MALLARD DECOY - DRAKE BACKYARD PERIOD - PRE-FACTORY WILLIAM J. MASON - CIRCA 1890 Superb example of a pre-factory, hand carved Mason decoy, known as a \"Backyard Decoy.\" Prior to full production in the early 1900\'s, (1902 - 1924) William Mason began making his decoys by hand in a shed behind his house in 1889 and this became what is now known as the \"Backyard Period.\" This particular little gem is from the early Backyard Period and is the model that would go on to eventually be the Challenge Grade model. It has a solid body, glass eyes, classic early Challenge Grade bill carving, is a mix of dry original paint and very old touch up, has had the neck filler professionally restored by Russ Allen and displays a beautiful patina. It measures about 14 1/2\" in length, 5 3/4\" in width and 6\" in height. For more information on these \"Backyard\" birds, please check \"Detroit Decoy Dynasty\" by Ron Sharp & Bill Dodge. Please note that I have UPS Ground offered as an alternative shipper for when distance, weight and/or size makes shipping by USPS Priority mail too expensive. Please click on \'Shipping and Payments\' for your shipping options! Offered with , Good Luck!!