Hand-Carved Wooden Duck – Folk Art / Decoy Style (ca. 1920–1950)

This charming hand-carved wooden duck is a characterful example of early to mid-20th-century folk craftsmanship. Painted in natural green and red tones and fitted with glass inset eyes, the piece has a lifelike presence combined with a rustic, handcrafted appeal.

The form suggests inspiration from traditional hunting decoys, although the execution leans more toward decorative folk art than purely functional use. The hollowed underside may once have served for weighting or mounting, further hinting at its practical origins.

Details

Object: Hand-carved wooden duck
Material:

• Wood (likely linden or similar softwood)

• Hand-painted finish

• Glass inset eyes

Type: Folk art / decoy-inspired decorative object

Origin & Dating

Origin (likely):

• Europe (Netherlands or Belgium)
  or

• Folk tradition (possibly Scandinavian or Eastern European)

Period: Circa 1920–1950

Context:
Such carved birds were often used as hunting decoys or decorative objects, combining craftsmanship with everyday rural life.

Style

• Folk art / rustic

• Decoy-inspired form

• Handcrafted character

• Naturalistic yet simplified design

Technique

• Hand-carved from solid wood

• Hand-painted with traditional pigments

• Glass inset eyes (a classic feature in older carvings)

• Hollowed underside (possibly for weight or mounting)

Condition

Average vintage condition with authentic wear

Structurally intact
No major cracks
Visible paint wear and surface aging
Wear and discoloration to the underside

Strong, authentic patina

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.