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Item Overview
Antique Wm. E. Pratt Manufacturing Co. Black Duck working decoy, identified by an older collector/dealer note as circa 1924.
This substantial wooden decoy measures approximately 17 inches long and weighs approximately 2.6 pounds. It features hollow-body construction, detailed painted feather pattern, blue wing/speculum coloration and two intact glass eyes.
An older paper identification tag remains taped to the underside and reads:
“Pratt
Black Duck
c-1924
230.00”
The identification is consistent with the appearance and construction of period Pratt factory decoys, although no factory stamp is visible on the decoy itself.
Description
Wonderful early factory working duck decoy attributed to the Wm. E. Pratt Manufacturing Company of Joliet, Illinois.
Pratt entered the commercial decoy business during the early 1920s and acquired the Mason decoy operation in 1924, continuing to manufacture a wide variety of factory hunting decoys through 1939. Pratt produced Black Ducks, Mallards, Canvasbacks, Redheads, Pintails and numerous other species, using a variety of grades and paint treatments.
This example displays an attractive broad Black Duck form with a large rounded wooden body, separate carved head, green-toned bill, glass eyes, painted feather detail and surviving blue wing/speculum coloration.
The body displays a prominent horizontal construction seam consistent with its hollow-body construction.
An older collector/dealer identification card remains taped underneath and identifies the decoy as “Pratt Black Duck c-1924.” The card also bears an old $230.00 price notation. This tag is included as received and is presented as prior collector identification rather than a factory label or formal authentication.
A very appealing approximately century-old American working decoy with excellent primitive sporting character.
Key Highlights
- Wm. E. Pratt Mfg. Co. attributed
- Black Duck working decoy
- Identified circa 1924
- Joliet, Illinois factory
- Approx. 17\" long
- Approx. 2.6 lb.
- Hollow wooden body
- Both glass eyes present and intact
- Detailed painted feather decoration
- Surviving blue wing/speculum paint
- Separate carved wooden head
- Older collector/dealer identification tag included
- Excellent early American sporting collectible
- Approximately 100 years old
Condition
- Great vintage condition considering its approximately century-old age and working history
- Both glass eyes are present and intact
- Strong overall body, head, bill and tail form
- Attractive aged surface and patina
- Expected paint wear, rubbing, scratches and surface loss from age and use
- Various areas of paint flaking/checking visible
- Bill shows expected paint wear while remaining structurally intact
- Older taped identification card remains attached to underside
- Please review all photos closely for exact cosmetic condition
Item pictured is the exact item you will receive.
