Elmer Crowell Exceptional Swimming Merganser Pair

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1915 19 1/2 in. long

An early rigmate pair of swimming mergansers acquired by Mr. Horton from a Crowell patron from Wellesley, Massachusetts. The drake features a turned and reaching head, while the hen swims straight ahead. Both racy bodies are notable for their broad girth. Each is finished with detailed and blended feathering. The undersides are marked with an early strike of the maker’s desirable oval brand. Excellent original paint with light gunning wear, including minor rubs to hen's tail and chip to putty at front of neck. Original and tight one-inch grain lift on hen's back.

Provenance: Lew Horton Collection, acquired from a Crowell patron from Wellesley, Massachusetts

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 59, related pair illustrated. Decoys Unlimited Auctions, “Our 2nd Annual Milwaukee Auction," Pewaukee, WI, December 8, 2007, front cover, rigmates illustrated.

Provenance

Lew Horton Collection, acquired from a Crowell patron from Wellesley, Massachusetts