch long Canada Goose,signed and dated 1967. Mr. Miles made these in his later years ( passed away in 1974). Highly sought after and becoming more and more hard to acquire. Prices have started to escalate in the last few years . Sold | |
 |
Hogg Island, Va. and Walter Brady influenced Black Duck by Ira Skees of Onancock Creek. This large, 16 inches long and 8 inches tall decoy is branded by Ira and is priced to move. Ira won the 2007 Ward World Championship Wildfow Carving Best in Division, Contemporary Antique with his hooded mergansers. Sold | |
 |
Oyster Catcher shore bird "flattie" pair. Made in vintage style with wings pegged to the body. Bills are oak and inserted from back of head. Birds measure appox. 13-14 inches from bill to tail. These primitive "oyster catchers" were made by Eastern Shore of Virginia carver/maker Ira Skees. Sold | |
 |
Pair of hollow Shoveller's by Oliver Lawson. This pair is made of cedar and the halves are pegged together from the base . Sold. | |
 |
Brian Piccirillo canvasback drake with outstanding carved feathers and overlapping right wing primary. Brian learned from his friend Joe Kralic up in Connecticut and admires the work of Ira Hudson, The Ward Brothers and Cameron McIntyre. Sold | |
 |
"1 of 12 from my hunting rig, Tuts Lawson, 1969". Gunning Canvasback made from balsa wood with a bottom board. Mr. Lawson sold this decoy to his good friend and avid Crisfield collector, DR. Mort Kramer and so branded. Sold. |
|
 |
Common Loon in swimming posture by Rich Smoker, Marion, MD. Approximately 16 inches long. Fantastic iridescent green paint on head with finely carved bill. Sold. | |
 |
Mark McNair yellowlegs branded and dated 1977. This 30 year old shorebird was last seen by Mark when he sold it to a collector from California. A great early decoy by one of the world's best. Slight raised wing carving and a great patina on this rare example. Sold. | |
 |
Eight inch pintail hen made for the Duck House in Rumbley, MD in 1960 by Oliver "Tuts" Lawson of Crisfield, MD. This decoy is in mint condition other than a small stress fracture in the base of the neck. Head is tight. Detailed paint pattern for hen Sold. | |
 |
Stratford School Yellow Legs shorebird by Connecticut artist Joe Kralic. This preening Yellow Legs stands 13 inches tall on realistic legs. Mr. Kralic has been carving for about 50 years and has been influenced by the likes of: Gus Wilson, Elmer Crowell, Henry Tuttle and the Ward Brothers. This shorebird has a very interesting form with depth from layers of thick wet on wet blending using oil paints Sold . | |
 |
Eastern Shore of Virginia Robin Snipe/Red Knott by William Gibian. approximately nine inches long and rests on a walnut base/stand. Fine carving and painting achieved by Mr. Gibian give this Red Knott a classic quality Sold . |  |
Beautiful large curlew from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Created by Richard Belote, and so branded, of Willis Wharf, VA. Willis Wharf is located on the seaside, between Chincoteague and Hogg/Cobb Island Sold . |
 |
1959 mini green winged teal pair. Excellent matched pair from The Duck House. Very rare species, made and painted by Oliver Lawson of Crisfield, MD. Note the crest, in mint condition Sold . | |
 |
"Cigar" Daisey gunning Ruddy Duck pair. Mint condition Sold . | |
 |
Canvasback Pair, Grayson Chesser, Eastern Shore, VA- Hunting decoys that are ready for action- singed, dated and stamped by a great traditional artist. Nice scratch painting and a great buy for a Chesser mint condition pair Sold . | |
 |
Bluebill,blackhead,scaupe,Eldridge Tyler (Byrdtown) Crisfield, MD. Lloyd Tyler's hunting partner and cousin. Eldridge died about 1996-1997 while in his 90s.His decoys have become highly collectible and scarce. Tyler's creations are drying-up fast. I know of about a dozen " not for sale", yet! Sold . | |
 |
