Old duck decoys

[Northwoods]

I got these old decoys that my great uncle made years ago. Do I put them on a display shelf as is or give them some fresh paint? If I paint them do I paint them how they were originally painted or get creative with the paint and make some pairs? A pair of mallards, a pair of black ducks, etc.

 

[choc dogs]

I would leave them, bumps, bruises and all. But they’re yours, and they have to fit where you’re putting them. If they just end up looking like crap, then re finish as you like.

 

[Wally Dog]

Leave them be. They show honest wear.

 

[duckhunt]

Don't touch.

 

[Keep on]

I would leave them be. They are yours to do with as you please, but I think it would be a shame to mess with some gunner decoys that have been handed down. There is a story behind all the scuffs and scrapes.
That is unless you just want to freshen the bills and backs up to keep gunning with those bluebill blocks.

 

[sccritterkiller]

Those are sweet..I wouldn't touch them unless you plan on using them.

 

[seeth07]

I'd toss them in that prime box, put my address on it and send it!

 

[choc dogs]

I would leave them, bumps, bruises and all. But they’re yours, and they have to fit where you’re putting them. If they just end up looking like crap, then re finish as you like.

Mostly I meant your significant other has to sign off. May or may not be an issue in your home.

 

[Bullshot]

Agreed leave them as is! You can’t replicate authentic worn in charm.

 

[Northwoods]

I took the weights and string off of them and put them on a shelf in my man cave just as they are. I’m more excited about them than my bride is

 

[Clarq]

I took the weights and string off of them and put them on a shelf in my man cave just as they are. I’m more excited about them than my bride is

Great decision. They're neat display pieces.

 

[okie archer]

I wish I could have ended up with the duck decoys my grandpa duck hunted with before I was born. I really like the old wood ones. I buy them when I can but how cool to have some handed down.

 

[TrumpkinTheDwarf]

No frickin way I'd sit those on shelves. Those bad boys need to be out doing work!

 

[Nick87]

Leave em just the way they are. Did the same with my great grandpa's.

 

[snowmaker joe]

repainting old decoys makes them lose a lot of their monetary value, besides i would want to keep them the way my grandfather had them