Nathan Rowley Horner The Mcalpin Horner Merganser Hen

Nathan Rowley Horner (1882-1942) West Creek, NJ, c. 1925 16 1/4 in. long

"He was much less prolific than Shourds, but his duck, brant, and goose decoys are among the most refined made on the New Jersey shore, with spare, elegant lines and subtly blended paint." — Robert Shaw, "Bird Decoys of North America"

One of New Jersey’s finest makers, Horner captured the elegance of this majestic species with this carving.

This decoy represents an important new discovery as the only known Horner merganser hen in original paint in private hands. The form of this hollow decoy represents Horner at his prime. It exhibits sleek lines, a thin neck, and long wooden crest tines. The underside of this untouched decoy retains its original rigging. While several Horner merganser drakes are found around the country in private and institutional collections, the rarity of this elegant hen cannot be overstated.

This decoy is emanating from the estate of Malcolm M. McAlpin (1944-2023), who was an avid sportsman and board member of the Blooming Grove Hunting & Fishing Club in Blooming Grove, PA.

Malcolm McAlpin (1944-2023)

After graduating from the Peck School in Morristown, NJ, McAlpin attended the Hill School in Pottstown, PA, before matriculating at Duke University. After graduation, Malcolm joined the US Navy. He and his wife, Judy, were married in 1969 and lived in Mendham and Bernardsville, NJ. Later in life, they split their time between Blooming Grove, PA, and Charleston, SC. Malcolm served on the boards of the Pinchot Institute and the Blooming Grove Hunting & Fishing Club. A passionate fly fisherman and hunter, McAlpin traveled extensively and was also involved with many organizations dedicated to conservation. Excellent original paint with even gunning wear. Original knot indent on right side of head, and paint rub on right side of bill.

Provenance: Estate of Malcolm M. McAlpin

Literature: James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, pp. 102-103, related examples illustrated. Joe Engers, ed. "Jim Allen: A Champion for New Jersey Decoys," Decoy Magazine, May/June 2017, p. 9, drake illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 60, McCleery's repainted example illustrated.

Provenance

Estate of Malcolm M. McAlpin