Early Glasseye Mallard Pair
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI c.1900
16”
 
Fresh to market pair that have never been publicly offered for sale before.  Nicely preserved early pair from before Mason went commercial with the lower grades to include glasseyes.  Making this pair a far more rare find than later, more produced, variants of the glasseye.  Both have elongated bodies and long bills.  The drake has deep scalloped breast painting and the hen has bold sponging across the body.  The hen has 100% original neck filler.
 
When the consignor purchased this pair from the original owning and hunting family in central NY, the owners had put a drab green paint over the bills not liking the bright yellow fearing it would scare off ducks.  That drab green was gently taken down to expose the original bright yellow bills underneath.
 
Condition:  Hen is entirely original aside from the drab green being removed, and a thin coat of varnish.  Drake is original aside from the drab green being removed and the early neck filler replacement.  The neck filler could easily be removed and restored cheaply by a professional.  Tight check in left side of hens head.