Levi Rhodes Truex Rare Ruddy Turnstone

Levi Rhodes Truex (1860-1934) Atlantic City, NJ, c. 1910 10 3/4 in. long

While many examples of shorebirds by this well-known New Jersey maker exist, the ruddy turnstone represents an exceedingly rare species for Truex. To wit, James Doherty's comprehensive "Classic New Jersey Decoys" book illustrates curlew, plover, and yellowlegs, but no turnstones. Additionally, decoy historians and authors Fleckenstein and Headley/Somers feature Truex birds in their respective books, but nary a turnstone can be found. A deep dive into Gosner's book reveals one related example. This tremendously rare carving hails from the Davis Pearson Collection. Original paint with even gunning wear and an original knot in lower right side. Minor ding in back.

Provenance: Davis Pearson Collection Private Collection

Literature: James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, p. 174, no turnstones illustrated. Kenneth L. Gosner, "Working Decoys of the Jersey Coast and Delaware Valley," Cranbury, NJ, 1985, p. 166, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Davis Pearson Collection Private Collection