Levi Rhodes Truex Rare Merganser Pair

Levi Rhodes Truex (1860-1934) Atlantic City, NJ, c. 1900 17 1/2 in. long

A rare rigmate pair of the maker's best species. Each remains in excellent condition, which is impressive given the very thin paddle tails, crests, and bills. Captioning this exact pair in his "Decoy Magazine" article cover feature on the maker, New Jersey historian John Clayton describes these hollow decoys as "a favorite among collectors." Indeed, a related drake holds the record price for the maker. This exact pair was also selected for a color photo in Fleckenstein's largely black and white New Jersey Decoys book. Outstanding original paint with light gunning wear. Old and possibly original spot of fill on left side of hen's bill.

Provenance: Larry Pollin Collection Private Collection

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr. "New Jersey Decoys" Exton, PA, 1983, pl. VI, exact pair illustrated. John Clayton, "Levi Rhodes Truex," Decoy Magazine, September/October 2013, p. 25, exact pair illustrated. James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 157, related pair illustrated.

Provenance

Larry Pollin Collection Private Collection