Mason Decoy Factory Early Premier-grade Pintail Drake

Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924) Detroit, MI, c. 1900 17 1/2 in. long

Though found in good numbers, Mason pintails rarely maintain the level of fine condition and form of grand premier-grade examples.

A hollow pintail drake from the renowned Detroit establishment. The bird was finished with strong swirled and stippled paint from head to tail.

Mason declared themselves the "Largest Manufacturers Of High Grade Decoys In The World!" in a turn-of-the-century advertisement. The Mason Decoy Factory represents the apex of factory-made decoys. The underside bears a "Dr. J.B. Hench / Hinsdale, ILL." brand. Hinsdale is a western suburb of Chicago. Original paint with even gunning wear and minor touch-up to bill and tail tips and lower edge of right neck seam.

Provenance: Dr. J.B. Hench Rig Private Collection

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," “Updated Edition,” Lewes, DE, 2014, p. 33, related early example illustrated.

Provenance

Dr. J.B. Hench Rig Private Collection