A rare original carved and painted preening black duck decoy feathered the nest of its consignors when it sold for $195,500 at Klinger & Co.’s Antique Collectors Auction on May 14.

The rare painted and carved black duck decoy with turned head and raised wing is attributed to Gus Wilson (1864-1950), Portland, Maine, a keen observer of nature, as well as boatbuilder, fisherman and lighthouse keeper.

“[The decoy] came out of a local old-time Cape estate,” said auction company owner Keith Klinger. “A classic case in which it was found laying on the floor of the barn where it had been for years. The family’s father had passed away, and the kids didn’t know what to do with the stuff. They called us in to look at it. I’m sure I could have bought the decoy for $1,000, but I told them, ‘No, this should go to auction.’ It was the right thing to do.”

According to Creekside Art Gallery, which profiles Wilson on its website, Wilson was a prolific carver who produced an estimated 5,000 decoys for sale to local Maine hunters and sports. He made black ducks in great numbers and in many variations – in calling, sleeping, feeding and preening positions, and with one and two raised wings.

Prices reported include the 15 percent buyer’s premium.

A complete report of the sale will appear in a future issue.

-WD