Makers / Nichol Family / Black Duck

Nichol Family Black Duck

David K. Nichol (1859-1949) Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada, c. 1880

$4,800
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $2,000–$4,000over estimate
Sold Jul 2024at Copley, July 2024

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesBlack DuckConfigPairSize14.5"PaintOriginal

The catalog record

David K. Nichol (1859-1949) Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada, c. 1880 14 1/2 in. long

A hollow, raised-wing carving with a lightly textured finish and excellent feathering.

David K. was a boat builder and the brother of "Addie" Nichol (1864-1929). According to decoy lore, the pair began carving decoys because the mail-order decoys were such low quality that they burnt them in a bonfire in a fit of disgust. Original paint with light gunning wear, touch-up to neck crack, to a small rub on left side of crown, and to a spot in front of right speculum.

Provenance: Bob Youngman Collection The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl

Provenance

Bob Youngman Collection The George Secor Decoy Collection to Benefit Delta Waterfowl

Comparable sales

The 2 most recent Nichol Family Black Ducks to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
Jul 2025—Repaint$240
Jul 2009—Repaint$288

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Nichol Family sales