Mark McNair Long-tailed Drake

Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, c. 1980 15 in. long

An exceptional early McNair with a storied history. As a fledgling decoy carver, McNair made a pilgrimage to Crisfield where he found Lem Ward in his workshop. After picking this plump carving up by its inlaid locust tail, Lem conceded that it was a "good decoy."

This was Mark's first long-tailed duck and is marked as such with an incised roman numeral "I" under the incised signature. The bird remained in the carver's collection for years, where it acquired a "NOT FOR SALE" ink stamp. It was later gifted to his father. Original paint with even wear.

Provenance: Collection of the artist Robert McNair Collection, acquired from the above John Hagan Collection

Provenance

Collection of the artist Robert McNair Collection, acquired from the above John Hagan Collection