Elmer Crowell Early Redhead Hen

A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) East Harwich, MA, c. 1910 15 in. long

An early, pre-brand redhead hen with all of the features found in Crowell's best early waterfowl decoys. The full body has crossed raised primaries, incised tail carving, a turned head finished with rasped detail, and the maker's wet-on-wet blended paint.

Crowell redheads are not common, making this raised-wing hen is an exceptionally rare find. Indeed, no related hens are illustrated in either of the publications dedicated to the maker. This decoy is likely from the rig of early Crowell patron F. Prescott Fay, a Martha's Vineyard hunter who was also known to have decoratives by the maker. Related examples are believed to be held by two Massachusetts institutions. Original paint with gunning wear. Minor touch-up to neck seam and to one small spot between wing tips and tail.

Provenance: Private Collection, Massachusetts

Literature: Stephen B. O'Brien Jr. and Chelsie W. Olney, "Elmer Crowell: Father of American Bird Carving," Hingham, MA, 2019, pp. 68 and 70, related smooth-wing pair and carved-wing drake illustrated. George Ross Starr Jr. M.D., "Decoys of the Atlantic Flyway," New York, NY, 1974, color plate 19, related pair with heavy wear illustrated, p. 157, Fay rig discussed. Brian Cullity, “The Songless Aviary: The World of A. E. Crowell & Son,” Hyannis, MA, 1992, p. 65, related drake and oversize pair illustrated.

Provenance

Private Collection, Massachusetts