Mason Decoy Factory Brant

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1910 20 in. long

Authors Goldberger and Haid chose to illustrate this prime McCleery example in their monograph on Mason decoys. They point out that the Barron Gun Club rig of Masons "were generally kept in fine original condition, enhancing the value." With its excellent form, condition, and provenance, this is one of the best Mason brant decoys known to exist. The "Barron" brand is on the back and on the left side of the decoy. The McCleery collection ink stamp is impressed on the bottom. Near-mint original paint, neck has faint age line and minimal touch-up along seam, minute chip to tail.

Provenance: Dr. James McCleery Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection

Literature: Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, January 22-23, 2000, p. 115, lot 256, exact decoy illustrated. Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," Lewes, DE, 1993, p. 82, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. James McCleery Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection