Bird Decoy Appraisal

Montana Tradition Hand-Carved Duck Decoy by Mibba Burgess

This item is a decorative hand-carved and painted duck decoy, likely crafted from wood. The main body of the duck is painted in shades of grey and white, suggesting a realistic portrayal of a waterfowl species. The head of the duck, visible in the smaller inset image, appears to be painted with distinct red and dark tones, indicating the species might be a male Canvasback or a similar type of duck. The decoy rests on an oval-shaped, light-colored wooden base that exhibits a visible wood grain and a somewhat rustic finish. The underside of the base features handwritten inscriptions in what appears to be black marker or paint, reading "Montana Tradition" and what looks like a signature "Mibba Burgess" followed by a date "2000". There is also a circular sticker on the base, partially visible, which seems to have patriotic colors (red, white, blue) and text, possibly indicating "Made in USA" or a similar manufacturing origin. The base is attached to the decoy, possibly with screws, as indicated by four visible circular indentations or fasteners on the underside. Two orange stickers with handwritten numbers are also affixed to the base, likely inventory or auction tags (one displays '89'). The overall impression is one of a well-preserved piece of folk art, with minor wear consistent with its age and use as a decorative item rather than a functional hunting decoy. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, with attention to detail in the carving and painting of the duck, making it a collectible piece.