Elmer Crowell Rare Semi-palmated Plover

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

This rare life-size mantel carving with exceptional paint and form was selected for the recent monograph on the maker. The plover was carved in a "walking" posture on a rock base which is marked on the underside with the maker’s rectangular stamp.

This small plover species, like the closely related piping plover, is almost never seen as a working decoy and early decoratives such as this are nearly as scarce. This is the finest example of this little plover we have handled. Original paint with light wear. Original leg putty has some cracks and discoloration.

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 52, exact carving illustrated. Brian Cullity, "The Songless Aviary: The World of A.E. Crowell & Son," Sandwich, MA, 1992, p. 81, similar bird illustrated.