"This is great sculpture that deserves to be in any prominent, important, and a very personable art collection." - Robbie Smith, Sporting Art Director

Join Sporting Art Director, Robbie Smith, as he discusses some of the defining characteristics he looks for in exceptional decoys. Beginning with Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, Smith examines a masterfully carved Redhead by James Best, noting it as a phenomenal piece of sculpture, before turning to a rare Ruddy Duck by Rufus Roberts, distinguished by its bold chine line and striking surface. Traveling north to Maryland, he highlights a beautifully painted pair of Canvasbacks by the Ward Brothers, then returns to the North Carolina coast to present a remarkable Goose by John Wallace Salter, which is defined by it's warm patina and pronounced neck shelf. Together, these decoys demonstrate the enduring appeal of working waterfowl carvings as both functional sporting objects and compelling works of American sculpture.

Explore these works and many more in our Sporting Art Auction, which opens for live-online bidding on Thursday, May 28 at 10:00 am. Pre-bidding is available now.

Sporting Art Auction
May 28, 2026 at 10:00 am ET