Daniel Lake Leeds Ruddy Turnstone

Daniel Lake Leeds (1852-1922) Pleasantville, NJ, c. 1890 9 in. long

“Jeremiah Leeds, keeper of the salt flats, left one descendant, Dan Lake Leeds, who carved bird decoys including sanderling, plover, yellowlegs, turnstones, and curlew. His own rig, numbering over fifty snipe, came to light a few years ago. It was probably the greatest single find of its kind in New Jersey decoy history. The Dan Leeds birds have a stylized exaggeration that has an artistic appeal. The black-bellied plover have heads that indicate their local name, “bull heads;” the sanderling have a slimness that suggests their speed before the advancing waves. Paint patterns are bright and adequate, and the technique is unusual; Dan used thick oily paint and laid it on instead of brushing it out. This viscous coating made a durable finish, and the rig was found in mint condition. The old gentleman lavished great care on his decoys during their years of service. They stand on their own merit and have little in common with their New Jersey contemporaries. ” — William J. Mackey Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," 1971.

This Leeds is one of the finest New Jersey ruddy turnstone decoys known to exist, and exhibits rich paint, raised wings, and an alert posture. Excellent original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: Robin Hardy Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above by Bud Ward

Literature: James R. Doherty, "Classic New Jersey Decoys," Louisville, KY, 2011, front cover, related example illustrated. Robert Shaw, "Call to the Sky: The Decoy Collection of James M. McCleery, M.D.," Houston, TX, 1992, p. 55, related example illustrated.

Provenance

Robin Hardy Collection Dr. Peter J. Muller Jr. Collection, acquired from the above by Bud Ward