John McAnney Hillman-mcanney Ruddy Turnstone

John McAnney (1866-1949) New Gretna, NJ, c. 1910 9 1/2 in. long

Several of the finest turnstones by any maker have emanated from this small and refined rig. Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr. chose to feature a rigmate in color in his New Jersey book, highlighting the bird's crisp and brilliant paint.

Whether he intended it or not, McAnney's black paint pattern on the decoy's throat bears a striking resemblance to a woodpecker's head. Excellent original paint with very light wear, including one paint rub on right wing.

Provenance: John Hillman Collection Private Collection, New Jersey

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 40, color plate XXI, rigmate illustrated. Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Sporting Sale 2022, lot 218, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

John Hillman Collection Private Collection, New Jersey