Today, August 3 2006, Canada Post issues an attractive set of four stamps with a domestic rate of .51-cents. The purpose of the stamps are to honor the history and evolution of duck decoys in Canada. Duck decoys have gone beyond the marshes and fields are now are a popular collectable, as well as prized for the artistic value. To give you an idea of how prized they can become, In 2004, a new record price was set for a Canadian-carved decoy when a collector paid $187,000 USD for a Thomas Chambers wood drake.
The decoys featured in these stamps represent four different regional species and carving styles. The red-breasted merganser represents the Maritimes; the barrow’s golden eye, Quebec; the black duck, Ontario; and the mallard, the Prairie region. All are authentic working decoys, many showing the scars of their labours and years. Designed by Dennis Page and Oliver Hill of trampoline in Halifax, the stamps combine the photography of Ted Coldwell and original painting by Pierre Leduc to illustrate the decoys against an authentic backdrop.
Inspiration for the paintings came from 1930s-era hunting-gear catalogues, as well as research into paintings of ducks and geese throughout Canada, particularly those of Allan Brooks, a renowned wildlife artist. The help and collaboration of the Canadian Museum of Nature help and collaboration was also valueable. The four decoys featured in the stamp set are part of an archived collection at the museum.
