Mason shorebird decoys from RJG Antiques

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About Mason Shorebird Decoys The Mason Decoy Company (Detroit, MI; 1896-1924) was the most successful commercial maker of gunning decoys. They offered a full line of shorebird decoys in two grades: Glasseye and Tackeye. They are solid-bodied and most have iron nail bills. The earliest examples have wooden bills. Glasseye paint patterns were most elaborate. Hunting of most shorebird species was banned by the Federal Migratory Waterfowl Act in 1918, so surviving examples are rare. Learn more about Mason Decoys.

	Mason Tackeye Willet in Fall Plumage Ca. 1910 An essentially mint example. Original black paint remains on the bill. Just like the ones shown in "Mason Decoys," page 105.
	12" long. Click on any image to enlarge it.	$8,500 ITEM #16914
	Rare Mason Tackeye Split Tail Red Knot in Fall Plumage Ca. 1895 Superb example in strong original paint with minor flaking. Wooden bill may be a professional replacement. See "Mason Decoys," page 109, for very similar examples. We haven't had a comparable example in years!
	10" long. Click on any image to enlarge it.	SOLD ITEM #16883
	Mason Glasseye Dunlin in Spring Breeding Plumage Ca. 1900 Exceedingly rare in untouched original condition. Factory filled hairline crack on right side. Hit by shot, but in excellent condition. Some black paint remains on the bill, indicating little use. Exact decoy pictured in "Mason Decoys," page 105.
	Click on any image to enlarge it.	SOLD ITEM #16869
	Classic Mason Glasseye 2-Piece Long-Billed Curlew Shorebird Decoy Ca. 1905 Stylish, stately decoy in an unusual reaching attitude. Outstanding original paint. Tight hairline crack in base. Minor neck filler replacement. See "Mason Decoys," pages 106-107, for other examples.
	Click on any image to enlarge it.	SOLD ITEM #16853
	Early Mason Glasseye Yellowlegs With Split Tail And Wooden Bill Ca. 1895 Exceptionally rare handmade decoy in excellent original condition with original paint and bill. Tiny tail chip on base of tail. Made out of a flawed piece of wood with original filler under the paint on both sides. Branded "JHD" for John H. Dunham.
	11" long. Click on any image to enlarge it.	$7,500 ITEM #15924
	Mason Glasseye Mourning Dove Decoy Ca. 1910 Fat-bodied example in nearly mint original condition. Elaborate paint detail including primary feathering and back sponging. Has 10 tiny holes in the breast. Some minor touchup around bill. Pictured "Mason Decoys," page 112.
	11" long. Click on any image to enlarge it.	SOLD ITEM #15715