Mason Decoy Factory Premier Grade Snakey Head Mallard Pair

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1905 An exceedingly rare and important pair of hollow mallards in unused condition. According to decoy author Donna Tonelli, there are only a dozen of these Schmidt rig mallards known to exist. Of the twelve known, only four are hens. This perfectly matched pair with their superb condition, beautifully swirled paint, 'ribbon candy' speculums, snakey neck form, and impeccable historic provenance rank among the finest Masons decoys known to exist.

The rig was commissioned by George K. Schmidt (1869-1939), the president of the Prudential State Savings Bank in Chicago. From approximately 1930 to 1970 the rig of decoys resided in the basement of a bank. This pair was purchased in St. Charles, Illinois in 1971 and was again stored in a safety deposit box until 1987, when they were purchased by the consignor.

This "out of the box" pair still retains faint remnants of the newsprint from the papers that were used in packing and shipping from the factory.

Both birds are branded "G. K. Schmidt," and the hen has an additional smaller "G. K. Schmidt" brand. Near mint condition. The hen has a hairline crack just above the neck seam and a small old nick to top of bill. Weights removed.

Provenance: George K. Schmidt Collection Private Collection, acquired in St. Charles, Illinois, 1971 Ronald Zelnick Collection, acquired from the above, 1987

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger, and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," Lewes, DE, 1993, p. 23, rigmate illustrated. Donna Tonelli, "Fish and Fowl of the Great Lakes," Atglen, PA, 2002, p. 41, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

George K. Schmidt Collection Private Collection, acquired in St. Charles, Illinois, 1971 Ronald Zelnick Collection, acquired from the above, 1987