Mason Decoy Factory Salesman's Sample Robin Snipe

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1905 10 in. long

A one-of-a-kind, life-size salesman's sample shorebird decoy by the Mason Decoy Factory inscribed "Robin Snipe, $7.00. Dz." on the underside. This "A-1"-grade shorebird decoy exhibits glass eyes, spring-to-summer plumage in its painted feather detail, as well as an early swirled, stippled, and outlined speculum. Given its sublime condition, excellent color, and provenance, this is perhaps the finest Mason robin snipe known to exist.

Historically, salesmen would carry examples of the decoys illustrated in the catalog in their pursuit of orders for their company. This example was one of the six salesman's sample decoys, each a different species, acquired by noted New Jersey collector Mort Hanson.

The underside also bears the Doherty Collection collection sticker. Original paint with minor wear, including minor flaking in the bill insertion area.

Provenance: Mason salesman Mort Hanson Collection Private Collection, Midwest James and Pat Doherty Collection Private Collection

Literature: Byron Cheever, "Mason Decoys," Spanish Fork, UT, 1974, p. 132, related decoy illustrated in the Mason Factory catalog. Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," Lewes, DE, 1993, pp. 98-99, similar decoys illustrated. Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Winter Sale 2013," New York, NY, January 2013, lot 206, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Mason salesman Mort Hanson Collection Private Collection, Midwest James and Pat Doherty Collection Private Collection