Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2088:
Description
This striking specimen is a classic example of an early 20th-century solid-body “working” decoy, exhibiting the iconic form associated with the Mason Decoy Factory’s “Challenge” or “Standard” grades. Hand-finished with a robust, heavy-set profile designed for stability in choppy waters, the bird features inset glass eyes and a masterfully carved head-to-body transition. The weathered surface tells a story of decades in the marsh, showing a rich “alligatoring” of the original paint, visible wood grain, and a warm, aged patina. The underside retains its original iron rigging and a recessed lead ballast plug, typical of high-quality solid-wood construction. Condition is honest and attractive, featuring significant paint loss, surface abrasions, and a prominent age-related “check” or horizontal stress crack along the side, which is common in solid-block carvings and confirms its antique origin. H 6.5″, W 5.5″, D 15″. Please see photos.
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