Outstanding "long billed" curlew from Crisfield, MD . This curlew has been in a private collection since it was purchased in 1960 from J. Lloyd Tyler. There are opinions that Tyler himself made this and there are opinions that Sherm Jones made it and his friend Lloyd Tyler did the selling. There are similar examples in Henry Stansbury's book entitled J. Lloyd Tyler Folk Artist. Note the birds on page 47, the goose on page 48,the black duck on page 51and others on pages 89 and 106.This curlew measures 16 inches bill to tail with the bill length of 5.5 inches. Sold . | |
 |
Cameron McIntyre, Pitts Creek, Va. Canada Goose made in 2000 and inspired by great Canadian makers like George Warin. In 1999,Cameron was fortunate to be invited to hunt at the famous Long Point Gunning Club in Ontario,Canada. This private 16,000 acre marsh utililizes hundred year old wooden decoys to gun over and this experience led Cameron to create this goose. Made from 200 year old white ceder and hollowed to a "thin shell"it weighs only a few pounds. Sold . | |
 |
"Vintage" preening blue wing teal by Brian Piccirillo. A hollow 2 piece body with upswept breast common to the Stratford Conn. style. Brian, originally from Connecticut, now resides in the South. Shang Wheeler and the Stratford school are big influences that Brian relies on to create his own form. Cameron McIntyre's style is one of Brian's favorites. Sold . | |
 |
Great yellowlegs shorebird sculpture standing on a walnut base by Mark McNair. Outstanding contrast in color tones on this yellowlegs with an inserted bill from the back of the head and tack eyes. Paint patterns and details give this shorebird a unique look. Sold | |
 |
Black bellied Plover in the Bowman style by Brian Piccirillo. This Plover measures 13 inches , bill to tail. Slight raised-wing carving with two holes for two standing postures (see pictures above). Initials are carved in driftwood base.The buyer of this "BP" plover will be given first option to purchase second and or third Plovers for a set when available. Brian is a great talent and appreciates the best makers past and present. Sold | |
 |
Full sized standing widgeon drake, circa. 1930's. Similar to the one pictured in color on page 38 in the Stansbury reference book Lloyd Tyler- Folk Artist - Decoy Maker. Outstanding original paint and condition. Note the pencil outlines used to aid in the paint pattern. Excellent Crisfield, MD. folk-art. Sold | |
 |
Pair of 4 year old Terns by Mark McNair. One bird measures 12 inches bill to tail and the other measures 15 inches to tail.The larger Tern has bill made of bone in the New England tradition. Driftwood base included or two standard stands, your choice. Both have Mark's carved brand on the underside. Sold | |
 |
S. Douglass Jester (1876-1961) circa 1940 “hairyhead”/merganser. Measures 12 inches in length. Original paint, dry with minor wear. Note, the downward slope of the back toward the neck, this feature is prominent on Jester’s older decoys. A minor repair to underside of bill by Reg Birch. A great Chincoteague decoy to own.Sold | |
 |
Colin McNair's hollow carved, gunning style, American Merganser. Made from red and white cedar. " The apple didn't fall far from the tree" here as Colin certainly has the eye and talent like his father, Mark. The details on the bill and wing patterns are awsome. Sold |
|
 |
Wonderful matched pair of bufflehead decoys by Oliver Lawson. Dippers are a tough duck to shoot as they fly fast and flutter just over the water and are small. Note Mr Lawson's incredible gunning paint patterns and green,blue iridescence colors on the side of the drakes head. A fairly rare species by Oliver made from white cedar. Sold. | |
 |
1936 Ward Bro's. style Green wing Teal pair by Oliver Lawson. An excellent copy by "Tuts" of his close friend's and mentors, Lem and Steve's most sought after style. To find a mint pair of 36 teal would be rare indeed and then you would probably have to pay $40,000 plus. Many a Ward Bro's. decoy is in Lawson paint or repaint. This original pair is only Sold. |
