Early Snaky Head, Hollow Carved, Premier Grade Black Duck Decoy by the Mason Decoy Factory, Detroit, Michigan, circa 1905. (See similar example on pg. 28 of Goldberger & Haid’s Mason Decoys: Expanded Edition, 2003.) The Decoy World is quite familiar with Mason Decoys. The Premier Grade is the most sought after and this early decoy displays Strong Original Paint with Honest Hunting Wear for Age and Use (some minor paint loses and a 1 ½” dent on the back). It appears that the Head was Reglued. (Examine the large images for insight on the description.) The Original Premier Carving Form is Excellent and the Original Paint remains Strong. Measurements: 17” in length, 6” in width, and 6 ¾” in height. This Black Duck is a Classic Example of the Premier Grade Decoys from the Mason Factory.

(DX867)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

Price $3250 plus shipping

Rare Turned Head Brant Decoy by Frank J. Dobbins (1907 – 1990), Jonesport, Maine, circa 1960s – 1970s. Jonesport is a “down east” coastal Maine village away from major thoroughfares, and the Dobbins name is well-established in the History of Decoy Making. Frank Dobbins became well-known to decoy collectors in the middle of the 20^th century. Frank created an abundance of decoys for both hunting and the tourist trade. Probably most notable are his Mergansers, a highly collectible species. Raven’s Way has handled a wide range of Dobbins decoys over the years, but this Brant Decoy is Quite Rare. This Decoy has a Long Solid Body with a Turned Head, Detailed Bill Carving, and Little Carved Bead Eyes. It Displays Strong Original Paint in a Basic Brant Pattern. Carved in the Bottom: “F.J. Dobbins / Jonesport / Maine”. Measurements: 18” in length, 6” in width, and 10” in height. A Rare Turned Head Brant from Jonesport, Maine.

(DX868)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information. 

SOLD

Very Appealing Canvasback Drake Decoy from the Upper Mid-West, probably Michigan, circa 1940s -1950s. The Decoy displays Fine Form, especially in the Head Carving (see large images) and has Paint Eyes. The Paint, which is totally Original, has a Primer Coat of Gray, so that once the Canvasback Paint Pattern is applied the White Areas take on a Mellower, no shine, Effect to enhance the Decoy’s Realism on the Water, rather than a brighter white. In addition, Blending the Red and Black on the Head again enhances the Realism of the Decoy. Remnants of the rigging suggest the decoy was rigged fore and aft, perhaps as part of a line rig. The decoy measures 17” in length, 7” in width, and 7” in height. A nice Canvasback Decoy from Michigan.

(DX786)   Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

Price $325 plus shipping

Hard-to-Find Turned Head Pintail Drake and Hen Decoys by Frank J. Dobbins (1907 – 1990), Jonesport, Maine, circa 1960s – 1970s. Jonesport is a “down east” coastal Maine village away from major thoroughfares, and the Dobbins name is well-established in the History of Decoy Making. Frank Dobbins became well-known to decoy collectors in the middle of the 20^th century. Frank created an abundance of decoys for both hunting and the tourist trade. Probably most notable are his Mergansers, a highly collectible species. Raven’s Way has handled a wide range of Dobbins decoys over the years, and this Pintail Pair is one of the Harder Species to Find. Both are Typical of Dobbins Carving Form with Elongated, Flat Bottom Bodies, Classic Maine Inletted Heads, Bead Eyes, and Detailed Bill Carving.  The Pair retain Strong Original Paint with Minor Wear from Age and Handling. Tail extended tail on the Drake, a rubber insert, has lost some of its length. Carved in the Bottom: “F.J. Dobbins / Jonesport / Maine”. Measurements: Drake 20” in length/Hen 16”, D 5 ½” in width/ Hen 5”, and D 7” in height/ Hen 6 ½”.  A Rather Rare Pintail Pair by Frank J. Dobbins, from Down East Maine.

(DX871)  Click on Photo for larger images. Contact us for additional information.

Price $375 plus shipping