Session I of Secor Decoy Auction Nets $170,000 for Delta Waterfowl

Session II featuring the remaining 31 Secor lots slated for Feb. 21-22, 2025

The prized decoy collection of George Secor is being auctioned to benefit Delta Waterfowl’s conservation programs.

Secor, a lifelong waterfowl hunter and former member of Delta’s Board of Directors, generously has 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 decided to offer the Secor collection over two separate auctions.

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 is making a substantial investment in Delta’s mission to produce ducks and secure the future of waterfowl hunting,” said Dr. Scott Petrie, chief executive officer of Delta Waterfowl. “We’re celebrating George’s legacy through the decoy auction and his gift, and we’re very grateful for his support.”

Copley is offering the remaining 31 lots of the Secor collection at its Winter Sale on Feb. 21-22, 2025. Headlining the auction is an exceedingly rare canvasback pair by Henry “Hank” Catton of Ridgetown, Ontario. The Catton canvasbacks—which Secor ranks 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 order a Winter Sale catalog, call the Copley gallery at (617) 536-0030. An online auction preview should be available by Jan. 20, 2025, at copleyart.com.