Mason Decoy Factory Brant

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1910 With its superb condition, form, and provenance, this is one of the very best Mason brant decoys known to exist. Pioneer decoy collector, William J. Mackey, Jr., acquired this decoy, which was from the rig of the Barron Gun Club, in Virginia. The "Barron" brand is on the back and one side of the decoy. Mackey's collection ink stamp is impressed on the bottom. In 1973, this exact decoy was the seventh decoy sold in the first session of the Richard A. Bourne Company Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys, From the Collection of the late William J. Mackey auction. The Bourne catalogue description reads: "Extremely Rare Mason Brant. Challenge Grade. A page from the catalogue of Mason's Decoy Factory showing this bird is illustrated in Mackey, p. 221. Stamped on the back and bird's left side with the name "Barron". Condition: Near mint, original paint, superb condition throughout. (Illustrated)". Original paint with light gunning wear and a couple tight age cracks in the neck.

Provenance: William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Mort Hanson Collection Private Collection, Massachusetts

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co. Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys, From the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey" Boston, MA, 1973, Session 1, Lot 7, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey, Jr. Collection Mort Hanson Collection Private Collection, Massachusetts