Mason Decoy Factory Special-order Bacon Goldeneye Hen

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1905 14 1/4 in. long

A very rare and early Mason special-order, round-bottom George Bacon model. Bacon was a decoy maker from Burlington, Vermont, who hunted Lake Champlain. Few of these birds were ever made, and only a handful survive in any condition today. When they have surfaced, rigmates have made market headlines since the 1980s; in 2007, a pair sold for over $97,000. Original paint with gunning wear, including some rubs along chine, and an age line in right side and underside.

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: Expanded Edition,” Lewes, DE, 2014, p. 114, Starr Collection rigmate illustrated. "Decoy Magazine," July/August 1988, cover, rigmate illustrated. "Decoy Magazine," January/February 2007, p. 43, rigmate illustrated. Bernard W. Crandell, "Decoying: St. Clair to the St. Lawrence," Erin, ON, 1988, p. 182, rigmate pair illustrated.