Mason Decoy Factory Rare Premier-grade Wigeon Hen

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1910 15 in. long

This exceedingly rare premier-grade decoy recently surfaced on the island of Martha's Vineyard. Illustrating its rarity, in the 2014 edition of "Mason Decoys," the only premier-grade wigeon illustrated are a single drake and a well-worn early pair. The microclimate on Martha's Vineyard provided early gunners with excellent waterfowling opportunities, which included a relative density of wigeon. In addition to this Midwestern factory model, baldpate from the Ward Brothers have also surfaced on the Vineyard. Famously, A. Elmer Crowell and islander Henry Keyes Chadwick successfully collaborated on this species. This recent discovery is one of the rarer Mason finds to surface in some time. Original paint with even gunning wear, a small tail-tip chip, and an early working wash of grey on the bill. Slight loss to neck filler and factory fill on right shoulder.

Provenance: Private Collection, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," “Updated Edition,” Lewes, DE, 2014, pp. 68-69, early worn wigeon pair illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts