John Horn The Hillman-horn Turnstone

John Horn Oceanville, NJ, c. 1890 9 1/4 in. long

One of approximately seven Horn turnstones in original paint, this is one of the finest examples known. While the rarity of exceptional ruddy turnstones cannot be overstated, Horn decoys have not escaped the purview of the world’s top shorebird collectors, having resided on the shelves of the Noyes, O’Brien, McCleery, Giberson, Headley, and Doherty collections.

This Hillman-Kramer decoy displays pronounced cheek carving, a beautifully contoured body, and a delicate thin tail. With impeccable provenance and striking paint, this is not only one of the finest Horn shorebirds to come on the market, but also one of the finer New Jersey ruddy turnstones.

A letter from Somers Headley, who as a child knew Horn, written to Carol Kramer adds some color to these great decoys. Headley relays that Horn "robbed picket fences for carving wood, he was shot at tearing apart the fences...After the cedar weathered and cured a couple of years the wood was seasoned and easily carved." This decoy does not have the split-rail scars associated with some Horn decoys as a result of this wood-selection technique. Strong original paint with minimal gunning wear, and a tight age line in top of head.

Provenance: John Hillman Collection Grove and Kathy Conrad Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection

Literature: James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 175, pl. 388, exact bird illustrated. Sotheby's and Guyette and Schmidt, "American Waterfowl Decoys: The Distinguished Collection of Dr. James M. McCleery," New York, NY, 2000, p. 220, lot 606, related decoy illustrated. John M. Levinson and Somers G. Headley, "Shorebirds: The Birds, The Hunters, The Decoys," Centreville, MD, 1991, p. 86, pl. 6-25, related decoy illustrated.

Provenance

John Hillman Collection Grove and Kathy Conrad Collection Dr. Morton D. Kramer Collection