Makers / Levi Rhodes Truex / Merganser

Levi Rhodes Truex Outstanding Red-breasted Merganser

Levi Rhodes Truex (1860-1934) Atlantic City, NJ, c. 1890

Levi Rhodes Truex – Outstanding Red-Breasted Merganser – 2011
$37,375
Brought, including buyer's premium
Estimate $12,000–$18,000over estimate
Sold 17 Jan 2011at The Winter Sale 2011 — Copley

See this lot at Copley →

SpeciesMerganserPaintOriginal

The catalog record

Levi Rhodes Truex (1860-1934) Atlantic City, NJ, c. 1890 The subtle carved comb, eyes, and bill detail give this hollow carved decoy the form of a true "classic." The age and mellow patina of the original paint place it as the finest Truex merganser to ever come to market. Original paint and surface with minimal gunning wear.

Provenance: William Butler Collection Private Collection, Delaware

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein, Jr. "New Jersey Decoys" Exton, PA, 1983, p. 131, similar examples illustrated.

Provenance

William Butler Collection Private Collection, Delaware

Comparable sales

The 5 most recent Levi Rhodes Truex Mergansers to cross the block.

SoldConditionPaintBrought
Jul 2026—Original$10,200
Feb 2026—Original$2,160
Jul 2023ExcellentOriginal$13,200
Jul 2022—Original$16,800
Feb 2021—Original$12,000

Same maker and species, most recent first. Prices include the buyer's premium. All Levi Rhodes Truex sales