Elmer Crowell Exceedingly Rare Least Tern On Clamshell Base

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1930 6 1/2 in. long

A least tern displaying a split tail and carved raised wings. The vast majority of the maker's terns are the common tern species. This tern stands on a finely carved clamshell base with its head turned at ninety degrees. The underside bears the maker's rectangular stamp and a pencilled "A. E. Crowell Cape Cod" signature. In good original condition. One wingtip has been reset, there is a small dent in back, and some putty loss and flaking to feet.

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 198-199, related carvings illustrated.