Makers / Louis Rathmell / Black Duck
Louis Rathmell Turned-head Black Duck
Louis C. Rathmell (1898-1974) Danbury, CT, 1941
$3,600
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $4,000–$6,000under estimate
Sold 24 Jul 2016at The Sporting Sale 2016 — Copley
SpeciesBlack DuckPoseTurned headPaintOriginalCarved1941Signedyes
The catalog record
Louis C. Rathmell (1898-1974) Danbury, CT, 1941 A cork-bodied decoy with an impressed, inletted weight signed "1941 L C RATHMELL." Original paint with light gunning wear, touch-up to bill tip, possible touch up to tail, and a ding on back left.
Provenance: William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection
Literature: Cliff Alexander, "Lou Rathmell: A decoy maker who lived in a castle," Decoy Magazine, November/December 2015, p. 25 and front cover, rigmates illustrated.
Provenance
William H. Purnell, Jr. Collection
Comparable sales
The 5 most recent Louis Rathmell Black Ducks to cross the block.
| Sold | Condition | Paint | Brought |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Oct 2026 | — | — | $1,750 |
| 8 Oct 2026 | — | Original | $3,120 |
| 25 Jul 2026 | Excellent | Original | $8,400 |
| 24 Jul 2026 | Mint | — | $33,000 |
| 24 Apr 2026 | Excellent | Original | $25,200 |
Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Louis Rathmell sales