Iron Sink Box Duck Decoy c.1900

A cast iron Sink Box Duck Decoy dating to the very early 20th century, or a bit older. These iron decoys were used as ballast on sink boxes or punt boats that were used for hunting waterfowl. These relatively flat boats would allow hunters to hide in the marshes and the attached decoys were meant to attract the waterfowl. Sink Boxes were outlawed for hunting by the Migratory Bird Act of 1918, and many of them wound up at the bottom of rivers/marshes. This example is the first I’ve seen in a number of years. The bird is 13 ½” from head to tail, about 5” wide and 6 ¾” high. From the shape, it appears to be a mallard or bluebill. Hollow, the decoy retains an early if not original painted surface with only minor oxidation and no damage. Molded eyes give it character. It weighs about 11 pounds, so don’t drop it on your foot. And if your sinkbox is in the shop for maintenance, you can always use the decoy as a door stop!

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