Elmer Crowell Outstanding Raised-wing Canvasback Pair

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1920 15 1/4 in. long

A distinguished canvasback pair showcasing an elaborate presentation in both form and paint from the “Father of American Bird Carving.” They are considered by some to be the finest known pair of working Crowell canvasback decoys.

These decoys by Crowell are exceptional in that the maker rarely gave such special attention to his carved feather groups. Each body is fitted with a turned head with rasped feather detail and a long sweeping bill true to the species. In addition to carved primaries and tail feathers, they have slight wing separation down the back and deeply carved scapulars and flanks. Each was finished with blended and detailed paint from bill tip to tail tip.

The undersides have remnants of old paper labels and are signed with the maker’s oval brand. Excellent original paint with light gunning wear, including minor touch-up to neck seams and on small spot next to flake on hen's right wing.

Provenance: John Delph Collection Lew Horton Collection

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 116 and 151, related decoys illustrated. Midwest Decoy Collectors Association, "Fourth Annual Exhibition of Classic Antique Waterfowl Decoys," Oakbrook, Il, 1982, p. 18, exact pair illustrated.

Exhibited: Oakbrook, IL, "Fifth Annual Exhibition of Classic Antique Waterfowl Decoys," Midwest Decoy Collectors Association, April 22-24, 1982

Provenance

John Delph Collection Lew Horton Collection