Mason Decoy Factory Black Brant

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

An exceedingly early "Canada Brant" as denoted in early Mason catalogs. The head construction is identical to the Canada goose illustrated on page 80 of "Mason Decoys: A Complete Pictorial Guide." The dowel comes through the right side of the head and the original inserted bill goes into the face. The rig brand initials "JFH" are impressed on the back. Original paint with gunning wear, neck filler missing, and a crack along the bottom.

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan G. Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," Lewes, DE, 1993, p. 80, related example illustrated. Guyette & Schmidt, Inc., "North American Decoys at Auction," St. Charles, IL, April 23-24, 1998, lot 123, rigmate illustrated.