Tom Taber duck given to me- good/bad/?

[huskersfan1]

Hey all.

Newbie here. I'm not much of a woodworker, although I've done a few projects in the past. And because of those projects, I was given this gift b/c they thought I was a die-hard carver. That being said, I don't know jack about this thing, and I was hoping you guys could help me out. It has his name on the bottom, and in the woodworking world, is that his signature? How old do you think this thing is? Finally, I need to claim this on household insurance if it's worth anything, is it?

here is a pic

Thank you so much for your help (in advance) you have no idea how much I appreciate it.

Chad

[markken5889]

Hi Chad,

Tom Taber did alot of decoys through the Ducks Unlimited yearly series, mostly I think, in the 1980's. So it's not an antique - he aimed to get that look in much of his work though. Seems like many are going for the $100-200 range on the internet, sometimes up to $400. That's a beauty you have there. If it were me, I'd keep it for display, but then, I'm a decoy carver myself.

Mark

[William]

I agree with Mark for the same reason, and thank you the name because the finish on his work is very similar to the carvings I'm doing now. You have a nice collectible there.

Duck Decoys by Modern Carvers

Bill
^v^

[Bob K.]

I too agree with Mark and Bill...I'm not a duck carver but it's a beautiful piece you have there. I would keep it for display.

[Steve Reed]

Definitely a keeper, nice example of what we call a "Smoothie". Nice piece.

[BobBlaney]

Beautiful display decoy. The finish makes you want to pick it up and feel how smooth. A definite keeper.