EUR
CAD
AUD
GBP
MXN
HKD
CNY
MYR
SEK
SGD
CHF
THBThe McCleery G.K. Schmidt Rig Mallard Pair, Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
About Seller
65 Sharp Street
Hingham, MA 02043
United States
Copley Fine Art Auctions is the world's leading American sporting art auction company. Located in Hingham, MA, Copley specializes in antique decoys and 19th- and 20th-century American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Principal Stephen O'Brien Jr., a fourth-generation sportsman with a refined colle...Read more
Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Two ways to bid:
- Leave a max absentee bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to your maximum bid during the live auction.
- Bid live during the auction and your bids will be submitted real-time to the auctioneer.
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,500 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $25,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
About Auction
LiveJul 9, 2021
Lots 1-246 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (246)
- Lot Description
The McCleery G.K. Schmidt Rig Mallard Pair
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1900
17 1/4 in. long
"PREMIER MALLARD PAIR, ca. 1900. Rigmates in unused condition. Mason's finest style. Famous G.K. Schmidt brand." " Goldberger and Haid discussing this exact pair in "Mason Decoys"
As fine as they come, an exceedingly rare and important hollow mallard pair in unused condition. According to decoy historian and author Donna Tonelli, there are only a dozen of these Schmidt rig mallards known to exist. With beautifully swirled paint, "ribbon candy" speculums, snakey-neck form, and impeccable provenance, this pair ranks among the finest Mason decoys known to exist. The underside of each has the McCleery Collection ink stamp, a Lellos Collection "JL," and the large Schmidt rig brand. The hen also has the small Schmidt brand.
This legendary Schmidt rig was commissioned by George K. Schmidt (1869-1939), the president of the Prudential State Savings Bank in Chicago. From approximately 1930 to 1970, this rig was essentially held in a time capsule residing in a bank. Dr. James M. McCleery selected this pair for his incomparable Mason collection. Since then they have been the most prized mallards among collectors and were selected to represent the rig in the leading book on the maker.
Outstanding original paint with minimal wear, drake has hairline crack at back of neck seam.
Provenance: G.K. Schmidt Rig
John Lellos Collection
Dr. James M. McCleery Collection
John Delph Collection
Mark Smith Collection
Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," "Updated Edition," Lewes, DE, 2014, p. 21, exact pair illustrated, p. 23, exact hen illustrated. Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, January 22"23, 2000, lots 439 and 440, exact decoys illustrated. Joe Engers, ed. "2004 Year in Review," Decoy Magazine, 2004, p. 13, exact decoys illustrated.Please email condition report requests to colin@copleyart.com. Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.Condition
- Shipping Info
-
Copley Fine Art Auctions does not handle the shipping of any items. Shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Once your payment has cleared, and we have received your authorized shipping release form items may be released for shipment. Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC shall have no liability for any loss or damage to such items. Buyers should allow up to four weeks for shipment. Please be aware that internet bidders may NOT not pick up their items at the sale. Items will be available for pick up by appointment or by shippers five days after the sale.
-
- Buyer's Premium
