Secor Decoy Auction to Benefit Delta Waterfowl

Copley sale featuring 31 prized decoy lots slated for
Feb. 21-22

The second group of decoys from the late George Secor’s prized collection is being auctioned Feb. 21-22 to benefit Delta Waterfowl’s conservation programs.

Last year, Secor generously donated his valuable collection of decoys—comprised mostly of birds carved by Ontario makers—to support Delta. Secor enlisted Copley Fine Art Auctions of Pembroke, Massachusetts, to conduct the sale.

Copley opted to offer the Secor collection over two separate auctions. Roughly half of the collection was sold last July, with the remaining lots being offered at Copley’s Winter Sale on Feb. 21-22.

Headlining the auction is an exceedingly rare canvasback pair by Henry “Hank” Catton of Ridgetown, Ontario. The Catton canvasbacks—which Secor deemed as favorites in his collection—carry an estimated auction value of $15,000 to $25,000. Other exceptional decoys donated by Secor include an early Canada goose by Phineas Reeves of Long Point, Ontario, and a circa-1880 Canada goose crafted by Daniel B. Jones of Prince Edward County, Ontario. Each goose decoy is estimated at $7,000 to $10,000.

To preview the auction and register to bid, visit https://live.copleyart.com/.

Secor, a lifelong waterfowler who grew up hunting the Erie Marsh in Ohio, died Jan. 15. He demonstrated a proud history of giving back to waterfowl conservation, having served on the Delta Waterfowl Board of Directors from 2002 to 2012, including a two-year term as chairman.

At the Copley Sporting Sale in July, the sale of 38 lots of the Secor collection raised more than $170,000 for Delta Waterfowl. A magnificent Canada goose decoy made by revered Ontario carver Thomas Chambers brought $37,200, making it the top lot of the Secor collection. An exquisite pair of canvasbacks also made by Chambers sold for $21,600.

“By generously donating his fine collection of decoys, George Secor made a substantial investment in Delta’s mission to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting,” said Jeffrey Howell, vice president of major gifts for Delta Waterfowl. “We’re celebrating George’s legacy through the decoy auction and his gift, and we’re very grateful for his support.”