John McAnney Ruddy Turnstone

John McAnney (1866-1949) New Gretna, NJ, c. 1910 Of the few McAnney turnstones that have survived, this is believed by many to bee the finest example known. Henry Fleckenstein chose to feature this example in color in his New Jersey book, highlighting the bird's crisp and brilliant paint. Whether he intended it or not, McAnney's black paint pattern on the decoy's throat bears a striking resemblance to a woodpeckers head. Excellent original paint with minimal gunning wear.

Provenance: Fred Ellenberg Collection Richard and Lynn Gove Collection

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 40, color plate XXI, exact decoy illustrated. Guyette and Schmidt, "Important Auction of Rare Waterfowl Decoys from the Collection of John Hillman, April 25 & 26, 1996," West Farmington, ME, 1996, p. 22, lot 54, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Fred Ellenberg Collection Richard and Lynn Gove Collection