This is a weighted early rare Mason (previously thought to be Peterson) Merganser glasseye hen in original worn gunning paint. It is the earliest Mason decoys (circa 1880-1900) that are often confused with the Peterson birds, but new information recently published has changed many people’s views.

 

The red glasseyes are typical of a merganser. This decoy is original except for the restoration/replacement of the hen’s beak and the refilling of the neck filler. An in-construction fine age split runs across the back and partially into the top chest area. The original paint has average gunning wear leaving it with a nice period look. Overall length of this decoy is 16.5 inches.