|
 |
Drake pintail in the "Crisfield style" made in 1961 by then 40 year old Charles Joiner from Betterton, MD. Made from balsa wood and shows a few small dings and scratches. A very rare creation by the legendary Mr. "Speed" Joiner. Obviously, a must have piece for any Chesapeake Bay collector. Bird measures 6 inches, breast to tail feather. Sold | |
 |
Looks like the classic Elmer Crowell that recently sold for approx. $825,000 (with fees) Note this reproduction by Ronald Justice of Chincoteague, VA. Ronald has won awards at various decoy festivals and competitions. A real up and coming decoy maker who learned under Delbert" Cigar" Daisey. Ronald even signed his black bellied plover under the tail as Mr.Crowell did the original. Sold | |
 |
Rich Smoker pintail drake. Rich lives near Crisfield, MD and creates from his work shop over looking the Big Annemessex River. Rich has been carving wildfowl for almost 40 years. Rich has judged many competitions and uses his decoys in his gunning rig. Rich's carving style has evolved and is still evolving to stisfy himself as well as his many customers. This pintail Sold |
|
 |
This is a decoy from another Chincoteague ,Virginia carver ,Doug Jester. As you can see this black duck is branded "PPGC". A collector from Tennessee emailed to inform me that he owns a similar bird with this brand and he believes the brand is from near Onancock, VA and represents " Point Pleasant Gun Club".This is a great old branded decoy that enhances its history . The bird is approximately 16 inches long and 6 inches wide. Sold . | |
 |
Wonderful "bill in breast" preening yellowlegs by William Gibian from Virginia's Eastern Shore. Mr. Gibian started carving about 1980 and is best known for his shorebirds. Note the three dimensional form and detailed feather carving . The picture does not do this bird justice. Sold. |
|
 |
In 1969 Cigar said he traded this winter plumage yellowlegs to a collector from Chicago for his D.U. Remington Wingmaster shotgun. Cigar signed this bird and dated it just a couple of weeks ago.The yellowlegs measures approx.11 inches log bill to tail. I have never seen a winter paint job so I guess Cigar was doing something different for the Chincoteague D.U. dinner that year.This old yellowlegs is Sold | |
| Miles Hancock Chincoteague, Va. Large ( almost 14 inches long x 6 inches wide) . Scaupe Drake. Two piece cedar construction. Original dry paint, possible bill repair near mandible. Tack eyes. Sold | ||
 |
Gunning Green Winged Teal by Delbert "Cigar" Daisey, signed and dated 1965. This classic mint decoy is approx. 11 inches long and is a two piece hollow construction with the seam a half inch from the bottom. Cigar recently viewed this teal and shared his memories as this was one of 13 he made,keeping a preening hen as a gift for his wife. Cigar said about 1966 BILL MACKEY and a friend visited him and the friend bought the remaining rig of 12. Sold | |
 |
Miniature wigeon-baldpate circa 1970 from Crisfield MD. A nice 5 inch decorative baldpate with raised wing carving and angular tail carving .Made by Don Bridell who learned under Lem and Steve Ward. I am not sure which Tyler worked on this decoy but Don taught a lot of kids to carve and paint around 1970. Very nice Crisfield style. Sold | |
 |
Mark McNair, New England style yellow leg with raised wing carving and inleted bill inserted from the back of the head. This wonderful example by Mark measures 13 inches, bill to tail and rests on a walnut base signed by mark McNair. Sold | |
 |
Shore bird, curlew,1940’s or early 1950's .
Great look with scratched painting .
Crisfield ,MD influence. Lloyd Tyler style
or possible Sherman Jones who collaborated
with Tyler or a Mr. Matthews of near by
Pocomoke City, MD.
