Vintage hand-carved and hand-painted wooden duck decoy measuring approximately 18 inches long.

The decoy features a dark reddish-brown head, black bill, black breast and tail, and a cream-colored body. Visible carving and tool marks give it an appealing primitive folk-art appearance. The underside retains a metal weight or ballast plate and an attached anchor point with old cord, suggesting it may have been made as a functional hunting decoy rather than purely decorative.

The maker, exact age, and duck species are unknown. It appears to be an older handmade piece, but it is being sold as unsigned vintage folk art rather than attributed to a specific carver.

A strong decorative piece for:

• Hunting lodge or cabin décor
• Coastal or sporting collections
• Americana and folk-art displays
• Vintage duck decoy collections

Approximate measurements

• Length: 18 inches

Condition details

• Surface scratches and scuffs
• Paint wear, chips, stains, and discoloration
• Small cracks and dents in the wood
• Wear to the head and bill
• Oxidation and wear to underside hardware
• Old cord remains attached
• No visible signature or maker’s mark

The wear has not been restored or refinished and contributes to the decoy’s authentic rustic character. Photos are part of the description.

Item Specifics

• Type: Duck decoy
• Material: Wood
• Production technique: Hand carved and hand painted
• Color: Cream, black, reddish brown
• Size: Approximately 16 inches long
• Style: Primitive / folk art / sporting
• Theme: Hunting, waterfowl, Americana
• Original or reproduction: Unknown
• Signed: No
• Maker: Unknown
• Country of manufacture: Unknown

• circa 1930s–1950s

  • The decoy appears to be a full-size working gunning decoy, not merely a decorative carving.
  • Its underside has an old metal ballast weight and a separate line-tie block with cord. Comparable older working decoys commonly retain lead ballast and leather or similar line ties. 
  • The simple tack or pin-style eyes, heavy hand carving, broad paint pattern, and repeated repainting are consistent with utilitarian decoys made during the first half of the 20th century.
  • The paint looks old and heavily worn, but portions may be later working