Mason Decoy Factory Premier-grade Merganser Hen

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1900 An early snakey head example of one of the factory's most coveted species. As fish eaters, mergansers proved questionable to the palate and hence their premier grade shelldrakes were not made in great numbers. This is one of the few examples that was gunned over that has no bill, crest, or tail chip. Original paint with gunning wear, touch-up to top of head, neck seam, and right speculum.

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan G. Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Complete Pictorial Guide," Lewes, DE, 2014, p. 72, similar decoy illustrated.