Daniel Lake Leeds Ruddy Turnstone

Daniel Lake Leeds (1852-1922) Pleasantville, NJ, c. 1890

In "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," William J. Mackey, Jr.'s text reads, "Jeremiah Leeds, keeper of the salt flats, left one descendant, Dan Lake Leeds, who carved bird decoys including sanderling, plover, yellowlegs, turnstones, and curlew. His own rig, numbering over fifty snipe, came to light a few years ago. It was probably the greatest single find of its kind in New Jersey decoy history. The Dan Leeds birds have a stylized exaggeration that has an artistic appeal. The black-bellied plover have heads that indicate their local name, "bull heads"; the sanderling have a slimness that suggests their speed before the advancing waves. Paint patterns are bright and adequate, and the technique is unusual; Dan used thick oily paint and laid it on instead of brushing it out. This viscous coating made a durable finish, and the rig was found in mint condition. The old gentleman lavished great care on his decoys during their years of service. They stand on their own merit and have little in common with their New Jersey contemporaries."

This Leeds is one of the finest New Jersey ruddy turnstone decoys known to exist. This carving exhibits painted eyes, raised wings, alert posture, and Hillman’s small staple on the underside. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: John Hillman Collection Private Collection

Literature: Richard A. Bourne Co. Inc., "Very Rare and Important American Bird Decoys From the Collection of the late William J. Mackey, Jr. of Belford, New Jersey," Hyannis, MA, Session II, 1973, lot 413, rigmate illustrated. Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 47, rigmate decoy illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 55, rigmate illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America," New York, NY, 2010, p. 190, rigmate illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 177, rigmates illustrated. Guyette and Schmidt, Inc., “Important Waterfowl Decoys & Bird Carvings At Auction,” St. Charles, IL, April 1995, lot 65, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

John Hillman Collection Private Collection