£650.00
A wonderfully characterful early 20th-century Scandinavian folk art working duck decoy, believed to be Swedish and dating to approximately 1920–1940.
A wonderfully characterful early 20th-century Scandinavian folk art working duck decoy, believed to be Swedish and dating to approximately 1920–1940.
Hand-carved and painted, this particularly appealing example has the wonderfully low, elongated profile associated with traditional working waterfowl decoys, designed to create the convincing silhouette of a swimming bird when viewed upon the water.
The duck has a gently rounded head with an elongated flattened bill, beautifully streamlined body and long tapering tail. Its restrained original-looking painted decoration consists of wonderfully time-worn tones of charcoal black, grey, brown and off-white, with subtle feather markings remaining across the back.
Particularly charming are the inset glass eyes, surrounded by small rings of warm orange-red colour, which give the bird considerable expression and character.
Unlike later decorative carvings made simply for display, the construction of this bird is distinctly utilitarian.
The body appears to have been constructed with a separate flat wooden base secured around its perimeter with numerous small iron nails. This method allowed working decoys to be hollow-bodied and consequently lighter, while the broad flat underside provided a stable profile when positioned upon the water.
The old iron fixings to the underside now display oxidation, entirely consistent with the wonderfully aged and utilitarian character of the piece.
Its extremely low body is another particularly attractive feature. When viewed from the side, the breast sits immediately above the flat base before the body gently rises and tapers towards the tail. When originally positioned on water, the base would effectively disappear beneath the waterline, leaving the head, breast, back and tail to create the appearance of a naturally swimming bird.
The surface has developed a wonderful untouched patina.
Areas of the original painted decoration have naturally worn away through age and handling, revealing glimpses of the timber beneath. There is further rubbing and wear around the bill, head and edges, together with historic knocks and marks accumulated during its working life.
These imperfections are precisely what give the piece its charm.
While its exact place of manufacture cannot currently be established, its form and construction are consistent with traditional Scandinavian waterfowl decoys, including those historically used in Sweden.
Today, it makes a particularly appealing piece of European folk art and sporting history, as well as a wonderfully sculptural decorative object.
We have always had a weakness for old working decoys, particularly examples where their original purpose and years of use remain so clearly visible.
This one has everything we look for.
The extraordinarily low swimming profile, flat nailed underside, beautifully worn paint, glass eyes and slightly battered bill give it an authenticity and character that would be impossible to achieve convincingly with a newly made decorative piece.
Turn it over and the construction becomes particularly interesting. Numerous old iron nails run around the perimeter of the separate flat bottom board, with considerable oxidation remaining to the fixings.
It was made as a functional object rather than simply an ornamental duck.
We have deliberately left the surface completely untouched. The losses, rubbing, marks and variations in the paint are an important part of its history and, in our opinion, considerably enhance its decorative appeal.
It would look wonderful displayed amongst a collection of folk art, sporting antiques or country-house objects, but equally works beautifully as a single sculptural piece on a console, side table, bookshelf or within a study.
A wonderfully honest piece of Scandinavian folk art with enormous character.
Early 20th Century
Circa 1920–1940
Scandinavia, probably Sweden
Carved wood, original painted decoration, glass eyes and iron fixings
Presented in good original antique condition with extensive age and use-related wear throughout, all of which contributes considerably to the character and authenticity of the piece.
The original-looking painted surface displays extensive rubbing, fading, scratches, marks and areas of paint loss, revealing the timber beneath in places.
There is notable historic wear and loss to the end of the bill together with further knocks and abrasions around the head, body, tail and perimeter.
The inset glass eyes remain particularly attractive.
The separate flat underside is secured with numerous old iron nails, which display extensive surface oxidation consistent with age and historic exposure to damp conditions.
There are additional historic marks, scratches and staining to the underside associated with its former utilitarian use.
We have deliberately left the decoy in its found condition and have made no attempt to repaint, refinish or disguise its historic wear.
Height: 37 cm / 14.6 inches
Width: 12 cm / 4.7 inches
Depth: 12 cm / 4.7 inches
Weight: 1.4 kg / 3.1 lbs
Every item offered by Shackleton Fox is carefully inspected, prepared, and where necessary conserved within our workshop prior to sale.
As heritage craftsmen and antique specialists, we believe in preserving the authenticity and integrity of each piece. Original finishes, patina, wear, and signs of age are retained wherever possible, as these elements contribute to both character and historical significance.
When restoration, rewiring, repairs, or conservation work is required, it is undertaken sympathetically using traditional techniques and materials appropriate to the period of the piece. Our philosophy is one of careful stewardship rather than unnecessary restoration, ensuring antiques remain both functional and historically respectful.
The result is a collection of pieces that have been thoughtfully prepared, allowing future owners to enjoy them with confidence while preserving their unique story and character.
