Mason Decoy Factory Exemplary Mason Long-billed Curlew

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

The original Mason catalog described this model as the "A-1-enamel glass eyes... Long Bill Curlew.” In their 1993 publication on Mason decoys, Goldberger and Haid discuss curlew by Mason as being “huge; the bodies alone are 12-inches long.” This example measures over thirteen inches from the tip of the tail to the front of the breast. Mason's renowned painters lavished care on the surface with strong swirl paint and extensive feather detail, especially towards the tail.

A similar example has been exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, in their "Decoys From the Collection of the American Folk Art Museum, New York" display. Original paint with even gunning wear, including minor touch-up to chip repair at bill insertion.

Provenance: Davis Island Club Rig Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry Collection

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan G. Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Complete Pictorial Guide," Burtonsville, MD, 1993, pp. 106, 107, 136, and back dust-jacket cover, related decoys illustrated. Alan G. Haid and Brandy S. Culp, "The Allure of the Decoy," Charleston, SC, 2013, p. 61, similar decoy illustrated. Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, pl. 12, Mackey text. William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, p. 225, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Davis Island Club Rig Dr. S. Lloyd Newberry Collection