Albert Laing Early Black Duck
Albert Davids Laing (1811-1886) New York, NY and Stratford, CT, c. 1835
The catalog record
Albert Davids Laing (1811-1886) New York, NY and Stratford, CT, c. 1835 16 1/4 in. long
The age and construction of this decoy are notable in decoy history. This black duck from Laing's earliest known rig, made while he was living in New York, is one of the first known rigs of hollow decoys. The underside is branded "B. H. WELLER" twice. Old paint with gunning wear.
Provenance: Albert Davids Laing Rig B. H. Weller Rig Ronald S. Swanson Collection Private Collection
Literature: Ronald S. Swanson, "Albert D. Laing: A decoy maker unequaled in his time," Decoy Magazine, July/August 1995, p. 10, exact decoy illustrated. Henry C. Chitwood, "Connecticut Decoys," West Chester, PA, 1987, p. 24, exact decoy illustrated.
Provenance
Albert Davids Laing Rig B. H. Weller Rig Ronald S. Swanson Collection Private Collection
Comparable sales
The 5 most recent Albert Laing Black Ducks to cross the block.
| Sold | Condition | Paint | Brought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2025 | — | Repaint | $3,600 |
| Feb 2021 | — | — | $3,900 |
| Jul 2018 | — | — | $22,800 |
| Jul 2018 | — | — | $2,760 |
| Jul 2013 | — | Repaint | $633 |
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Albert Laing sales