| Description |
Mason Premier Style Pintail Drake
Cameron T. McIntyre (b. 1968)
New Church, VA c.2010
19"
This large and distinctive pintail drake decoy by Cameron T. McIntyre is a masterful homage to Mason Decoy Factory's iconic Premier Grade models of the 1890s. Drawing from the most artistic and stylized period of Mason production, McIntyre set out to create a catalog-worthy example that captures the spirit of Mason's Premier Grade while infusing his own meticulous craftsmanship and enhancements. This decoy is one of only four pintail drakes made in this style, showcasing its rarity and significance.
Inspired by Mason's advertising logic, where dynamic drakes with animated head positions were often illustrated but rarely realized, McIntyre sculpted this drake with a slightly turned head to the left, lending it an engaging and lifelike quality. Known for his mastery of form and patina, McIntyre crafted a surface that convincingly evokes the appearance of a decoy weathered over 135 years, blending artistic vision with historical accuracy. The underside features a hand-painted "Premier" stencil and McIntyre's incised initials "CTM," underscoring his attention to detail.
A hallmark of McIntyre's work is his signature hourglass-shaped lead pad weight, imbued with symbolic meaning. For McIntyre, the weight serves as a personal reflection of the time and dedication he invested in creating each piece, a philosophy that resonates with collectors and admirers of his work.
McIntyre's carvings have been featured in publications such as Decoy Magazine and Garden & Gun and have appeared in numerous exhibitions nationwide, including solo and group shows. His work resides in esteemed private collections alongside historical masterpieces, as well as in public institutions. Notably, McIntyre was the featured contemporary carver at the opening of The Center for American Decoys at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, where a pair of pintails in this style is housed.
Condition: Excellent and original, as aged by artist
Provenance: Private Virginia Collection
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