In the early 1900s, Mason mallard duck decoys were made of carved, painted wood, and were extremely popular with the hunters who used them. Today, they are being collected for their fine craftsmanship and folk art appeal. According to Russ Goldberger, owner of RJG Antiques, a Rye, N.H., antiques dealer who specializes in Mason decoys, the Mason Standard Grade decoys were the company's least expensive, and sold for about $1 through mail-order companies such as Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Mason Premier and Challenge Grade decoys, the company's higher end examples, were defined by sleeker carvings and intricate details. Standards had solid bodies and plainer carvings. Today, Mason decoys are priced according to condition. If the decoy isn't in excellent condition, the price level falls dramatically.