The McAlpin Horner Merganser Hen Decoy by Nathan Rowley Horner (1882-1942)

Lot 305

About Seller

65 Sharp Street
Hingham, MA 02043
United States

Copley Fine Art Auctions is the world's leading American sporting art auction company. Located in Hingham, MA, Copley specializes in antique decoys and 19th- and 20th-century American, sporting, and wildlife paintings. Principal Stephen O'Brien Jr., a fourth-generation sportsman with a refined colle...Read more

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The Winter Sale 2024, Day 2 by Copley Fine Art Auctions

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The Winter Sale 2024, Day 2

By Copley Fine Art Auctions

Feb 24, 2024

Set Reminder 2024-02-24 10:00:00 2024-02-24 10:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : The Winter Sale 2024, Day 2 https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/copley/the-winter-sale-2024-day-2-14614 Lots 239-480 Copley Fine Art Auctions cinnie@copleyart.com

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Lot Description

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.

Condition

Please email condition report requests to colin@copleyart.com. Any condition statement given is a courtesy to customers, Copley will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition.
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