Where it began for Bill
I have collected and studied sporting collectables for over 40 years. I purchased my first decoy when I was 9 years old. My parents were avid antique collectors and I would accompany them on endless trips to antique stores, shows, and flea markets.
In the Midwest in the 1960’s many of the hunt clubs in the Illinois & Mississippi River Valleys were dissolved, providing the antique market with a tremendous supply of unique and yet to be identified folk art carvings in the form of wooden duck decoys. Decoys could be purchased for $1 to $5 for common decoys up to $25 for decoys made by Charlie Perdew! As interest grew, and sources disappeared, decoy prices escalated and a market developed. Education and growth of new collectors was essential to the success of our hobby so we shared information, nurtured new collectors, and developed organizations. There are many outstanding Decoy and Sporting Collectable shows today where new and old collectors have the ability to see thousands of decoys for sale by individual sellers or at auctions.
Where it began for Rose
I knew nothing about decoys or sporting collectables until I met Bill. His love of this hobby created an activity for us as we shopped for decoys via antique stores, people’s homes and decoy shows. I grew increasingly interested in decoys so much so that I am now a Board Member of the Midwest Decoy Collectors Association. I chose the area of ‘collector education’ as one of my duties and I schedule the seminars we hold each year at the Pheasant Run Show. All collectors both new and old are interested in learning more about the hobby they enjoy. It has been a very satisfying and rewarding job to bring the educational aspect of decoy collecting to all who are interested. One of my personal goals is to attract more women collectors to come and enjoy this hobby.
Where it took Us
Today we are active dealers buying and selling hunting and fishing sporting collectibles at shows throughout the country. We also sell on Ebay. We remain current on item values and changing trends by reviewing pricing and sales on the Internet as well as auction sales and public and private transactions. We enjoy working in all facets of the hunting and fishing antiques arena including appraising, education, buying, selling and interacting with all aspects of the collecting community. If you have any questions or comments you can email us at decoyss "at" aol.com.
We truly enjoy mentoring new collectors because that is the most important way we can continue this great hobby.
