Elmer Crowell Exceptional Swimming Red-breasted Merganser Drake

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1925 20 1/2 in. long

Swimming decoy patterns by Crowell are exceptionally rare with a few black ducks, teal, and these iconic merganser forms known.

A racy and well-executed drake with detailed bill, rasping to the back of the head, and tail feather carving. The feather paint is amongst the finest seen on any swimming merganser by the maker. The underside is marked with Crowell's oval brand. Excellent original paint with light wear, including some minor dings, and minor putty loss at front of neck seam.

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, p. 96, related carving illustrated.