French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Decoy
Hand-carved wooden duck and bird decoys.
Statues & Curiosities · Indicative US retail $40–$10,000
At a glance
- Family: Statues & Curiosities
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1880 to 1950.
- Typical price: about $300; range $40 to $10,000 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Maker, original paint
What it is
Hand-carved wooden decoys lured ducks, geese and shorebirds within range of hunters, and are one of the great American folk arts. Carvers on the Chesapeake Bay, in New England, on the Delaware River and the Illinois River developed regional styles; masters such as Elmer Crowell and Lothrop Holmes command very high prices. France also produced hunting decoys (appelants), especially in the Somme and the Camargue.
How to identify and date it
Original paint with honest wear, glass or tack eyes, a carver's brand or initials on the base and lead weights indicate authentic working decoys. Repainting, replaced heads and artificially aged new decoys are common. Condition and attribution drive value enormously.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1880 to 1950.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most decoy examples ask around $300. Simple or worn pieces start near $40, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $10,000. The main value drivers are: maker, original paint. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Before you buy
- Check paint and head
- Look for brands
- Ask about attribution
Living with it
A decoy on a bookshelf or mantel adds a sporting, country touch.
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How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.