Lot #132: the Hand-Carved Duck Decoy (Initialed M.P.)

Presenting an exceptional early hand-carved wooden duck decoy, a piece that carries the quiet authority of true working craftsmanship. Signed underneath with the initials “M.P.”, this decoy embodies the traditional artistry of unnamed but highly skilled carvers whose work now stands as collectible folk art. Every surface tells a story—hand-tooled carving marks, aged texture, and the warm, honest patina created only through decades of use. The subtle asymmetry, the worn paint, and the carved feather detailing all reflect a maker who carved not just for function, but with an artist’s sensitivity to form and silhouette. Whether the initials M.P. belong to a local Canadian carver, a regional marsh craftsman, or an early 20th-century decoy maker, this piece carries the hallmarks of authentic field use and early workshop production. Pieces like this have become increasingly sought after by collectors of folk art, primitive carvings, and traditional hunting heritage. This decoy displays beautifully on a mantel, sideboard, or gallery shelf—its presence is understated but commanding, with that timeless blend of rustic charm and sculptural form that serious collectors value. A genuine piece of sporting history, full of character, provenance, and potential. Pickup category timeslot {A}