Either way, this is an excellent piece of folk art carving. Sold |
|
 |
Scaupe hen circa 1940, Will Mason, Eastern Shore, VA. Near mint, probably never rigged or gunned. Mr. Mason passed about 1960. His work is very similar to the decoys made by Lou Birch of Chincoteague. Many a Mason decoy has been confused for Lou Birch's. Will Mason’s decoys are scarce and rare and especially a near mint hen. Sold | |
 |
Outstanding 8 inch widgeon drake by Oliver Lawson made as a 50th anniversary gift for Pauline and Clinton Sterling, 1968 (with best wishes,Tutsy & Joan Lawson).This decoy is carved from cedar and the head is tightly attached. Note the paint has lifted and flaked at the neck base. Mr. Lawson will touch that paint up for me if the buyer so chooses .Clinton Sterling,brother to Lloyd Sterling and close friend with Lem Ward, was born around 1900. Married to Pauline in 1918, and passed about 1995. This piece came from the Sterling estate. Sold. | |
 |
Outstanding and very rare resting/preening canvasback pair by Oliver Lawson of Crisfield, Md. "Tuts" has only made a few of this style in his 50 some years of carving. The bill does not touch the back and there is a slight raised wing carving with stipple paint technique applied similar to his friends,Lem and Steve Ward. A " near one of a kind" pair by one of the best and most respected makers of our day. Sold | |
 |
Classic Ira Hudson black duck circa 1930.Original scratch paint with moderate wear. Pellet shots to head and body. This decoy has been gunned over and been through the wars.At one time the head was loose and repairs were made .Very nice shape and patina for any collector at only Sold | |
 |
Lloyd Sterling and brother gunning widgeon pair circa 1960. Made from balsa wood and never rigged. Clinton Sterling was best friends with Lem Ward and note Lem's possible paint on hen's feathering.Very strong head resemblance to the Ward Bro's.It is very strong possibility that Lem and Steve helped make this pair.Excellent near mint pair from Crisfield, MD. Sold | |
 |
Red Knot or Robin Snipe by Grayson Chesser, Sanford, Va. Made in the Virginia Coastal style of Cobb Island. These "Knot" are carved from Virginia white pine with an oak bill splined from the back of the head. These Robin Snipe are about 8 inches long and look as if they have been gunned and used for generations. Grayson carved his first decoy in 1961 and spent many a hour with Miles Hancock on Chincoteague Island. Grayson's decoys and experience gunning are true Virginia Eastern Shore. These "red knot" are Sold. | |
 |
Nice pair of green winged teal from Saxis ,VA. Made by Carroll
Lee Marshall, a carver, painter and collector of teal decoys
and Chincoteague ,VA decoys. This hunting pair won at
the famous Chincoteague,VA decoy show in 2004. Note, these birds are " keeled " for hunting but will easily screw off for display. A great Eastern Shore of VA teal pair. Sold. |
|
 |
R. Madison Mitchell, Havre de Grace, MD(1901-1993) Approx 23 inches long and 12 inches tall, Canada goose. Mr. Mitchell was the prolific maker of the Susquehanna Flats hunting region of the upper Chesapeake Bay. He had many decoy makers pass through his workshop including Bob McGaw, Paul Gibson, Charlie Joiner. Note, bill has been chewed on by "mans best friend" and has been touched up with black paint. Sold. |
|
 |
1967 six inch Mallard Drake by Miles Hancock. Mint condition and a rare species for Chincoteague, VA. There were very few Mallards on Chincoteague Island, Mallards tended to stay on the mainland. Good luck finding a gunning Mallard decoy from a Chincoteague maker Sold. | |
 |
1962 miniature (7 inches long) green winged teal by Oliver "Tuts" Lawson of Crisfield, MD. Signed and dated by Mr. Lawson and contains half of the old "Duck House" sticker. "Tuts" learned and worked under his mentors, Lem and Steve Ward and his work is highly sought after. He is one of the Crisfield legends. This teal is clean and mint. It has a paper thin crest that is mint. This bird will only go up in value in the coming years.Sold. | |
 |
Yellow leg shore bird by Mark McNair. This New England style creation has raised wing carving an inleted bill inserted from the back of the head. The bird measures 13 inches, bill to tail and stands on a very nice signed walnut base. Sold. | |
 |
Lloyd Tyler, Crisfield,MD circa 1958 miniture (approx. 3.5 inches long) mallard hen. Rare small creation by Lloyd. I found 3 of these at a sale about 3 years ago. Lloyd made these for gifts and packing samples. Note small thin white line across the back .I am not sure if it is a scratch or paint. In a swimming posture with the head forward. Sold | |
 |
