Mason Decoy Factory Premier Grade Merganser Hen

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1900 From the decoy rig ordered by John Ware Willard (1859-1914), grandson of the famous Colonial Massachusetts clockmaker, Simon Willard (1753-1848). This historic Massachusetts rig contained goldeneyes and red-breasted mergansers by A. Elmer Crowell and the Mason Decoy Factory.

The decoy displays heavy swirled paint and Willard's "J. W. W." brand on the bottom.

The provenance of the Willard decoy rig is discussed by noted decoy authors Linda and Gene Kangas in the March 2010 issue of Decoy Magazine. The exact decoy is illustrated on the top of page 31 in "Connecting the Dots: Exploring the Provenance of Elmer Crowell's Decoys." Original paint with minor gunning wear, a reset neck, and repair to two shot scars in the bill.

Provenance: John Ware Willard Rig, Massachusetts Jim and Deb Allen Collection, acquired from Alan G. Haid

Literature: Linda and Gene Kangas, "Connecting the Dots: Exploring the Provenance of Elmer Crowell's Decoys," "Decoy Magazine", Lewes, DE, March/April, 2010, p. 31, exact decoy illustrated. Russ Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys, A Pictorial Guide," Lewes, DE, 1993, p. 72, similar decoy illustrated.

Provenance

John Ware Willard Rig, Massachusetts Jim and Deb Allen Collection, acquired from Alan G. Haid