Mason Decoy Factory The Mccleery Slope-breast Mallard Hen

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1895 16 1/2 in. long

"Mason at its best!" — Goldberger and Haid discussing this exact decoy in "Mason Decoys"

"Masons - The undisputed royalty of factory made decoys" — Dr. James M. McCleery, foreword to "Mason Decoys"

The caption for this exact decoy in "Mason Decoys" reads: "Early Premier Slope Breast Mallard Hen Ca. 1895. Hollow in mint condition. Mason at its best!" "Jim McCleery's love of and interest in Masons was always well known,” report Goldberger and Haid, “at [his] auction the collectors gave a ringing endorsement..." Indeed, Dr. McCleery, widely known as one of the leading decoy collectors of all time, once proclaimed, "Masons - The undisputed royalty of factory made decoys." Illustrating this sentiment, the McCleery sale catalog tallies well over one hundred of his 400 bird decoys as factory made.

The McCleery Collection catalog made a special note for this lot, stating that it is "considered by some Mason enthusiasts to be one of the best by this factory." This decoy has a slightly turned head, exceptional and intricate paint, and the McCleery Collection stamp on the underside.

This bird previously hailed from the esteemed Dupee rig which was found in the Horicon Marsh area, specifically, Oconomowac, Wisconsin. A rigmate pair is pictured on the front dust jacket of "Mason Decoys: Updated Edition" and this exact decoy is illustrated twice inside that book. Outstanding original paint with minimal wear, tiny old one-quarter inch chip to tip of tail.

Provenance: Dupee Rig Dr. James M. McCleery Collection Mark Smith Collection

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," “Updated Edition,” Lewes, DE, 2014, pp. 11 and 171, exact decoy illustrated. Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, January 22–23, 2000, lot 451, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Dupee Rig Dr. James M. McCleery Collection Mark Smith Collection