Tyler, Crisfield MD, 1/4 size widgeon, circa. 1950. Lloyd or William Tyler. Great looking widgeon from the Tylers of Crisfield. Note Henry Stansbury's 1995 book "Lloyd J. Tyler" for similar examples of this decoy. Sold | |
 |
Gunning green winged teal ,life size,weighted and strapped, Crisfield, MD- Great hunting decoy or mantle piece . Sold | |
 |
Signed and dated 1980 "Shell Duck". Hen merganser by Delbert Daisey of Chincoteague, VA. measures 16.5 inches long in swimming pose. This piece has been in a private collection up in New England since the previous owner purchased it in 1980. Blue ink has faded over the last 27 years but is legible. Mint condition as the pictures show. A great edition to any Chincoteague collection. Good luck finding a matching drake. This "Cigar" gunning merganser is Sold |
|
 |
Mark McNair, Virginia curlew. all original,aged to look 100 years old,as only Mark can do. This curlew is 15 inches long and stands 13 inches tall on a walnut base.Slightly raised wing carving with a 4 inch bill and Mark's branded name. McNair's are not being traded much and show up when Mark feels creative and decides to produce more. Sold | |
 |
Ira Hudson black duck, Chincoteague, VA; circa 1930- Original paint worn to bare wood in places- Classic style, arguably Ira’s finest style black duck- ( See Henry Stansbury’s book on Ira Hudson) Excellent piece / example for only Sold |
|
Miniature widgeon on stand, |
||
 |
"Content" pose,yellowleg by "Cigar" Daisey one of Virginia's finest makers. My understanding is that "Cigs" made 5 styles of yellowlegs. This is must for anyone collecting "Cigar's" yellowlegs. This is a standard size shorebird. Sold | |
|
Buffle head pair , Delbert “Cigar" Daisey Chincoteague, VA-
Signed, stamped and dated- Nice hunting decoys, “dippers"
were popular and hunted back in the day
- Cigar made one of the best A must have- fewer and fewer duck decoys are showing up by Mr. Daisey- Highly collectible. Sold |
|
|
This"third size" mallard duck by Miles Hancock |
||
 |
 |
This pair is a must have for every Chesapeake Bay collection. Carved by R. Madison Mitchell from Havre De Grace, Maryland. This pair is Circa 1945 and is in excellent condition. This is "up the river" style canvasbacks .Sold |
| Ward brothers style blue bill drake, George Bell, Crisfield, MD- An excellent copy of the “36” style Ward blue bill- A Ward would sell for approx. 20,000 – Sold |
||
 |
Look at Eldridge Tyler’s miniture decoy from Crisfield, Maryland. It is a very folksy bufflehead, goldeneye or Canada Goose - You be the judge! Note J E Tyler signiture on the underside. Mr Tyler passed away in a house fire about 1994. Cousin to the more famous Lloyd Tyler. Collectible for any folk art lover. Sold | |
 |
Miles Hancock, bufflehead hen, Chincoteague, VA- Made and painted (O. P.), circa 1940, slight defect in wood grain on the back. Dipper measures 12 inches bill to tail Sold. |
|
 |
Excellent merganser drake by Miles Hancock, Chincoteague, VA Circa 1967. Mr. Miles later miniature decoys measure about 6 inches bill to tail. He carved and painted these mini's in his late years for gifts and his livelihood when his hands and sight started to fail him. Mr. Hancock passed away in 1974. These are great collectibles and the drake merganser is scarce. Sold | |
 |
Golden plover on tree stump stand by Delbert "Cigar" Daisy of Chincoteague, Virginia. Alert pose, outstanding paint patterns by the Chincoteague great. Stamped and signed under belly (sig. hard to see on the black). Sold | |
 |
Scaup pair, Oliver Lawson, Crisfield, MD-
A beautiful pair of decoys by the Crisfield School master-
Very collectible Chesapeake Bay decoys. Mint pair , a must have for the novice and the experienced collector alike. Mr. Lawson started carving at about 15 years of age by the side of Lem and Steve Ward around 1954 . This pair Sold |
|
 |
Pintail pair, Oliver Lawson, Crisfield, MD- Great form and paint by one of the traditional makers -Signed and dated by Mr. Lawson. - An excellent full size hunting pair with a removable keel for display. Sold |
|
 |
Majestic 22 inch long black duck by legendary maker, Mark McNair and so branded. One of only a few solid body black ducks. Mark created this decoy while on an island near/in the Chesapeake Bay. Sold | |
 |
Dowitcher in feeding pose by Cigar. Branded and signed as the picture shows. Cigar just "shakes his head" at the prices collectors are paying for his decoys. Virginia collectors are grabing all the Cigar Daiseys they can find at a fair price. Sold. | |
 |
||
 |
Unknown Canada Goose- miniature. North Hampton County, VA Circa 1930. Excellent old paint with patina faded on the back. (Email any information in identifying the maker appreciated.) Sold |
|
