Ruddy Duck Decoy

Saturday’s auction is full of decoys- Geese, Loons, Shore Birds, and more. The one that’s attracting the most attention, though, is this fantastic ruddy duck decoy (pictured above).

The decoy is signed WW on the bottom, which we believe to be the owner’s initials, and has been identified by several collectors as a Lee or Lem Dudley Ruddy Duck Decoy from Knotts Island, NC. Lee Dudley turned out most of his decoys prior to 1900 and relatively few have survived intact to this day.  Most collectors agree that the Dudley canvasback is a true classic, and a valuable addition to any collection. William Mackey, one of the earliest decoy authorities called the heads on Dudley decoys “… the most beautifully conceived and splendidly carved heads ever placed on duck decoys.” Few collectors would disagree.

We’ve also been told that it may be John Graham (1822-1912) Decoy out of Charlelstown, Maryland. Graham was one of the very early carvers on the Cecil county side of the flats. Born in 1822, Graham had a long run as a seminal carver on the North East side of the Susquehanna.

Ultimately, we’ll let you decide because either way it is a rare and unique decoy that will be an exciting buy for a lucky bidder. Don’t miss it in our fine estates and collectibles auction Saturday, July 10th @ 4:00 PM EST