Elmer Crowell "dust Jacket" Black-bellied Plover

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1900 12 in. long

A closely related example of this “dust jacket” plover is highlighted on the cover of American Bird Decoys by William J. Mackey, Jr. The bird’s details include raised heart-shaped carving to the top of each wing, fully carved concave primaries that join at the tips, and deeply carved wing separation between the primary tips. A hollowed-out cut bores through to the dropped tail.

Crowell’s “dust jacket” plovers are amongst the most highly sought after shorebird decoys; less than eighteen examples in original paint are thought to exist. This decoy appears to be from the rig of Harry V. Long. Original paint with some touch-up to flaking, crack in bill reset.

Provenance: Harry V. Long Rig (attr.) Private Collection, Cape Cod Grant Nelson Collection

Literature: Copley Fine Art Auctions, LLC, "The Harry V. Long Collection of A. Elmer Crowell Decoys, The Sporting Sale," Boston, MA, 2009, pp. 68, 77-79, probable rigmate illustrated. John and Shirley Delph, "New England Decoys," Exton, PA, 1990, front of dust jacket, related decoys illustrated. William J. Mackey, Jr., "American Bird Decoys," New York, NY, 1965, dust jacket cover, color plate 3, related decoys illustrated. Milton C. Weiler and William J. Mackey, Jr., "Classic Shorebird Decoys: A Portfolio of Paintings," New York, NY, 1971, plate 6, related decoy illustrated.

Provenance

Harry V. Long Rig (attr.) Private Collection, Cape Cod Grant Nelson Collection