Elmer Crowell Semi-palmated Sandpiper

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 6 1/4 in. long

The semi-palmated sandpiper is not only the smallest of Crowell's decoys, but also among his rarest working models. The maker has captured the likeness of this species better than any other decoy maker. Crowell's lesser yellowlegs carvings are commonly misrepresented as smaller species. This carving is one of a half-dozen Crowell peeps known with strong provenance.

"ELMER CROWELL E. HARWICH MASS" is written on the underside.

This is one of two Crowell peeps acquired by early collector Lloyd Johnson, the other resides in the collection of Paul Tudor Jones II. Strong original paint with gunning wear and reset original bill.

Provenance: Lloyd Johnson Collection Morton M. Hanson Collection, acquired from the above Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above

Literature: Quintina Colio, "American Decoys," Ephrata, PA, 1972, p. 50, rigmate illustrated. Byron Cheever, "North American Decoys," Heber City, UT, Fall 1972, p. 20, exact decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Lloyd Johnson Collection Morton M. Hanson Collection, acquired from the above Donal C. O'Brien, Jr. Collection, acquired from the above