Pratt Manufacturing (IL, 1920-1939), Mallard Drake

Joliet and Chica, Illinois, circa 1920, carved and painted wood, glass eyes.

Length 17.25 in.

From the Collection of a Gentleman Greensboro, North Carolina

Considered one of the earliest mass producers of factory-made duck decoys in America. Founded by James H. Pratt in the 1890s, the company manufactured decoys primarily from wood and papier-mâché. Their decoys were known for robust construction, simple paint patterns, and utilitarian design aimed at working hunters. They produced decoys for a variety of species including mallards, canvasbacks, and bluebills. Their products were distributed through major sporting goods catalogs like Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward.

Original paint, wear to the edge of the tail.