Ben Dye Mackey Redhead
Capt. Benjamin F. Dye (1832-1896) Perryville, MD, c. 1880

The catalog record
Capt. Benjamin F. Dye (1832-1896) Perryville, MD, c. 1880 12 3/4 in. long
This early Upper Bay decoy bears the Mackey Collection ink stamp. He illustrated this decoy in his book, noting that "stylized paint patterns such as this were seldom used after 1900 on Chesapeake Bay waters." In a mix of old paint with heavy gunning wear and a neck crack.
Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection Private Collection
Literature: William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 145, pl. 122, exact decoy illustrated.
Provenance
William J. Mackey Jr. Collection Ronald S. Swanson Collection Private Collection
Comparable sales
The 5 most recent Ben Dye Redheads to cross the block.
| Sold | Condition | Paint | Brought |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Oct 2026 | — | — | $1,800 |
| Feb 2021 | — | — | $2,640 |
| 15 Feb 2020 | — | — | $600 |
| Jul 2018 | — | Repaint | $2,040 |
| 17 Feb 2017 | — | Original | $5,700 |
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Ben Dye sales