Rare Whimbrel
Mason Decoy Factory (1896-1924)
Detroit, MI, c. 1910
16 1/2 in. long

A rare Mason Factory shorebird decoy with excellent form. In reference to this special model, which they call a Hudsonian Curlew or whimbrel, Goldberger and Haid write In "Mason Decoys," "It was only made in the glass-eye grade and has exquisite feathering on the back. They are the rarest of the four types of curlew Mason made." Regarding Mason curlews, William J. Mackey Jr. wrote that they "were the finest factory shore bird from every viewpoint."

This coveted model has a distinct form among Mason curlew with a reared-back head on a thin neck. It is finished with glass eyes and fine paint.
Original paint with light gunning wear. Front of head restored by Ken DeLong.

Provenance: Private Collection, acquired from Alan Haid

Literature: Russ J. Goldberger and Alan Haid, "Mason Decoys: A Pictorial Guide," Lewes, DE, 2003, p. 111, related decoy illustrated.Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, pp. 64-65, related decoy illustrated.William J. Mackey Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, pl. 178, similar decoy illustrated.

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