Makers / Mason Decoy Factory / Merganser

Mason Decoy Factory Special-order Luce-rig Mason Merganser

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

Mason Decoy Factory – Special-Order Luce-Rig Mason Merganser – 2022
$900
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $2,500–$3,500under estimate
Sold Mar 2022at Copley, March 2022

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesMerganserConfigRigSize18"PaintOriginal

The catalog record

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1910 18 in. long

A turned-head example of one of the factory's most coveted species, this rare special-order model shows the factory's challenge-grade details. To Mason's credit, for many years these Luce-Rig mergansers were attributed to Martha's Vineyard's early master, Capt. Benjamin Smith (1866-1946). The underside is branded for the M. Luce Jr. rig. Original paint with even gunning wear, including tight flaking to back and restoration to neck seam.

Provenance: M. Luce Jr. Rig Lew Horton Collection

Literature: Stanley Murphy, "Martha's Vineyard Decoys," Boston, MA, 1978, p. 108, pl. 85, similar decoy illustrated.

Provenance

M. Luce Jr. Rig Lew Horton Collection

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Mason Decoy Factory Mergansers to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
Jul 2026—Original$11,400
Jul 2026—Original$6,600
Apr 2026—Original$180,000
Apr 2026ExcellentOriginal$36,000
Mar 2026—Original$1,320

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Mason Decoy Factory sales