John McAnney The Ellenberg Mcanney Ruddy Turnstone

John McAnney (1866-1949) New Gretna, NJ, c. 1910 9 3/4 in. long

Of the few McAnney turnstones that have survived, this is believed by many to be the finest example known. Henry Fleckenstein chose to feature it 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 minimal gunning wear.

Provenance: Fred Ellenberg Collection Richard and Lynn Gove Collection Private Collection, Florida

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "New Jersey Decoys," Exton, PA, 1983, p. 40, color plate XXI, exact decoy illustrated. Copley Fine Art Auctions, "The Sporting Sale, Sessions III-IV," July 28, 2017, front cover and lot 190, rigmate illustrated. Guyette and Schmidt, "Important Auction of Rare Waterfowl Decoys from the Collection of John Hillman, April 25 & 26, 1996," West Farmington, ME, 1996, p. 22, lot 54, rigmate illustrated.

Provenance

Fred Ellenberg Collection Richard and Lynn Gove Collection Private Collection, Florida