Dudley, Cobb, and Other American Bird Decoys in Copley’s Winter Sale

Made to distract, decoy ducks are placed in hunting areas to attract real birds. Carved wooden decoys are more difficult to find as plastic versions have become more popular. The upcoming Winter Sale 2021, presented by Copley, will offer a selection of carved Dudley decoys. Dudley decoys have compact bodies with sculpted lines that flow from beak to tail. The decoys were made by twin brothers Lee and Lem Dudley. These carved decoys also feature in books like Joel Barber’s Wild Fowl Decoys and William J. Mackey’s American Bird Decoys. 

Another featured lot is a painting by Frank Benson. From his youth, the artist aspired to be an ornithological illustrator. Upon returning from Paris to his home in Massachusetts, he began painting portraits and birds. The available Redheads in Flight shows a flock of birds flying in formation over a marsh. Other notable lots include fine art by Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait, Edmund H. Osthaus, and Ogden M. Pleissner. Visit Bidsquare for the full listings and to place a bid.