Mark McNair Tucked-bill Curlew

Mark S. McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, 2014 11 1/2 in. long

This carving was inspired by one of the maker's earlier works, circa 1980, which is pictured in Henry Fleckenstein’s "Shore Bird Decoys." The decoy features a turned head with the bill reaching under the wing and the bill tip emerging on the other side. The raised and split wing tips are finished with carved primaries. This is an exceedingly rare carving and the only such form by the maker to surface at auction. Original paint with light wear.

Provenance: Private Collection, Florida

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "Shore Bird Decoys," Exton, PA, 1980, pp. 107 and 135, related early example illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Florida