Mark McNair High-tri Merganser Drake With Mussel

Mark McNair (b. 1950) Craddockville, VA, c. 1993 14 1/2 in. long

A robust red-breasted merganser with high-bodied and pegged construction. This drake is holding a mollusk in his open bill. The underside bears an incised “M. S. McNair” signature.

This rare design is an evolution of the maker's "tri-merganser" model and McNair refers to it as the "high-tri." A related pair from the Stavis Collection were the cover feature of the summer 1993 issue of "Wildfowl Carving and Collecting" magazine and recently set a new auction record. Original paint with light wear.

Provenance: Bruce and Rachel Roberts Collection

Literature: Curtis Badger, "Mark McNair," Wildfowl Carving and Collecting, Harrisburg, PA, Summer, 1993, front cover, related pair illustrated.

Provenance

Bruce and Rachel Roberts Collection