Antique Wooden Duck Decoy – Hand-Carved Hunting Decoy (ca. 1900–1940)

This authentic wooden duck decoy is a beautifully aged example of early 20th-century craftsmanship. Hand-carved from solid wood and painted in naturalistic duck colors, it was originally used as a functional hunting decoy.

The bird is depicted in a low, resting position, with a flat underside clearly showing signs of real use in water. The presence of glass inset eyes and original hand-applied paint further enhance its authenticity and appeal.

Details

Object: Wooden duck decoy (hunting decoy)
Material:

• Solid wood (likely pine or linden)

• Hand-painted surface

• Glass inset eyes

Position: Resting / low-profile decoy form

Origin & Dating

Origin (likely):

• Europe (Netherlands, Belgium, or France)
  or

• Possibly influenced by American folk decoy styles

Period: Circa 1900–1940

Notes:
European decoys are often more robust and simplified, while American examples tend to be more refined and signed. This piece sits stylistically between both traditions.

Style

• Folk art / hunting decoy

• Functional, not purely decorative

• Naturalistic yet simplified form

• Strong, honest craftsmanship

Technique

• Hand-carved from a single block of wood

• Hand-painted with traditional pigments

• Glass inset eyes (classic decoy feature)

• Flat underside designed for water use

Condition

Good antique condition, with authentic signs of use

Structurally intact
Original paint remains (important for collectors)
Beautiful natural patina

Paint wear and surface loss
Small chips and imperfections
Heavily worn underside from use

About House of History:
At House of History, we are passionate about discovering and curating vintage and unique items for history enthusiasts like you. We believe that a tangible piece of history brings the past to life, and that is where our passion lies! Our dedication to this hobby is reflected in our yearly visits to numerous markets, vintage shops, and auctions, both nationally and internationally, in search of that one unique piece. Whether you are looking to expand your collection or add an extra touch of character to your interior, we strive to find the perfect item for you. Our selection of goods is based on careful selection, love, and craftsmanship. Do you have a specific request? Let us know, and we will gladly search for you! Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, comments, or complaints. We are always here to help.

Pricing and shipping:
At House of History, our prices always include shipping costs. We recommend keeping this in mind when comparing prices. In addition, we always ship with track & trace for your peace of mind. All orders are shipped within 1 to 2 working days. We only use reputable postal companies and provide all shipments with tracking. Items valued over 200.00 are always shipped insured. Our products are professionally and carefully packaged, and we have extensive experience with international shipping.

Notes:
At House of History, we sell vintage products, which means that our goods may show signs of use. We recommend carefully reviewing the accompanying photos and videos before making a purchase. Do you have more questions about a product or would you like to receive additional photos, videos, or descriptions? Do not hesitate to contact us. We are always here to help. At House of History, we prefer to preserve the original condition of our products. Some customers prefer a polished, restored condition, while others prefer a lived-in look (patina). The majority of our offered products are therefore presented unpolished and uncleaned.