Mason Decoy Factory Rare Hudsonian Curlew

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1910 An exceptional Mason Factory shorebird decoy. In "Mason Decoys," Goldberger and Haid write, in reference to the Hudsonian Curlew, "It was only made in the glass-eye grade and has exquisite feathering on the back. They are the rarest of the four types of curlew Mason made." Regarding Mason curlews William J. Mackey, Jr. wrote that they “were the finest factory shore bird from every viewpoint.”

In addition to his exceptional collection of New Jersey decoys, John A. Hillman also put together one of the best collections of Mason Factory decoys in the country. Of the Mason decoys in the Hillman collection this curlew was recognized as the finest. When the Hillman collection sold in 1996 this bird brought $15,400, by far the highest price of any of the nearly sixty Masons offered, and at the tme setting a world record price for any Mason shorebird at auction. The folky form, rarity, excellent condition and provenance of this bird place it at the pinnacle of all Mason shorebirds.

The Hillman ink stamp is on the underside of the bird. Original paint with light gunning wear, fine age line vertically surrounds the head.

Provenance: John A. Hillman Collection Private Collection, Massachusetts (acquired from the Hillman sale in 1996)

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger, and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," Lewes, DE, 1993, p. 111, similar decoy illustrated. Quintina Colio, American Decoys, Ephrata, PA, 1972, pp. 64-65, similar decoy illustrated. Gary M. Guyette and Frank M. Schmidt Inc., The Hillman Collection: Rare Antique Waterfowl Decoys, West Farmington, ME, 1996, p 69, Fig. 256, exact decoy illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, pl. 178, similar decoy illustrated.

Provenance

John A. Hillman Collection Private Collection, Massachusetts (acquired from the Hillman sale in 1996)