Mason Decoy Factory Mallard Drake Salesman's Sample

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1910 An exceedingly rare, premier grade, two-thirds-size salesman’s sample. This decoy exhibits all of the carved features and the paint pattern of the Mason Decoy Factory’s finest Premier line, but on a smaller scale. Of the few Mason salesman’s samples known to exist, only two premier grades are believed to have surfaced. For the folk art, decoy or Mason collector this lots rarity cannot be overstated. Outstanding original paint with a tight age line along the bottom and a minor rub to the neck.

Provenance: Jim and Deb Allen Collection, acquired from Alan. G. Haid

Literature: Russ Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys, A Pictorial Guide," Lewes, DE, 1993, pp. 139-140, similar "salesman's" decoys illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, pp. 46-47, similar "salesman's" decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Jim and Deb Allen Collection, acquired from Alan. G. Haid