Makers / Louis Rathmell / Black Duck
Louis Rathmell Black Duck
Louis C. Rathmell (1898-1974), Danbury, Connecticut.
$33,000
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $15,000–$25,000over estimate
Sold 24 Jul 2026at Guyette & Deeter July 2026 Decoy & Sporting Art Auction
SpeciesBlack DuckPoseTurned headSize17.5"ConditionMintCarved1951Signedyes
The catalog record
Very rare black duck. Hollow carved cedar body with slightly turned head. Scratch feather paint detail on head and neck. Signed and dated 1951 on underside. Measures 17.5” long.
Provenance
Jim and Diane Cook collection.
Comparable sales
The 5 most recent Louis Rathmell Black Duck to cross the block.
| Sold | Condition | Paint | Brought |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Jul 2026 | Excellent | Original | $8,400 |
| 24 Apr 2026 | Excellent | Original | $25,200 |
| 15 Nov 2025 | — | Original | $9,600 |
| 25 Jan 2025 | — | Original | $3,240 |
| 11 Nov 2023 | Excellent | Original | $12,000 |
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Louis Rathmell sales