Levi Rhodes Truex The Hillman-truex Merganser Pair

Levi Rhodes Truex (1860-1934) Atlantic City, NJ, c. 1900 17 in. long

This early pair of hollow red-breasted mergansers was originally collected by the famous New Jersey decoy collector John A. Hillman, and both were branded "JAH" by him. The form, paint, condition, and provenance of this perfectly matched rigmate decoy pair place them among the maker's finest works. Each also has a Hillman Collection ink stamp. Original paint with light gunning wear.

Provenance: John A. Hillman Collection Private Collection, Massachusetts, acquired from the Hillman auction, 1996

Literature: Henry A. Fleckenstein Jr., "Decoys of the Mid-Atlantic Region," Exton, PA, 1979, p. 26, exact decoys illustrated. Gary M. Guyette and Frank M. Schmidt Inc., "The Hillman Collection: Rare Antique Waterfowl Decoys," West Farmington, ME, 1996, p. 61, fig. 214, exact decoys illustrated.

Provenance

John A. Hillman Collection Private Collection, Massachusetts, acquired from the Hillman auction, 1996