Duck Call Makes Noise At SoldUSA.Com Sale

MATTHEWS, N.C.

:A duck call made by J.T. Beckart in the 1940s sold for $9,219 in an online sale conducted on January 25-26 by SoldUSA.com, specialists in Internet sporting auctions. "This is probably the finest duck call we've ever offered," said Chris Roberts, vice president of SoldUSA.com.

The auction comprised duck decoys, Winchester items, die cut pieces, shotgun shell boxes, firearms, posters, calendars and other sporting collectibles.

The J.T. Beckart duck call was a checkered, raised panel example in near-new condition and with a deep, rich age patina. The call, measuring 5 3/4 inches overall, showed little evidence of use and had a loud, raspy tone, metal reed and walnut stopper.

In other highlights, a fully sealed box of 24-gauge shotgun shells made in the 1920s by the Union Metallic Cartridge Co. (later bought by Remington), in mint condition, realized $1,305. It was a new world auction record for a box of UMC shells.

A pair of hollow-bodied great scaups by John Dawson (1889-1959) commanded $6,527. The pair, probably carved in the 1950s, still had their original paint. Each measured 14 by 41/2 inches and had the distinctive "JD" visibly carved into its belly.

A working decoy crafted in 1988 by Jim Schmiedlin of Brandfordwoods, Penn., doubled the high estimate of $1,200 by hitting $2,610. The bird graded "at least excellent, with skills and styling that rival the Ward brothers," Roberts said.

A robin snipe shorebird decoy made in the late 1800s at the renowned Dodge factory in Detroit, Mich., rose to $4,011. This example had previously been in the collection of Dr George Starr and still bore the "Starr" stamp on its belly.

A rare UMC Shotgun Shells counter felt with flying canvasback went for $2,669. The piece, used on glass display cases to prevent scratching, was made around 1915. It measured 11 1/4 by 13 3/4 inches and showed no wear or soiling.

Prices reported include a 13 percent buyer's premium.

SoldUSA.com's next sale will be conducted in late March or early April and features a wide selection of firearms and shotgun shell boxes. For information, 704-815-1500.