William Oler (NJ, 1940-2015), Pair of Black Ducks

Beach Haven, New Jersey, circa 1990s, carved and painted wood, glass eyes.

Length 17 in.

Private Collection, Chincoteague, Virginia

Oler created a variety of decoys, including black ducks, bluebills, and redheads, reflecting his artistic vision. Oler's decoys featured hollow-carved bodies, tack eyes, and distinctive traits like humped backs and pinched breasts. He often used flocked paint finishes, popular with New Jersey hunters for their flat, non-glossy look.

Original paint with light soiling, no signs of use.

Schedule Preview