Mason Decoy Factory Blue-winged Teal Pair With "double Blues"

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1905 12 1/4 in. long

An early rigmate pair of premier-grade teal. Each has classic early Mason form with snakey heads and long bills. The high impact plumage patterns include the drake’s bright "double-blues" on his back. The underside of each hollow body has a faint painted "EM" rig marking. Original paint with even gunning wear with areas of touch-up. Drake has a few age lines and a reset neck.

Provenance: Private Collection, California

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide, Updated Edition,” Lewes, DE, 2014, p. 57, related pair illustrated. 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 23, related drake illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, California