Elmer Crowell Lesser Yellowlegs

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1928 A preening lesser yellowlegs, with a slightly open bill, cradling an inserted metal feather. This subtle detail is rarely seen. The "ticking" on the inner primaries constitutes some of the most intricate paint treatment seen on any Crowell carving. This classic wing-up mantle bird has carved tail feather detail and is mounted on a carved clam shell base. The bottom has Crowell's rectangular stamp and is signed "A. E. Crowell, Cape Cod" by the maker. Original paint with a reset wing and very minor touch up along the neck seam.

Literature: Joseph H. Ellis, "Birds in Wood and Paint, American Miniature Bird Carvings, 1900-1970," Lebanon, NH, 2009, p. 55, Fig 5-4 and 5-5, similar bird illustrated.