Levi Rhodes Truex Early Merganser Drake

Levi Rhodes Truex (1860-1934) Atlantic City, NJ, c. 1890 17 1/2 in. long

The Truex merganser represents one of the region's best and rarest forms. Jim Doherty sought out a rigmate to this decoy for inclusion in his "Classic New Jersey Decoys" book. Of that nearly identical example, the legendary collector and historian noted, "This is the earliest and finest known example of a Rhodes Truex Decoy. Possibly made in his early years when he worked in Tuckerton. World record price for this maker..."

The hollow body of this rigmate has a high back and thin paddle tail. The refined head has subtle cheeks and a delicate sweeping crest. The underside bears a small "WGG" collector brand and the weight has a rig marking of "EWS."

Very few Truex mergansers exist, making this example with its original crest, bill, and tail all the more desirable. Original paint with moderate gunning wear, and a possible working wash of white on the underside.

Provenance: Private Collection, New Jersey

Literature: James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, pp. 156-157, rigmate illustrated twice. John Clayton, "Levi Rhodes Truex," Decoy Magazine, Sept/Oct 2012, front cover and p. 25, rigmate illustrated and discussed. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr. "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 131, related examples illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, New Jersey