Mason Decoy Factory The Mackey Mason Green-winged Teal

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1910 12 1/2 in. long

"Mason's Decoy Factory of Detroit, Michigan, left us our finest heritage of factory-made decoys." — William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys"

A rare Premier-Grade green-winged teal drake. This decoy hails from the Mackey Collection and retains his faint collection stamp. Richard Bourne chose Bill Mackey's top Masons to kick-off his historic 1973 summer auction. This decoy was the first teal to be offered from this esteemed group. The underside is branded "WP." A closely related Mason green-winged teal drake was collect by Dr. James McCleery M.D. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: William J. Mackey Jr. Collection John R. Wierdsma Collection, acquired from the sale of the above

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys from the Collection of the late William J. Mackey Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, Session I & II, 1973, lot 18, exact decoy illustrated. William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, pl. VIII, Mason factory discussed. Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," “Updated Edition,” Lewes, DE, 2014, pp. 60-61, related examples illustrated.

Provenance

William J. Mackey Jr. Collection John R. Wierdsma Collection, acquired from the sale of the above