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THBThe McCleery Slope-Breast Mallard Hen Decoy, 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
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About Auction
LiveJul 9, 2021
Lots 1-246 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com
View Full Catalog (246)
- Lot Description
The McCleery Slope-Breast Mallard Hen
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1895
16 1/2 in. long
"Mason at its best!" ? Goldberger and Haid discussing this exact decoy in "Mason Decoys"
"Masons - The undisputed royalty of factory made decoys" ? Dr. James M. McCleery, foreword to "Mason Decoys"
The caption for this exact decoy in "Mason Decoys" reads: "Early Premier Slope Breast Mallard Hen Ca. 1895. Hollow in mint condition. Mason at its best!"
"Jim McCleery's love of and interest in Masons was always well known,? report Goldberger and Haid, ?at [his] auction the collectors gave a ringing endorsement..." Indeed, Dr. McCleery, widely known as one of the leading decoy collectors of all time, once proclaimed, "Masons - The undisputed royalty of factory made decoys." Illustrating this sentiment, the McCleery sale catalog tallies well over one hundred of his 400 bird decoys as factory made.
The McCleery Collection catalog made a special note for this lot, stating that it is "considered by some Mason enthusiasts to be one of the best by this factory." This decoy has a slightly turned head, exceptional and intricate paint, and the McCleery Collection stamp on the underside.
This bird previously hailed from the esteemed Dupee rig which was found in the Horicon Marsh area, specifically, Oconomowac, Wisconsin. A rigmate pair is pictured on the front dust jacket of "Mason Decoys: Updated Edition" and this exact decoy is illustrated twice inside that book.
Outstanding original paint with minimal wear, tiny old one-quarter inch chip to tip of tail.
Provenance: Dupee Rig
Dr. James M. McCleery Collection
Mark Smith Collection
Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," ?Updated Edition,? Lewes, DE, 2014, pp. 11 and 171, exact decoy 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, lot 451, exact decoy 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
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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.
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