Levi Rhodes Truex Ruddy Turnstone

Levi Rhodes Truex (1860-1934) Atlantic City, NJ, c. 1910 11 in. long

While many examples of shorebirds exist by this well-known New Jersey maker, 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. Eventually, a deep dive into Gosner's book revealed one related example. This tremendously rare carving displays the maker's best work. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: William C. McMaster M.D. 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

William C. McMaster M.D. Collection