Mason Decoy Factory Salesman's Sample Black-bellied Plover

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1900 10 1/4 in. long

A one-of-a-kind salesman's sample shorebird decoy by the Mason Decoy Factory inscribed "Black Breast Plover, $7.50. Dz." on the underside. This "A-1" grade shorebird decoy exhibits breeding plumage in its painted feather detail with early swirled and stippled paint. The bottom is also stamped "McCLEERY."

Historically, salesmen would carry examples of the decoys illustrated in the catalog when pursuing orders for their company. This example was one of six salesman's sample decoys, each a different species, acquired by noted New Jersey collector, Mort Hanson.

Original paint with minor wear.

Provenance: Mort Hanson Collection Dr. James M. McCleery Collection Mark Smith Collection

Literature: Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, pl. 12. Russ J. Goldberger and Alan G. Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Complete Pictorial Guide," Burtonsville, MD, 1993, pp. 106, 107, 136, and back dust-jacket cover, similar decoys illustrated. Alan G. Haid and Brandy S. Culp, "The Allure of the Decoy," Charleston, SC, 2013, p. 61, similar decoy illustrated. Jackson Parker, "Auction News," Decoy Magazine, May/June 2000, pp. 40-42, p. 40, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Mort Hanson Collection Dr. James M. McCleery Collection Mark Smith Collection